Tim Rogan as Lancelot (Photo by Mark Steven 2014)
HARTFORD – A national tour of the Lerner and Loewe musical “Camelot” is in residence at The Bushnell in Hartford through Sunday. A retelling of the King Arthur legend based on T.H. White’s “The Once and Future King”, “Camelot was a Broadway blockbuster of the early 1960s, whose original cast recording was a top-of-the-charts album for 60 weeks. The musical introduced Richard Burton to Broadway musical audiences, gave Julie Andrews one of her greatest roles, and made Robert Goulet, who sang the musical’s best-known showstopper “If Ever I Would Leave You”, an overnight sensation. The Kennedys loved the original production, and somehow, “Camelot” and “Kennedy” became imagery for those golden years.
“Camelot” was always best known for its exquisite score and its heavy script, and the music, at times, is ethereal, from the haunting “Follow Me” (sung ravishingly by Kate Turner as Nimue) to the showstopping “If Ever I Would Leave You”. There isn’t a weak number in “Camelot”. The script never matches the elegance or pace of the score, and the show requires an air of regal splendor.
This touring production is on the slight side–small ensemble, small pit orchestra, and minimal choreography, which don’t serve the musical’s need for spectacle and pageantry. Kevin Depinet’s sets and Mike Baldassari’s lighting are understated, although there are a few eye-catching effects. Michael McFadden’s staging is serviceable.
Tim Rogan’s performance as Lancelot (the Robert Goulet part) is terrific. He’s grandiose of manner, rich in voice, and eye candy as well–the finest performance with the most star quality in this company. Troy Bruchwalski, understudy for King Arthur, stepped into the role at the opening performance. He was tentative acting wise and vocally in his beginning scenes, but his rendering of “How to Handle a Woman” was accomplished. Mary McNulty’s performance as Guinevere was vocally pleasant.
Compared to the quality of the touring productions at The Bushnell thus far this season, “Camelot” is second-tier, other than Rogan, who has the potential to be someone of note in major theatre productions. The Bushnell’s Broadway season continues with “Once” and “Kinky Boots”, both recent Broadway Tony winners.
The Bushnell presents “Camelot”. Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Music by Frederick Loewe. Original production directed and staged by Moss Hart. Based on “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White. Directed by Michael McFadden. Musical direction by Marshall Keating. Scenic design by Kevin Depinet. Costume design by Paul Tazewell. Lighting design by Mike Baldasarri. Sound design by Craig Cassidy. Through April 26. The Bushnell Center or the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT. Tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.bushnell.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
