BWW Reviews: CAMELOT Enchants Patrons

From the moment the curtain goes up, you realize this is a much hipper staging of Lerner and Loewe's CAMELOT than you may have seen before. No, they aren't setting it in modern times, it just has a grittier look to it. The large, abstract sculpture on the stage is stationary and has the ability to fit in with interior scenes as well as the exterior scenes. It is used for everything from a balcony to a tree. It is shiny and bright at times or dark and ominous at others. Some other unusual set ideas didn't go over with me as well as the sculpture. The big flowers descending from the sky during "The Lusty Month of May" and the weird shadow wall during "The Joust" are a bit hokey and ineffective in my eyes. But overall, the sets and costumes are beautiful and add much to the feel of the play.

As with most of the professional tours that Broadway in Birmingham brings here, the talent is superb and the entire show is slick and enjoyable. None compare to Tim Rogan as Lancelot. When he lets loose during "If Ever I Would Leave You" I knew that I would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and moving voice.

Although there were a few technical issues, most of them were probably not noticed by anyone other than my husband and me, but we are kind of tech nerds. Once Mordred's microphone issues were remedied, I really have little to complain about.

Sometimes companies roll into town and hold auditions for a small role in the show. It is a way to cause some local excitement for the show, as well as giving a local talent the experience of working with professionals. This production of CAMELOT offered up the part of Tom of Warwick, which they filled with local 7th grader, William Wiley. Although his part calls for him to potray a wide eyed youth, in awe of King Arthur, I have to wonder how much of his excitement was acting and how much was the delight of being on that huge stage in front a fairly full house. I thought Wiley did an admirable job.

I always hold touring companies to a higher standard than local productions, although there are certainly companies here in Birmingham that I would put up against some touring companies any day! CAMELOT met all of my standards and expectations.

The next show included in Broadway in Birmingham's regular season is the much anticipated BOOK of MORMON in February. Contact Broadway in Birmingham at 205-458-8489 for more information.

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