Review: In CAMELOT, The Dream Lives On

1960 was a very good year for Broadway musicals and politics. John F. Kennedy was elected 35th President of the United States. The Great White Way greeted a host of spirited and enduring musicals that included CAMELOT. The man in the White House heralded promises of a New Frontier; King Arthur aspired to a chivalric order where might is only used for right, to improve instead of to destroy, where violence is not strength and compassion is not weakness. Although the aspirations of these two realms would become fixed in the American mind as interconnected, their fulfillment would be denied ~ for the time being ~ by sinister forces that lurked in their wings. It is not surprising that the themes resonate and remain relevant in today's world.

CAMELOT is a poignant reminder of the human vulnerability that intercedes and disrupts the champions of possibility ~ and Arthur is its metaphor.

In Arizona Broadway Theatre's current production of the musical, Matthew C. Thompson is the chalice into which Arthur's dreams, frustrations, and torments are poured. In turn, Thompson draws from his wide cup of talent and delivers a stirring and highly relatable performance. Thompson is remarkable as he manages Arthur's transformation from the mindless young royal hiding in a tree, nervously awaiting his betrothed and encouraged by his mentor Merlin to learn to think, to the husband betrayed by wife and friend and conflicted about his own ethics when fidelity and honor collide.

Michael Weaver doubles up, first as Merlin, Arthur's sage advisor, and then as Pellinore, the good natured king who, having strayed from his own realm, becomes guest, confidant, and erstwhile reality-check on Arthur's notions. Weaver is a joy and gust of fresh air in both roles, infusing each with wit and charm.

While Stephanie Easterday as Guenevere and Jamie Parnell as Lancelot raise the roof and touch the heart with their powerhouse vocals, their mutual attraction seems too sudden and mechanical to be credible.

Renée Kathleen Koher is terrific as Nimue, the water nymph who brings Merlin to his eternal sleep, and Morgan LeFay, who confines Arthur in an invisible wall while her insidious nephew Mordred (Stephen Hohendorf) conspires to bring chaos to Camelot.

Under James Rio's inspired direction, this version of CAMELOT is an absorbing experience and an irresistible invitation to a momentary retreat to a world of romance and possibility.

CAMELOT continues its run at Arizona Broadway Theatre through February 14th ~ a perfect pre-Valentine's Day gift.

Photo credit to Scott Samplin