BWW Reviews: CAMELOT at Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Nashville gets a taste of chivalry, sword fighting, and magic with the tour of Lerner & Loewe's Camelot, which plays at Tennessee Performing Arts Center through November 9th. Most people grew up with some version of the story of King Arthur, his wife Queen Guenevere, and Arthur's favorite knight, Lancelot. This makes for a well-known story going into the show, but also sets up the audience for spectacular experience along the way.

With direction by Michael McFadden, this production feels contemporary, while still holding all the charm of the era in which it is set. Scenic design by Kevin Depinet, combined with lighting design from Mike Baldassari give the modern feel. Minimalist props and sets force the actors front and center and it becomes the actors who take the audience to different places and times, rather than the sets making those changes for the audience.

When our show begins, King Arthur, played by Adam Grabau, finds himself on the eve of his wedding to Guenevere, whom he has yet to meet. His nerves have led him to leave his castle and seek refuge in the forest. Guenevere, played by Mary McNulty, also seeks refuge in the forest due to her own nerves and shares her frustrations about her arranged marriage in "Simple Joys of Maidenhood."

Arthur hears Guenevere and is immediately entranced by her. He shares with her the wonderful parts of her new home in "Camelot" before his identity as king is revealed. When she realizes who he is, they are not nearly as terrified to begin their lives together.

When Lancelot enters the picture, having come from France to serve as part of the famous round table, his impressions on those in the area are less than pleasant to all except King Arthur, who is immediately charmed by Lance. Part of his poor reception is his opinion of himself, made perfectly clear in his hilarious song "C'est Moi." Tim Rogan's Lancelot is as passionate about his convictions as he later becomes about Guenevere.

As the years pass, many things change. There is the appearance of Mordred, played by Kasidy Devlin. Mordred, the illegitimate son of Arthur, brings upheaval to the peaceful society that Arthur and Guenevere have tried to bring to Camelot, as well as to the peaceful life that they have created for themselves. "Fie on Goodness," Mordred's spectacular number with the knights, stirs the peace even more.

Guenevere and Lancelot have unresolved feelings between them, and it is heartbreaking to watch as they fight their attraction as they both love Arthur and don't wish to hurt him. I also enjoyed seeing the different ways that Arthur and Lancelot profess their love for Guenevere. It shows their different personalities so well. Arthur's "How to Handle a Woman" is sweet and self-sacrificing, while Lancelot's "If Ever I Would Leave You" has passion and heat, and may be one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard.

There were a couple of amazing ensemble numbers, including "The Lusty Month of May" performed with Gunenvere, and "The Jousts." One of my favorite parts of "The Lusty Month of May" was the ladies costumes. The song speaks of gathering flowers and the springtime, and during the choreography, it was apparent to me, that the ladies skirts were made in such a way that when they turned, they resembled flower petals. Costumes by Paul Tazwell, throughout the show, were amazing, but this was the most memorable part of the costuming for me.

Another fun fact is that there is a small role near the end of the show of a young boy named Tom of Warwick. The show auditioned local children to play the role while the show was here in Nashville. There were three boys who were awarded the role and are performing during this week. It is a nice chance to have a local on stage and I couldn't help but smile when the character was on stage, knowing that he was local and that this was an amazing opportunity for these kids.

A beautiful production that feels new, Lerner & Loewe's Camelot has something for everyone. There is the classic magic, fantasy, sword fighting, jousting, love triangles, and heartbreak. Camelot plays at Tennessee Performing Arts Center through November 9th. You can purchase tickets by calling the box office at 615-782-4040 or by visiting their website.

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