What’s a Camelot without a little magic? Aaron Sorkin, the mastermind behind the West Wing, takes on this question in the new Lincoln Center Theater production of the 1960 Lerner & Loewe musical. The result is an adaptation that constantly pleads its case for its own relevance. Sorkin, known for his writerly sorcery in transforming beloved works like To Kill A Mockingbird, seems to struggle this time around in dragging Camelot into the 21st Century.
But let’s not forget the significance of Camelot in the 1960s. It may have been stodgy and fitful, but it represented the social idealism and faith in political heroism that defined the era. It was a salve for the walking wounded, a post-JFK myth-maker that resonated with Jacqueline Kennedy and many others.
The score of Camelot was both lovely and middlebrow, a reminder that the 1960s weren’t just about the Beatles and “Aquarius.” Robert Goulet’s rendition of “If Ever I Would Leave You” on Ed Sullivan and other variety shows captured the essence of the time.
Sorkin, known for his ability to infuse idealism into modern settings, attempts to do the same with Camelot in a post-Trump universe. Teaming up with his Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher, he strives to recreate the magic of their previous collaboration. While they do have a few moments of brilliance, it’s clear that lightning doesn’t strike twice.
In this production, set designer Michael Yeargan creates a sparse set that lacks the enchantment of the original. The absence of actual magic, spells, and sorcery is noticeable. T.H. White’s fairy tale elements are stripped away, leaving behind a bare-bones Middle Ages story. Merlin the wizard doesn’t perform any wizardry, and beloved characters like Numue and Morgan Le Fey are reimagined in different roles.
Despite its flaws, this adaptation of Camelot still manages to captivate and transport audiences to a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of this classic musical.In this retelling, the traditional elements of Camelot are replaced with a clever and modern twist. King Arthur, played by Andrew Burnap, is portrayed as a boyish and guilt-ridden figure, determined to make amends for his past mistakes. Phillipa Soo’s Guenevere is a strong and modern woman, guiding Arthur towards a vision of social justice and equality. However, gender-based habits still persist, as Arthur’s word choice causes tension between Guenevere and Jordan Donica’s Sir Lancelot. Despite the lack of magical elements, the production is beautifully sung, with standout performances from the cast. The romance between Guenevere and Lancelot is somewhat inexplicable, but the actors bring their characters to life with their performances. Overall, the production’s conception is a swing and a miss, but the performances of Trensch, Matthews, and Talkington shine. It’s hard not to imagine how much more enticing the production would be with a touch of magic. Despite this, the play still offers a clever step towards Enlightenment and makes allusions to the legacy of Arthurian legend. The lack of onstage wizardry doesn’t diminish the impact of Frederick Loewe’s score, which is filled with memorable songs.”Ever wondered what the king is up to tonight? The timeless musical Camelot has captivated audiences for years, and it’s not hard to see why. With the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett and Philip J. Lang, expertly performed by a talented 30-piece orchestra led by music director Kimberly Grigsby, the magic of Camelot comes to life on stage. In fact, the overture itself received a round of applause during the reviewed performance, setting the stage for a journey into nostalgia. This production of Camelot transports us to a Merry Olde England and a bygone era in American history, when the world was full of possibilities.
If you’re curious about this enchanting production, here are the details:
– Title: Camelot
– Venue: Broadway’s Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center
– Director: Bartlett Sher
– Book: Aaron Sorkin, based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner
– Music: Frederick Loewe
– Principal Cast: Andrew Burnap, Phillipa Soo, Jordan Donica, Dakin Matthews, Taylor Trensch, Marilee Talkington, with Camden McKinnon, Anthony Michael Lopez, Fergie Philippe, Danny Wolohan
– Running time: 2 hr 50 min (including intermission)
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Camelot for yourself. Get ready to be transported to a world of knights, kings, and timeless melodies!”
