Camelot, music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner at
Stratford Festival
There are many ways of telling the story of King Arthur, Knights
of the Round Table, Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot. It can be
a political story of the development of social laws in England;
it can be a love story – or a story of betrayal. It can be very
sad or truly cheerful. I have seen all interpretations, and am
pleased to report that, at Stratford, it is a happy story,
accompanied by music, dance, and laughter.
In some productions King Arthur is ageing and sad, and the
romance between Guenevere and Lancelot seems unavoidable.
 At
Stratford 2011, King Arthur, played by Geraint Wyn Davies, is
full of life, plans for the future and is more attractive than
boyish and stiff Lancelot. The age difference between Arthur and
his Queen (Kaylee Harwood) is not an issue. They are both in
love and happy as together they create a peaceful and sunny
Camelot until Lancelot comes along, with his miraculous skill,
and soon after comes Mordred, knifing and
 vindictive (played by
Mike Nadajewski) and everything falls apart. King Arthur faces
the dilemma, to follow the law as he created and set it up or to
override it and go back to past lawless times. What a
heartbreaking dilemma.
I like this interpretation: the flow of casual dialog, easy
singing, great music, fabulous costumes and great stage décor.
Gary Griffin as director deserves full credit, so does
choreographer Warren Carlyle and costume designer Mara
Blumenfeld. The singing skills of the
 actors are great, the live
orchestra supportive, but not overwhelming. What a drama, what a
story, what music!
Stratford never fails, and their collection of costumes and
props must be the best on this continent. Camelot continues at
The Festival Theatre till the end of October.
Jesus Christ Superstar at the Avon Theatre
This is the other big hit of the season,- it's the greatest
story ever told, composed in the 60's by then a teenager Andrew
Lloyd Webber with the lyrics of Tim Rice. This is a most unusual
collaboration for telling the story of Jesus crucifixion in the
format of a rock musical – and not to diminish or to disrespect
the story. After all, the story of crucifixion is the essence of
Christian religion, as old as our civilization and the
 Bible,
repeated day by day in churches and innumerable books. Des
McAnuff took upon himself to bring it back on stage and make it
a success – and he did succeed.
 This particular production puts more emphasis on the triangle of
Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Judas relationship, suggesting a
jealous motive in Judas’ betrayal. Jesus, played by Paul Nolan,
is very calm and somewhat resigned in accepting his destiny,
Judas (Josh Young) is more vindictive and torn. The cameo
appearance of Bruce Dow as singing King Herod is exceptional.
 The music is reminiscent of the 60's era, the melodies used to
be hits on the radio, the rhythm and lines still awaken our
responses. Again, the singing is spectacular, so are special
effects, some of them realistic and gruesome, like the 39 lashes
or Jesus collapsing under the weight of the cross. Nevertheless,
a new generation of viewers – be it Christians or non–Christians
- welcomes and is certainly appreciative of this revived by now
classic show.
Jesus Christ Superstar continues at Avon Theatre till the end of
October.
More detailed information is available by calling and requesting
a seasonal brochure 1-800-567-1600 or at
www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.
Irena Syrokomla reviews arts, entertainment, the
performing arts such as theatre, musicals, stage performances.
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