'Camelot' at Allegany a perfect place for 'happily-ever-aftering'

Tom Valentine, Special to the Times-News

May 02, 2008 07:59 pm

— Tired of all the campaign spin and rhetoric? High gas prices got you down? Fears of recession haunting you? Allegany High School's Drama Department reminds us that there once was a place where "summer lingers through September" and "no winter until December" ... a perfect paradise for "happily-ever-aftering" known as "Camelot."
The Lerner and Loewe musical production opened last night and continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. with tickets available at the door.
There is a ton of talent at Allegany High School and their "Camelot" holds a castle full of theatrical treasures: stunning scenery, richly hued costumes, a tight orchestra, large choral numbers, and outstanding individual performances. The show itself, running for nearly two years on Broadway, is magical musical theater, featuring Frederick Loewe's haunting melodies and Alan Jay Lerner's clever and intricate lyrics ( " ... the time for every frivolous whim, proper - or 'im'").
The story revolves around the noble King Arthur, who has a happy life with his new bride - his beloved Guenevere. He still feels unfulfilled, however, and dreams of making a difference in his land. Arthur visions a court that governs with might only used for right and assembles a Round Table of Knights. He no sooner achieves his Utopia when his evil illegitimate son Mordred arrives to tarnish his reputation. Soon, events tumble from bad to worse when his beloved Queen falls in love with his best friend, Sir Lancelot.
The shows opens with the mythical and magical Merlyn (Blake Jones), majestically performed and appropriately attired in long wig (and longer beard!). He introduces us to a very human king with shortcomings ("he's scared"). In the song, "I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight," Ethan Sagin is both royal and human as King Arthur. Sagin delivers his many speeches and dialogue with charisma and charm, making him a very likeable - yet uncertain - leader. His best advice (for all men) is taught in "How To Handle a Woman."
When Guenevere arrives, she not only takes over the life of Arthur, but actress Emily Schadt takes over the stage as well. She is both exuberant and poignant while displaying a wonderful singing voice ("The Simple Joys of Maidenhood," "I Loved You Once in Silence").
Completing the love triangle is Jesse Crow as Lancelot - the proper brave and bold knight in shining armor ("C'est Moi") ... but with the negative trait that he has never, "jousted with humility." He eventually wins us over with his "If Ever I Would Leave You."
Supporting players who should be noted include the alluring Brittney Burton as Nimue ("Follow Me"), Casey Jones portraying an evil and sinister Mordred ("The Seven Deadly Virtues"), Nick Amick as the comical and confused Pellinore (what?), and Sierra Hartlaub as the enchanting Morgan LeFey ("The Persuasion").
Producer Desiree Witt has assembled a fine production staff that includes Mike Hartman, director; Sherry Hartman, music; Rod Horning and Bob Courtney, technical directors; Lura Thompson, make-up; Reid Smith, sound technician; Robert Sensabaugh, lights; and Barb Horning and Julie Courtney, costumes.
Worth mentioning is the "break a leg" notation in the program from Hollywood actor William H. Macy, who portrayed Mordred in the 1968 Allegany production of "Camelot." It causes one to ponder if we may be watching a future star treading the local stage before leaving for the bright lights of other locales.
We in Cumberland cannot put a "limit on the snow here" or decree there "be no rain until after dark." But we can escape to the magical land of chivalry, knights, honor and optimism - at least for one brief shining moment - in "Camelot" at Allegany High School.

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