By Katherine Beeson
Lake Country Playhouse and its tiny stage have successfully accomplished what few theater groups ever attempt no matter its size – they are presenting the musical “Camelot.” The show is directed by Eric Welch, with musical direction by Ashley Sprangers.
The story of “Camelot” is pretty well-known. A young man becomes king of England after pulling a sword imprisoned in a stone. He then marries the lovely Guenevere and proclaims that justice will not come about due to the spoils of war, but with brave knights sitting as equals at a round table. Lancelot du Lac comes from France to join Arthur but things don’t go quite as planned.
With the world situation as it is, hearing King Arthur’s lofty ideas about establishing a system of justice through courts and not through bloodshed become particularly poignant.
When we think of King Arthur and his world, we imagine a deep forest and a massive castle. So what does set designer Katie Meylink give to the audience? She styles flats that give us just enough of a hint of these spaces and transforms the small stage in a very imaginative way.
Thom Cauley and Anne Mollerskov, as Sir Sagramore and Guenevere, execute dance steps in a scene from Lake Country Playhouse’s “Camelot.”
Arthur is played by Danny Polaski. He does a nice job, but is a bit too meek in his portrayal of the king -- I’d like to see him a bit more regal when he makes his pronouncements. Anne Mollerskov is bewitching as Guenevere and her voice is simply beautiful. Tim Albrechtson is great as Lancelot and plays him with an intensity that shows him at war with his morals and his growing passion for Guenevere. Marcee Doherty-Elst is a convincing Mordred, using a voice in the lowest registers to convey evil and Arthurs’ impending doom. This small-cast version of the show only has eight actors and a number play multiple roles.
One disappointment: recorded music is being used here and because of the rapid tempo, the singers who deliver these phenomenal songs are unable to pause to give any real expression to the beautiful lyrics.
“Camelot” is a wonderful night at the theater. This show is rarely done and I encourage everyone to come out and experience it.
“Camelot” runs through April 10.