Review: 'Camelot' at PPAC

When "The Golden Age of Broadway" is mentioned, it usually references a period of time that includes the original production of Lerner and Loewe's Camelot. Forty-seven years later, Camelot still shines as the touring company visits Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

The new King Arthur, Lou Diamond Phillips slides easily into the character most recently occupied by Michael York, perhaps most famously by Richard Harris, and originally by Richard Burton.

Arthur plans his utopian society and extols the virtues of his kingdom to Lady Guenevere (Rachel de Benedet's) in the title song 'Camelot'.  Charming and affable, Phillips' singing style is most like Rex Harrison's in Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady.  

Rachel de Benedet's Guenevere is as glorious as she is virtuous.  de Benedet's voice is lilting and beautiful; her stage presence, commanding.  One can imagine putting a kingdom at risk for her love.

Larger-than-life, with chiseled good looks, Matt Bogart captures the un-nuanced existence of Lancelot.  Lancelot's obsession to his 'quest' has blinded him to any reality. Bogart's French accent is broad: more humorous than romantic.  He handles the comic 'C'est Moi' with aplomb.  The memory of the Robert Goulet's voice haunts 'If Ever I Would Leave You", it is an unattainable standard to set, but Bogart does well enough.

The supporting cast, including Shannon Stoke as Mordred and especially Time Winters as Pellinore/Merlyn all turn in Broadway-caliber performances.  The large production number set during the May Day celebration has some lovely, if not terribly difficult, dancing and the performers in the chorus are more than up to the task.

The story is whittled down a bit; however, this production of Camelot still runs a hearty two and a half hours.  Attention was paid to script-doctoring act two, which results in a faster-paced, simpler, but still-satisfying conclusion as the "brief, shining moment" comes to an end.

Camelot plays PPAC through March 9th.  Tickets range from $38 - $65 and can be purchased at the PPAC Box Office, located at 220 Weybosset St. in downtown Providence, RI, online at www. ppacri.org and by calling (401) 421-ARTS.

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