MiddletownJournal.com

THEATER REVIEW — That I enjoyed La Comedia's production of "Camelot" is something of an achievement by the Springboro dinner theater, because "Camelot" is a show I am predisposed to dislike.

I love musicals, but the shows of "Camelot's" authors, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, have rarely worked for me. "Brigadoon" is the only one I have fully enjoyed. "Gigi" is one of the few MGM musicals that falls flat, and "My Fair Lady" is overrated, even with its catchy tunes.

But that's nothing compared to my first experience with "Camelot." I saw the 1967 movie in a theater several years ago, and that film is such a long, slow, boring slog that I actually fell asleep watching it.

Thankfully that did not happen during La Comedia's presentation of the show, despite the hefty buffet dinner. In fact, because of the dinner theater setting, director Chris Beiser trimmed the show from a three-hour running time.

This benefits "Camelot" in two ways. Not only does it greatly speed the pace, but it also emphasizes the lighter, more comedic elements of the story of the knights of the round table. The King Arthur/Guenevere/Lancelot love triangle is still in place, of course, but the romance isn't quite so central to this version.

That's fitting, considering the comedic skills of the cast. M.J.J. Cashman is a jolly presence in the dual rules of Merlin and Pellinore; he reminded me of actor Jim Broadbent, whose rules include Harry, the impresario in "Moulin Rouge!" Steve Mazzoccone is delectably hissable as the conniving villain Mordred, and Kenneth Ruth plays Arthur with a light touch, a welcome break from the solemnity other actors have brought to the role.

Alas, the score of "Camelot" still doesn't stick with me. Even immediately after leaving the show, I couldn't hum any of the songs, save for the title tune and the amusing "What Do the Simple Folk Do?" aided by the lovely voice of Megan Buzzard, who plays Guenevere.

Even with my misgivings, I left the show feeling satisfied. It's probably the best version of "Camelot" this non-fan could hope to see.

how to go

WHAT: Camelot

WHEN: Through May 3

WHERE: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro

COST: $51-$69

MORE INFO: (937) 746-4554