Camelot

Hailed as the theatrical celebration of medieval legends embedded into the British history and folklore, Camelot has garnered critical acclaim as a musical play of international repute. Based on the renowned and oft narrated legends of King Arthur, the musical play was the brainchild of "Alan Jay Lerner" who penned down the dialogue and lyrics, as well as "Frederick Loewe" who put just as much thought in writing the musical notes. Lerner is recognized as a significant figure in the field of lyricism with three Tony Awards and three Academy Awards, among other accolades, to his credit. In liaison with Loewe, he created some of the world's most famous and captivating works of musical theater such as "The Day Before Spring," "Brigadoon," "An American in Paris" and "Gigi." Therefore, purchasing Camelot tickets has never been a disappointment and it will not be if you wish to please yourself with epic poetry.

However, for this particular piece of art, credit is due to "Terence Hanbury White" as well. Undoubtedly, it was his fantastic, biopic novel called "The Once and Future King" – featuring King Arthur as the protagonist - that served as the primary inspiration for Lerner’s lyricism in the musical play, Camelot. Even before Lerner and Loewe decided to transform the novel as they wished to, venerated fantasy historians such as the late "Lin Carter" had commended the novel. Moreover, Walt Disney had purchased the rights to produce a film called "The Sword in the Stone" that later touched the hearts of children upon its release. Till today, the novel is quoted from or referred to in television series, novels and speeches. Clearly, the plot of the play was deemed mesmerizing by both the younger generation and the historians or literati with the eye for exquisite pieces of art.

The initial act of Camelot combines sexual drama with fantasy by relating the tale of how King Arthur was conceived by his parents and nurtured into an outstanding leader by Merlyn. It establishes the mood and theme before the introduction of dark elements such as adultery, jealousy and death in the latter act of the play, which pushes the musical towards its immensely tragic climax involving the forbidden romance between Queen Guenever and Sir Lancelot.

While the delineation of King Arthur seems remarkable to read about, the practical manifestation of this musical on stage is just as responsible for the positive reviews. The premier production ran on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre from 1960 till 1963. It ran for more than eight hundred performances and two previews. Moss Hart directed it while Robert Russell Bennett and Philip J. Lang orchestrated it. Moss Hart is one of the most celebrated playwrights and directors of the twentieth century particularly due to the widespread success of his play "You Can’t Take It With You," which won the Pultizer Prize in 1973 and is often revived. The protagonist was played by Richard Burton who had earned seven Academy Award nominations and one Tony Award nomination for "Best Actor." Similarly, the de facto heroine was portrayed by the recipient of a Theatre World Action Award and a Tony Award, Julie Andrews. Hence, it did not come as a shock that the production bagged four Tony Awards the following year, including "Best Actor," "Best Costume Design," "Best Scenic Design" and "Best Conductor and Musical Director.

Subsequently, Camelot went on tour in USA with a different cast this time. In addition, it instantly spawned revivals in other countries; for instance, the "J.C. Williamson Company" opened its production in Australia in October 1963 and it ran for about two years successfully. The widespread fame garnered by the play also triggered a film adaption directed by "Joshua Logan," starring Richard Harris along with Vanessa Redgrave as Arthur and Guinevere respectively. The film was released in 1967 and won three Academy Awards as well as three Golden Globe Awards including "Best Actor" for Richard Harris.

The appreciation of the score of the musical Camelot has been almost unanimous. Numbers such as "I Loved You Once in Silence" and "If Ever I Would Leave You" are especially applauded for the plainness of their lyrics and the sensation of thriving romanticism they bring. In fact, a New York Times review noted, “this musically rich, legend-based classic evokes enough swashbuckling spectacle to keep one smiling." In a nutshell, it is safe to assert that both an awe-inspiring plot moved by outstanding actors and a stunning score have lead to the sale of thousands of Camelot tickets to date.