The rain may never fall till after sundown,
By eight the morning fog must disappear.
In short there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
Than here in Camelot!
Who can forget the lush musical sounds of Lerner & Loewe’s beloved score from Camelot? Those unforgettable melodies from the legendary Broadway hit will fill the Vero Beach Theatre Guild’s cozy auditorium when the show opens on Nov. 13 at 2020 San Juan Avenue, Vero Beach just in time to celebrate the coming holidays.
Under the direction of Alex Martinez, with musical direction and choreography by Beth McKenzie-Shestak, the cast of the round table are rehearsing for a brand new adaptation recently released by Music Theatre International of New York. This idyllic version will be presented for the first time in Florida and newcomer to the Guild John Caterina as King Arthur and soprano favorite Caitlin Harris as Queen Guenevere are honored to be the first royal couple bringing this version to life here in Vero Beach.
This new adaptation of Alan Jay Lerner and Fredrick Loewe’s idealistic tale of a young king who hopes to create a kingdom built on honor and dignity has been adapted by David Lee. Mr. Lee is an award-winning director for the LA Opera, Pasadena Playhouse, Papermill Playhouse and is a 9-time Emmy Award winning writer and producer for television. He has been nominated for 19 Emmys and has won a Golden Globe Award. His conception for Camelot retains all of the unforgettable songs from the original score including How to Handle a Woman, I Loved You Once in Silence and of course the world renowned If Ever I Would Leave You. The story line remains true to T. H. White’s soaring novel The Once and Future King wherein Arthur’s ideals are tested when his lovely queen, Guenevere, falls in love with the young Knight, Sir Lancelot, and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.
The storytelling revelers around a campfire include Jack Evans as Sir Lancelot and Lance Morgan as the evil Mordred who creates a mutiny among Arthur’s Knights Sir Lionel, Sir Sagramore and Sir Dinadan played by Andrew Blizman, Don Hipsman and Phil Markley respectively. Lady Sybil and Lady Anne will be performed by Nikki Marie Przedwiecki and Shannon Fallon.
Deep in a medieval forest, the musical unfolds in an imaginary kingdom designed by Technical Director Jeff Hall, and Cat Faust has created the rustic fashions of the period. Overseeing the armor, spears, shields and an array of other props is under the direction of Lisa McNamee.
Camelot opens on Wednesday Nov. 13 and continues on select dates through Sunday, Dec. 1. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased on line at verobeachtheatreguild.com, in person at the box office Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by calling 772-562-8300.
