Review: Happily-Ever-Aftering in CenterPoint Legacy's CAMELOT

You'll be transported to a time of knights in shining armor, magical forests, castles, and jousting at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre's delightful rendition of Lerner and Loewe's Camelot.

CAMELOT, (Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe) the story of King Arthur and The Knights of the round table, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot, made its Broadway debut in 1960 with legends Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet.

Stepping into their shoes Saturday night at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre were Becca Burdick as Guinevere (double cast as Amber Michelle Jones), Mark Knowles as Arthur (double cast as Bryant Larsen) and Damon Yauney as Lancelot (double cast as Austin John Smith). Chuck Gilmore was especially entertaining with his humorous delivery of old-man Pellinore (double cast as Chad Wilkinson).

Burdick's voice was as enchanting as the forest of Camelot, and she is a clear study of the role's originator, Andrews. She captured Queen Guinevere's flirtatious, funny and lovable attitude with ease and delivered powerful and beautiful renditions of the show's both upbeat and heartbreaking songs.

Knowles as King Arthur captivated the audience from the first scene with his execution of child-like naivety, inability to think, and fear of marriage. His well-trained voice was a treat to the ears during his many singing numbers.

The entire cast is full of talented dancers, actors and exceptional vocalists. From start to finish, the staging, choreography and execution was dreamy.

Kudos to executive producer and set designer, Scott Van Dyke, and scenic charge artist, Cynthia Klumpp, who created the stunning scenery, which easily transitioned from forest to castle to jousting arena. Complete with gorgeous trees, commanding staircases and his and hers thrones, even the audience felt like they'd stepped back in time.

The costumes, designed by Tammis Boam, fashioned with care and adorned with intricate details to enhance every actor and scene, were perfectly medieval. The flowing floral gowns, dapper coats and boots, and jewels fit for a queen were whimsical and romantic.

The show's multitude of clever one liners had the audience in stitches of laughter, and each song performed by the cast's outstanding vocalists was met with abundant applause.

This love story gone awry, complete with battles, chivalry, humor, enchantment and lament is a delightful reprieve from our modern day-to-day lives. CAMELOT is a must see!

Catch the show before its close on Saturday, May 12. For a list of show times and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.centerpointtheatre.org/show/lerner-loewes-camelot/ or call 801-298-1302.

Photo Credit: L-R Damon Yauney, Mark Knowles, and Becca Burdick.

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