Robert Sean Leonard to Be Crowned in CAMELOT at Westport Country Playhouse.

[sheppa]

Tony Award-winning actor Robert Sean Leonard, best known for tv's "House," film's "Dead Poet's Society," and Broadway's "The Invention of Love" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night," will portRay King Arthur in Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot," a freshly inventive take on the classic musical, at Westport Country Playhouse, October 4 - 30.

Comments

[srsly_yes]

Darn, I'm having trouble with my user pics and can't upload the one with RSL as King Arthur in Camelot in Concert at the Granada Theater in 2014. Since I still owe a review on his performance. I'll include what I recall here.
***
While he wasn't a perfect singer, he did a surprisingly good job (check out Music Man). I think his CiC performance edged out Pygmalion. And, to put his singing into perspective, previous Camelot kings' Richard Harris and Richard Burton weren't exactly known for carrying tunes. It's about conveying what's in the heart. RSL sang "Camelot" better than I expected, and "How to Handle a Woman" while a bit strained was simply heartbreaking. I give the latter 4-3/4 out of 5 stars. A standout scene came at the end when Arthur meets a hero-worshipping little boy who sneaked onto the battlefield. Arthur tells him to flea. RSL repeatedly shouts "Run!" into the audience until the boy vanishes from sight. Writing about it gives me goosebumps. I think he was channeling his inner parent.

Another memorable scene: With minimal scenery, RSL jumped out of a chair which doubled as a tree, surprising Guenevere "in the woods". If you recall, he's in semi-costume and wearing tennis shoes (black Converse?). He looked young and absolutely cute. It wasn't a huge drop, but I was impressed with his agility.

Special mention goes to Brandi Burkhardt who played Queen Guenevere. She was in full costume, and wore two or three outfits during the production. They were lovely and she had the figure to show them off (Oh, to be her!). Her singing was effortless and charming. Plus, she brought a down-to-earth warmth to Guenevere that made the character sympathetic.
***
If anyone has the opportunity to buy tickets, I highly recommend doing so.

[sassyjumper]

Thanks for the mini-review! Hmmm, it's pretty easy to get to Westport from NYC ....

[srsly_yes]

You're welcome. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you went, even if it's just to hear RSL sing. He does it so rarely.

[discofunction]

Thanks for the mini-review!

I'd love to hear RSL sing!

[srsly_yes]

I thought RSL would parlando sing like Burton and Harris before him (and Preston in Music Man), but he actually carried a tune. The role of King Arthur suited him.

I hope you have a chance to hear him sing in a live performance. ♥

[discofunction]

*sigh*

His talents are endless!

[soophelia]

Thank you for the review! I wish I could go.