Camelot

 Camelot
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
July 1, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
Lincoln Cetner Theater

The Lincoln Center Theater revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot tells the tale of an idyllic realm, built on the belief in equality and justice.  The book, revised by Aaron Sorkin, focuses on the challenge of this ideal, and the battle between intellect and mysticism.  Bartlett Sher majestically directs this stellar cast, drawing the audience into a regal world of knighthood, integrity, and respect, which dissolves due to jealousy, mistrust, and treachery.

Princess Guenevere of France (played by Phillipa Soo) is promised to King Arthur of England (played by Andrew Burnap) in a treaty of peace between their countries.  Guenevere, unhappy about her pending nuptials, offers her dowry to a stranger she meets in the forest to help her escape.  Little does she know that this stranger is Arthur, who has been walking in the woods out of nervousness over meeting his new bride.  Arthur sings to Guenevere of the idyllic Camelot, the Camelot of his dreams, the metaphor of his perfect and peaceful home.  She agrees to go with him to the castle, where she joins him in creating this utopia.  She and Arthur discuss the possibilities of transforming his band of knights into a noble assembly, with equal voice and influence.  The knights are uncertain about this change, but are definitely averse to Arthur’s decision to invite the French to join his round table.  Lancelot de Lac (played by Jordan Donica) travels from France and pledges his honor to King Arthur and his vision for Camelot.  Lancelot is strong and suave.  He quickly gains the trust of the king, and catches the eye and heart of the queen.    

Phillipa Soo, Andrew Burnap, & Jordan Donica
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

King Arthur is written as a young man who unwillingly has the crown thrust upon him when he
removed the sword, Excalibur, from the stone.  Andrew Burnap nobly portrays this youth with charm and ambition.  He is eager to make his mark on the kingdom and create a better future for its people.  He transforms into a ethical leader, yet never loses his youthful outlook.  Phillipa Soo portrays Guenevere as a feisty, determined young woman.  She takes her role as queen seriously, while joyfully participating in shaping the court and kingdom to her husband’s vision.  They become true partners.  Jordan Donica’s Lancelot is bold and confident.  His commitment to his beliefs and role as a knight outweigh his secret passion for Guenevere.  These three actor have luminous chemistry.  They develop their relationships through integrity and respect.  Their singing voices soar, filling the theatre with joyous passion. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The entire cast delivers excellent performances.  Dakin Matthews is wise and grounded as both Merlyn and Pellinore.  Taylor Trensch is sneaky and undermining as Mordred.  Marilee Talkington is mysterious and conniving as Morgan Le Fey.

Set design by Michael Yeargan is truly magnificent.  The interiors of the castle are simple and expansive.  The space then opens up even further to sprawling exterior scenes.  The projections by 59 Productions and lighting by Lap Chi Chu enhance the set design by creating intimate areas and vast regions. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The opening scene between Arthur and Guenevere is Mr. Sorkin’s strongest writing.  The characters are
introduced with wit and humor, smoothly establishing the conflict between them and vigorously setting the story in motion.  

Camelot is set to close on July 23.  Time is running out.  Get your tickets while you still can. 

Domenick Danza

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

Shubert Theatre

May 18, 2019

Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

Experiencing the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird far exceeds any of the expectations you might have from the praise it continually receives.  Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation preserves the heart of Harper Lee’s coming of age classic.  He gives voice to the racial injustice portrayed in the story in a more direct manner so it becomes relatable to a present-day audience.  He develops numerous minor characters, which magnifies Atticus Finch’s continually telling the children that you will never truly know a person until you “live in their skin.”  This is a slight glimpse into how Mr. Sorkin creates a visceral experience with his adaptation that deepens the connection to an already engaging, touching, and well-known story.  Combine that with phenomenal direction by Bartlett Sher and an amazing cast, lead by Jeff Daniels and Celia Keenan-Bolger, and the theatre rings with an energy that heals and uplifts your soul.

Celia Keenan-Bolger & Jeff Daniels
Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

The story goes back and forth in time, starting with Scout Finch (played by Celia Keenan-Bolger), her brother Jem Finch (played by Will Pullen), and their friend Dill Harris (played by Gideon Glick) questioning how someone can die from falling on their knife.  This debate takes them back and forces a close review of the events that took place the summer of 1934 in Maycomb, Alabama, when their father, Atticus Finch (played by Jeff Daniels) was appointed by Judge Taylor (played by Dakin Matthews) to defend Tom Robbins (played by Gbenga Akinnagbe) for the rape and beating of Mayella Ewell (played by Erin Wilhelmi).  The trial is interspersed throughout the telling of the story while the close relationships of the Finch family are revealed.  The outraged community response to Atticus’ defense strategies are threatening to the family’s safety.

Jeff Daniels & Gbenga Akkinnagbe
Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

Celia Keenan-Bolger, Will Pullen, and Gideon Glick narrate the transitions of the story.  Their chemistry and timing are flawless.  They are genuine and truthful.  Their growth from innocence toward adulthood is clear and endearing.  Jeff Daniel’s makes the iconic role of Atticus Finch authentically his own.  He creates a multi-dimensional father whose primary focus is to instill a sense of decency and integrity in his children.  His character is real, human, flawed, and straightforward.

There are numerous reasons why Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize in 1960 and has become one of the most well-known and well-loved American classics.  This production not only captures all of those reasons, but deepens the level of understanding in Ms. Lee’s themes and compassionate point of view.

Domenick Danza