CULTURE CUES ‘Camelot’ Still Magical
TOURING PRODUCTION STOPS TONIGHT IN FORT SMITH
Friday, November 13, 2009
FAYETTEVILLE — Although there are many versions, for theatergoers “Camelot” defines the legend of the boy king Arthur, his blushing bride Guenevere and the magic of a land where chivalry and honor reigned.
Based on T. H. White’s “Once and Future King,” the 1960 musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederic Loewe ran on Broadway for 873 performances, won four Tony Awards and inspired the 1967 film starring Richard Harris as Arthur, Vanessa Redgrave as Guenevere and Franco Nero as Lancelot.
Now a revival tour stops for one show only at 7:30 p.m. today at the Arkansas Best Corporation Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith, part of the Season of Entertainment series sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
“The last time this show toured, it was 15 or 17 years ago, so we are glad to be bringing it back,” says Stacey Jones, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events at UAFS.
The Story
The play opens with the arrival of Guenevere in Camelot, thecourt of the young King Arthur.
He, however, is hiding in the woods. Guenevere, too, slips away, they meet and fall in love.
Arthur, with the help of Merlin, has begun to build the brotherhood of the knights of the Round Table and is delighted to welcome Lancelot from France, not knowing that he will tear Camelot apart. Mordred, Arthur’s illegitimate son, also arrives, bent on the destruction of his father’s kingdom.
In the end, Guenevere is dishonored and narrowly escapes execution, Arthur declares war on France and a young boy met on the field of battle is charged to carry on the ideals of Camelot.
“It has romance, intrigue, battles and moving music,” Jones says. “I personally love it every time I see it.” The Songs
“Camelot” boasts some ofthe best Broadway songs ever penned, Jones says. Among them are “If Ever I Would Leave You,” sung by Lancelot to Guenevere; “I Loved You Once in Silence,” sung by Guenevere to Lancelot; Arthur and Guenevere’s “What Do the Simple Folk Do;” and the title song, “Camelot.” The original cast album was America’s top-selling LP for 60 weeks.
The Production
“Two 18-wheeler trucks of equipment will be rolling in (this) morning to set up, so it’s a big production,” Jones says of the current tour. “It’s going to be a great show.”
Admission is by UAFS Season of Entertainment 29 season ticket, or individual tickets at $40 and $37 are available at www.
uafortsmith.edu. Information: 788-7300.
Entertainment, Pages 15 on 11/13/2009
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