BWW Reviews: CAMELOT at Two River Theater is Spectacular
"Revenge is the most useless of causes."
-Camelot
Camelot, the renowned musical by Lerner and Loewe, is now onstage at Two River Theater (TRT) through December 14th. Wrap some tickets up with a bow and give them as a holiday gift, this show is exceptional. We attended a Saturday evening performance that brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation. TRT has already added additional performances due to popular demand.
Camelot is based on the legend of King Arthur adapted from the T.H. White novel The Once and Future King. Idealism, romance, action, heroism and treachery are all a part of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, wonderfully presented at TRT.
Directed by David Lee with music direction and orchestrations by Steve Orich and choreography by Mark Esposito, Camelot is a refreshingly original production with modern touches. The staging of numbers like "The Lusty Month of May" or "The Joust" are completely inventive and enthralling.
The eight actor ensemble works together seamlessly to bring to the stage the trials of the young king who ruled Britain in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. King Arthur (Oliver Thornton) and his beloved Queen Guenevere (Britney Coleman) have their lives disrupted when the king's trusted knight and a member of his Round Table, Sir Lancelot (Nicholas Rodriguez) woos the beautiful queen. The king's trio of loyal knights, Sir Lionel (Perry Sook), Sir Sagramore (Ryan G. Dunkin) and Sir Dinadan (Kent Overshown) have knowledge of the illicit affair. But, it is the king's illegitimate son, Mordred (Hunter Ryan Herdlicka) who reveals Guenevere's adultery. And it is young Tom (Parker Slaybaugh) who helps King Arthur realize the lasting influence of his fine principles.
The cast of Camelot is more than praiseworthy. Oliver Thornton as King Arthur portrays the subtle charm and intelligence of the very worthy king. Britney Coleman is captivating as Guenevere and Nicholas Rodriguez is charismatic as Sir Lancelot. Hunter Ryan Herdlicka captures the malicious spirit of Mordred. And the superb acting talents of Ryan G. Dunkin, Kent Overshown, Perry Sook and Parker Slaybaugh put the show in perfect balance.
The score is beautifully performed proving the outstanding vocal talents of this eight member cast. Songs like Arthur's "Camelot," Lancelot's "If Ever I Should Leave You," Arthur and Guenevere's "What Do the Simple Folk's Do" and the Full Company performing "Guenevere" will resonate with you long after you have left Two River Theater.
The creative team includes Scenic Designer, Scott Bradley whose concept for the rustic and versatile scaffolding is the ideal set to bring the world of Camelot to life. Costume design by Tilly Grimes, lighting design by Michael Gilliam, fight design by J. Steven White and sound design by Acme Sound Partners comprise the fine creative team.
TRT's production of Camelot is a theatrical event that should not be missed. Ticket prices range from $37 to $65 with discounts available for groups, seniors and United States military personnel, their families and veterans. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance; $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $20 and include the best available seats at every performance. Tickets are available from www.tworivertheater.org or by calling (732) 345-1400.
Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson
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