Camelot comes to vibrant life once again with a new version of the classic tale, reimagined for the 21st century by Aaron Sorkin and Bartlett Sher. Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White, Camelot is a story about the quest for democracy, striving for justice, and the tragic struggle between passion and aspiration, between lovers and kingdoms. This epic and timely tale features the iconic characters King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and Sir Lancelot as well as the beloved original score with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.
The idea of Sorkin revising “Camelot” was intriguing and promising. After all, “The West Wing” was marked by a similar kind of political idealism, and Sorkin’s recent stage adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” was well-received. Unfortunately, his new book (which removes all magical elements, turns Morgan Le Fey as a scientist, and questions how Arthur could have pulled the sword from the stone) is too clumsy and self-conscious in its attempt to draw contemporary parallels and critical viewpoints. Sorkin has also seriously disrupted the integration of the songs and dialogue. There is still much to savor in Sher’s lavish production, including a 30-piece orchestra playing the score and Andrew Burnap’s (“The Inheritance”) deeply-felt performance as Arthur. Phillipa Soo (“Hamilton”) struggles with the high soprano songs but makes for a headstrong Guenevere full of personality. Jordan Donica (“My Fair Lady”) can be stiff but is nevertheless an imposing Lancelot with a robust voice. The period visual design is lean and effective, particularly the suits of armor and cathedral-like arches towering above the stage.
Aaron Sorkin works up an answer to that question in the new Lincoln Center Theater production of the 1960 Lerner & Loewe musical, and the result is an adaptation that seems at every turn to be pleading its case for its own relevance. Where the West Wing creator conjured a real sort of writerly sorcery in 2018 with his transformation of the beloved property To Kill A Mockingbird into a new, relevant and thrilling stage work, his efforts this time around often seem strained in their attempts to drag Camelot into the 21st Century.
Digital Lottery:
Price: $39
Where: http://CamelotBwayLottery.com
When: Entries will be accepted online to available performances beginning at 12:01am EST the night before. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified by email and text message by 10:00am for matinees and 3:00pm for evening performances on the day of the performance.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Tickets are subject to availability.
1960 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1963 | US Tour |
1st National Tour US Tour |
1963 | US Tour |
2nd National Tour US Tour |
1964 | West End |
London Production West End |
1980 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
1980 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
1981 | Broadway |
Return Engagement [Broadway] Broadway |
1982 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
1982 | West End |
London Revival West End |
1991 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
1993 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
2003 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2003 | Regional (US) |
Regional Revival Regional (US) |
2004 | West End |
London Revival West End |
2005 | Regional (US) |
Regional Concert Regional (US) |
2007 | US Tour |
Touring Revival US Tour |
2018 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Shakespeare Theatre Company Production Washington, DC (Regional) |
2023 | Broadway |
Lincoln Center Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical | Jennifer Moeller |
2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Fight Choreography | B.H. Barry |
2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical | Andrew Burnap |
2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical | Michael Yeargan |
2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Phillipa Soo |
2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Direction of a Musical | Bartlett Sher |
2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Camelot |
2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Camelot |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Musical | Jennifer Moeller |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Lighting Design of a Musical | Lap Chi Chu |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical | Jordan Donica |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Revival of a Musical | Camelot |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Scenic Design of a Musical | Michael Yeargan |
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