Broadway at the Tennessee opened its 2009-2010 season Friday with a rather lackluster touring production of Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot."

Part of the problem with the show is Alan Jay Lerner's book, which is too wordy and too long with stiff protagonists and a surprising lack of action. Moonglow Production's version, starring Mark Harapiak as King Arthur, Jayme Armstrong as Guenevere and Gabriel Burrafato as Lancelot, never quite overcomes these problems.

The redeeming quality of the musical is Frederick Loewe's beautiful score. It is a trip down memory lane for older audience members who may recall the legacy of Lerner and Loewe's glorious musical theater heydey and that "Camelot" was said to be a favorite of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

The idealism of Camelot's "one brief shining moment" was equated with Kennedy's administration after his assassination, and a bit of that idealism comes through in this production.

Armstrong (Guenevere) and Burrafato (Lancelot) have nice voices, and Burrafato's rendition of the memorable "If Ever I Would Leave You" is a highlight of the show.

Also noteworthy is the performance of Daniel Cannis as King Pellinore. However, there is no chemistry in the Arthur-Guenevere-Lancelot love triangle, making it hard to believe Guenevere would ever leave King Arthur for Sir Lancelot.

The production's design, blocking and choreography are boring and uninspired - a bit reminiscent of a community theater production and definitely not up to my expectations of a Broadway show.

Granted, my experience as an audience member may have been affected by the fact that my seat on the right side of the Tennessee Theatre gave me a clear view of the stage hands standing at the fly rail backstage - a bit disconcerting when trying to imagine Camelot.

Note to the Tennessee Theatre crew: Make sure you are aware of the audience sight lines. If you can see us, we can see you.

There are a few "brief shining moments" in this production - mainly the beautiful songs and the reminiscent idealism that was Camelot.

Kim Midkiff is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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