Camelot Review By Tom Nissley
Summer Theatre of New Canaan
Shows | Review
Family Music at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan
by Tom Nissley
No one does it better. The marvelous Libonatis have pulled together a brilliant production of “Camelot” at the tent set on the edge of Waveny Park, and kept alive the dream of New Canaan’s own professional theater inside the town limits. Their production of Lerner and Lowe’s “Camelot” includes a lot of familiar faces, shining and singing at their best levels. Recognizable New Canaan cast members include Daniel Klingenstein, Brooke Turpin, Ryan Timberlake, Katie and Anna Oxman, Christian Libonati, and Allison Gray (who sings Guenevere). Director Melody Libonati and Producer Ed Libonati, of course, are New Canaanites, and much of their staff are too.
The story line of “Camelot” is borrowed from T.H. White’s version of the Arthurian legends, “The Once and Future King.” It has Guenevere fleeing from her carriage and Arthur hiding in the forest, so that they meet by accident before they have been formally introduced - they are to be married to secure a treaty between England and France. The show was written soon after the incredible success of the same team’s “My Fair Lady,” and there are remnants of that show in this one. But the exquisite singing, and dancing, and pageantry of this production nicely overwrite any sluggishness of its book.
Sean Hannon and Emilie Roberts (King Arthur and Morgan LeFey) are husband in wife in real life, and known from earlier STONC productions, especially “The Sound of Music.” Allison Grey and Richard Hartley (Guenevere and Lancelot) are favorite STONC performers, as well, and that’s also true of Christian Libonati. Roland Llewellyn, who plays Merlin and Pellinore seems to be a delightful newcomer.
The dancing (Doug Shankman, choreographer) is an integral part of the show, with absolutely great leaps and steps, led byAllan and Corinne Curtis Broadbent, and Omen Sade and an ensemble of mixed ages. The costumes, by Arthur Oliver, are magnificent. Patrick Lynch’ flexible set, and Jeffrey Whitsett’s lighting are super. And the orchestra, coordinated by Scott Cranston and Tyler Beattie, is splendid. But the most articulate praise should be given to Melody Libonati, whose vision as director allows all these facets to coalesce and shine. From the finely tuned tense moments between lovers to the careful trip of a tiny attendant carrying flowers, this production charms and mesmerizes.
There have been all sorts of attempts to make STONC a solid part of the community. I hope that the current location on the edge of Waveny Park will be recognized as the right spot to anchor this very special family institution within the cultural dimensions of New Canaan.
Tickets are available at www.stonc.org, or by calling 966-4634. "Camelot" plays through August 2. The entrance is through the High School parking lots.
Tom Nissley for the Ridgelea Reports