Word: arthur
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...still, cause a little war?" Every character plays a bit of the fool in the course of the night --a refreshing touch--and this is Jenny's moment. But Guinevere is a clever, rosy-cheeked lass and Meyers' performance justifies all the attentions the good lady Jenny receives--from Arthur, Lancelot, and adoring court knights...
SPARKS FLY when Arthur and Jenner literally stumble upon each other. Equally important, their voices blend wonderfully. Indeed, the singing throughout the show is remarkably strong. The three leads stand out but there is nary a stray note from anyone. Laurence Sobel's musical direction sparkles as does his piano playing, which serves the show so well...
...tune of Sir Lancelot (Andrew Gardner), a self-proclaimed "French Prometheus unbound." Gardner deftly embodies a ridiculous paragon of self-confidence and self-righteousness. He has a handsome easy manner and he uses his mobile (and bushy) eyebrows to great comic effect. From France, Lancelot has travelled to join Arthur's new order, the Knights of the Round Table, a chilvalrous fraternity dedicated to Arthur's new Machiavellian philosophy that might should be the weapon of right. Arthur welcomes him readily while the rest of the court initially is sickened by his conceit. This is a fine lively moment...
...otherwise utopian atmosphere of the castle is spoiled by the affair of Lance and Jenny; she cannot resist his physical prowess. This second act is comparatively heavy due to the sad unraveling of Arthur's ideals, but the acting compensates well. Korn is a mystified but never self-pitying king and the two lovers generate a high reading on the steamometer. The rest of the east is consistently supportive, but generally better at clownishness than solemnity. Mordren (Jon Tolins), Arthur's wicked illegitimate son, is especially adept at delivering bitingly sarcastic lines like "Ah, Camelot--where the King gives freedom...
...Arthur takes on his troubles squarely, but where is his advisor Merlin anyway? The wizard is often alluded to but his absence is never explained. A watchful eye clearly presides over the production--but it almost certainly is Neher's. Three cheers for his efforts and those of his cast. Together they have reined in the lavish aura of the play to craft a drama of some depth and wisdom. The small cast fills the equally small stage with a bewitching blend of merriment, music, and bittersweet lessons...