Camelot—Lakewood Theatre Company—Lake Oswego

 

Once There Were Champions

    This award-wining Lerner & Loewe musical is directed by Dennis Corwin, adapted by David Lee, with new orchestration by Steve Orich and choreographing by Laura Hiszczynskyj.  It is playing through June 12^th at their space, 368 S. State St. in Lake Oswego (free parking lot in the rear).  For more information on the show and Covid restrictions, go to their website www.lakewood-center.org or call 503-635-3901.

Once,

There were Giants…

There were Champions…Warriors…

And so, to the Young,

Whose banners fly high,

                 The Greta’s, the Molla’s and Amanda’s…

 We salute,

        as they reach for the sky…

    There was a legendary king, Arthur (Anthony Mulherin) who, legend has it, created a round table with some of the most noble leaders of the land and established the trial system, where one is judged by one’s peers and championed Might for Right.  He may have been naive in his goals but, at least, he tried.

    His wife and queen was the feisty, Guenevere (Jessican Maxey) and his right-hand man was the French knight, Lancelot (Brandon Michael), a rather egotistical fellow, with his inept Squire, Dap (Lindsay Reed). Arthuralso has a band of warrior that he depends on, especially, Sir Dinadan (Erik Montague), Sir Sagramore (Eric Zulu) and Sir Lionel (Jeremy Southard).  And Gwen has her cohorts with her ladies-in-waiting (Sophie MacKay and Amelia Segler).

    Everything seems to be going swimmingly, until it appears that Lance and Gwen have more than a friendship in common.  And then there is Mordred (Heath Hyun Houghton), the rejected son of Arthur, who has his ax to grind with dear ole dad.  It doesn’t take long for cracks to form in the Camelot fortification and, as they say, “the best laid plans of mice and men” begins to show their true colors.  And, in such cases, where empires tumble, a phoenix will rise from the ashes in the form of the Youth of tomorrow, Tom of Warwick (Rosalie Johnson or Charlotte Bridgeman or Ava Neudeck or Stella MacKay or Cam Jordan—unclear from the program who played the role on the matinee, Sunday, May 8^thexcept that it was a female).

    The story from the book by T.H, White, The Once and Future King, is much fuller in detail, as is the edition of the songs/music which, I believe, is one of the best scores in musicals!  All the original songs are here and beautifully staged by Corwin.  The dance numbers are terrific, as is the set by designer, Tyler Buswell.  All the singers, especially the leads, have very strong voices.  Maxey is terrific as Gwen, having a somewhat exotic look and a lovely voice.  And Houghton is a delicious villain.

    And a special shout-out to Ava Neudeck who played Tom on the Sunday, as she has a terrific enthusiasm and is very convincing in the pivotal role of the voice for the future.  She has a long career ahead of her in show biz, if she continues to pursue it!  I expect to see her again onstage, whoever she is.  She does “sparkle.”

    I highly recommend this show.  If you do see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

--DJS