Sierra Repertory’s version of musical “Camelot” in Sonora is different. Here’s why
A different take on a musical classic opens Sierra Repertory Theatre’s 2020 season.
A new small-cast version of “Camelot,” adapted by David Lee, will play March 1-April 12 at the company’s East Sonora Theatre.
“While one could say that the piece was adapted to make the show more affordable for regional theaters, the reworking is brilliantly done, putting a sharp focus on the three main characters and transforming it to an intimate story of love, hope and leadership,” according to a press release from SRT.
The original version features a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe and tells the story of King Arthur, who led Britain against Saxon invaders in the late fifth and early sixth centuries, according to the release. A fable later adapted in T.H. White’s book “The Once and Future King” was turned into the musical.
The score features songs such as “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “I Loved You Once in Silence,” “The Lusty Month of May” and “Camelot.” Lerner and Loewe’s musical was a hit on Broadway and led to a film version.
Sierra Rep’s new production will be directed by SRT founder Dennis Jones.
“Idealistic King Arthur hopes to create a kingdom built on honor and dignity, embodied by his Knights of the Round Table. His ideals, however, are tested when his lovely queen, Guenevere, falls in love with the young Sir Lancelot, and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance,” the press release said.
“When I read the sparkling new adaptation by David Lee, I couldn’t imagine another show I would be more excited about directing,” Jones said in the release. “SRT’s first production of ‘Camelot’ in 2001 (directed by Frank Latson) was a huge, lush, multi-set affair with a cast of almost 30 that ran over three hours. This adaptation has pared down the cast to 11, a unit set and will run around two hours.
“At the heart of this play nothing has changed and that’s what makes this ‘Camelot’ so exiting to direct,” Jones continued. “We are still engrossed by Arthur’s quest for his Utopian society. And, throughout the journeys and travails of Arthur, Guenevere and Lancelot, we are continuously enveloped by the romantic Lerner and Loewe score everyone loves.”
The production is rated PG for mature themes.
The role of King Arthur will be played by Jerry Lee (SRT’s “Cabaret,” “Route 66”). Courtney Glass (SRT’s “Annie,” “White Christmas”; Broadway’s “The Woman in White”) will return to play Queen Guenevere.
Lancelot will be played by Brian Krinsky, making his SRT debut.
Other cast members include Lake Wilburn as Mordred, Brian Michael Henry as Sir Lionel, Christopher David Roché as Sir Sagramore, James Smith as Sir Dinadan, with Abigail Campbell and Laura Millar in the ensemble, all making their SRT debuts.
Also returning to SRT are Atticus Narron (“Holiday Jukebox,” SRT Jr), Fiona Mowbray (“White Christmas”) and Amy Mannon (“Ring of Fire”), who will be adding live percussion.
Jones will serve as scenic designer as well as director.
A post-show Q&A with the cast and director will be held on Wednesday, April 8, and is included with the purchase of a ticket to that performance.
“CAMELOT”
WHEN: 2 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays-Sundays, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; March 1-April 12. No public performance Thursday, March 5
WHERE: East Sonora Theatre, 13891 Mono Way
TICKETS: $25-$47
ONLINE: www.SierraRep.org
