The company of Camelot; photo by Joan Marcus.
There will never be another Camelot? Not quite: audiences are getting more of this classic musical beloved by more than just Jackie Kennedy. The revival will extend its run through Sunday, September 3 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. It is directed by Bartlett Sher and stars Andrew Burnap (as Arthur), Phillipa Soo (as Guenevere), and Jordan Donica (as Lancelot Du Lac). Also notable is Aaron Sorkin (To Kill a Mockingbird), who updated updated the book of this beloved work with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.
Critics often point to the book as a weak spot in this show, but recent reviews show that Sorkin’s updates may not have cast a spell. Time Out New York’s Adam Feldman said, “The production projects the overarching sense of a beloved old property being propped up beyond its strength.” The Wrap’s Robert Hofler said, “The … new book for this musical revival throws up a few romantic roadblocks
Others, however, noted the design’s splendor. Variety’s Frank Rizzo said, “Set designer Michael Yeargan’s stunning series of giant arches make it all tastefully palatial Lap Chi Chu’s lightning, Jennifer Moeller’s costumes and atmospheric projections by 59 Productions also add to the sense of majesty.” Vulture’s Jackson McHenry agreed: “Jennifer Moeller’s meticulously textured armor and gowns help a lot; the group scenes are often an opportunity just to admire good stitching,” he wrote.
Performances were also called out; Broadway News’ Brittani Samuel wrote, “Filling up all that empty space, however, are some of the American theater’s finest talents. Burnap and Soo are crisp conductors of Lerner and Loewe’s vocal score. Donica as Sir Lancelot is a revelation.”
