Camelot – New Tour is a Jewel of Little Luster

Director Glenn Casale had high expectations that the new touring production Camelot would "revolutionize the show."  The beauty of Lerner & Lowe's score cannot justify the way this production has instead reduced what could and should be a beautiful work. In their effort to create "a love triangle that is deeper than physical love," according to a recent LA article, the creative team seems to have forgotten that people need to be entertained...

The bar was set when Camelot opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York in 1960 with Richard Burton as King Arthur, Julie Andrews as Guenevere and Robert Goulet as Lancelot. This recent tour is led by principles that are credible and solid; yet there is nothing extraordinary going on up there or between any of them.

As King Arthur, Michael York's English is impeccable, of course, and his speeches about the new "laws" are well delivered. York reveals a more compassionate and confused king who offers an enviable career's worth of noble acting. His final scene serves as a refreshing ending. However, his wobbly vocals seem to make one wish this was a non-singing role.

Broadway's sweetheart Rachel York plays Guenevere. However, at Philadelphia's Opening Night, the role was played by understudy Shannon Warne, who did not disappoint in capturing the audience with a soaring, solid voice and is a delightful confident young maiden. Warnes "Simple Joys of Maidenhood" sets the tone for a consistent and quality-performance.

As Lancelot, James Barbour possesses a bellowing baritone voice and has no problem delivering his money song "If Ever I Would Leave You." But he is dreadfully miscast for Lancelot. Barbour looks very ill at ease as he lumbers, boringly through the show in some equally dreadful costumes. At no point is anyone convinced that Lancelot has won-over the fair maiden. She seems to have more chemistry with the aging king, as shown by an endearing version of "What Do the Simple Folk Do?"

These beautiful hallmark melodies seem to gallop through indistinguishable scenes. Craig Barna's new orchestrations and dance music are pedestrian at best.

The supporting cast ranges from a very un-engaging Merlin played by Eric Anderson, (a missed opportunity for a pivotal role) to a spoiled-brat son Mordred played by Shannon Stoeke.

Time Winters plays King Pellinore with much-needed comic relief. Winters', droll "devil my care" sense of humor is a welcome addition to this production. An outstanding performance is offered by a dashing Stuart Ambrose as Sir Lionel. Ambrose also understudies Lancelot leaving one to wonder how he'd fair, compared to Barbour..

Camelot played at the Merriam Theater, Philadelphia from June 5 – 10.

The Merriam Theater's 2007-08 season has yet to be announced. Check back at a later date at www.merriamtheater.org

Photos courtesy Camelot Tour: (top) Michael York, Rachel York and James Barbour; (middle) Time Winters as King Pellinore; (bottom) Michael York as King Arthur.

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