Jim Lowe/Times Argus
 Brickett Bailey and Karen Machia are the illicit lovers Lancelot and Guenevere in QuarryWorks' production of "Camelot
Adamant production of 'Camelot'
colorful and lavish
By Jim Lowe - July 12, 2003 - The Times Argus
TIMES ARGUS ARTS EDITOR Theater review

ADAMANT - "Camelot" depicts a utopian community that ends up not working, but QuarryWorks' production of the Lerner and Loewe classic musical certainly does, The Adamant-based community theater opened a production Thursday at its Phillips Experimental Theater, that moved quickly - and moved its audience as well.

"Camelot," of course, is the mythical kingdom where it rains only at night and everyone is happy. After wedding the lovely Guinevere, King Arthur, trained by the magician Merlyn, creates his famous Knights of the Round Table to seek right with might, in order to defeat the idea that might makes right. He is soon joined by the oddball King Pellinore, who becomes his trusted friend.

QuarryWorks' production
proved a delightful
summer romp through
the fantasy world of
"Camelot."

Everything changes when Lancelot seeks knighthood at the Round Table. Arthur befriends the arrogant French nobleman, and is soon seeking his counsel. Gueinevere, on the other hand, bristles in Lancelot's presence. But, both Guinevere and Lancelot soon realize it's because they are falling in love.

The catalyst for real trouble comes, however, with the arrival of Mordred, Arthur's evil bastard son. With the help of his aunt, the sorceress Morgan le Fay, Mordred "uncovers" the affair, and Camelot falls apart. Despite, the successive disasters, Arthur finds hope.


Although "Camelot" is by the same creators as "My Fair Lady," the story and music are more sophisticated, though not as memorable. Still, the story is more realistic and the music illustrates this beautifully.

The QuarryWorks production, directed by Michael John Suchomel, with musical direction by Mark Violette, was well-cast and proved a real pleasure. Although played a bit over-the top, David Schütz was an ideal Arthur, oh so earnest, and a good singer. He proved quite powerful, in fact, as he revealed his knowledge of wife and his friend's affair to the audience at the end of the first act - there was nary a dry eye in the house.

Countering Arthur's earnestness was Jonathan Herz's witty Pellinore, whose off-the-cuff delivery proved comic relief in this very serious show. (Actually, Mike Boland as Pellinore's dog Horrid was pretty funny too.)

Karen Machia gave real dimension to Guinevere as she had to decide between love and honor, and proved a pretty decent singer. Brickett Bailey was a powerful singer as Lancelot, but a little stiff as a lover. This stiffness, though, was perfect for Lancelot, the haughty knight. The finest singing, though, was Erin King as Morgan le Fay whose "Follow Me" was particularly beautiful and touching.

Malcolm Purinton was a young Mordred, but he seemed to really revel in the prince's delicious evilness. Bob Gillespie's Merlyn was a stoic one. The lords and ladies both sang and danced comfortably and well.

There were a few problems, including the usual opening night muffed lines. Some of the accents were pretty strange. (When in doubt, don't.) Not everyone had a great singing voice. And some of the action and expressions appeared calculated rather than natural.

The lavish and expressive set by Julie Mueller took up a large portion of the tiny 50-seat theater. The rented costumes, too, were lavish, though not very interesting. Lighting designed by Grant Orenstein, the Flynn's tech director, was attractive and professional. (Ashley Baker ran the lighting board, though.)

QuarryWorks' production proved a delightful summer romp through the fantasy world of "Camelot." Admission is free, but get there early as there are no reserved seats.

Camelot
QuarryWorks community theater presents the Lerner and Loewe musical, "Camelot," through July 20, at the Adamant Music School's Phillips Experimental Theater, Quarry Road in Adamant. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 and 7:30 pm on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free (limited seating and no reserved seats, so get there early); for information, call 229-9297, or go online to: www.adamant.org.

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