Customer Reviews

Camelot (Original 1982 London Cast)

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While the film version of CAMELOT was panned by most people upon it's initial release, most agreed that the performance of Richard Harris (in the pivotal lead role of King Arthur) was the one saving grace. So it was no surprise when Harris was announced to headline the lavish 1982 London revival, that subsequently toured Australia and Asia.

With it's gilded, sweeping score by Lerner and Loewe, CAMELOT brings to life the hallowed Round Table, King Arthur, and his fabled kingdom. Arthur's world is forever shattered when his wife Queen Guenevere's head is turned by the handsome new knight, Sir Lancelot duLac. Their clandestine affair becomes the catalyst that sets in motion Camelot's ultimate demise.

Harris gives King Arthur a lot of dignity and pathos, and also a lot of comedy (for example "I Wonder What the King Is Doing Tonight?"); but the pensive "How to Handle a Woman" is by far his shining moment in the score.

In the demanding role of Queen Guenevere, the lovely Fiona Fullerton brought her silvery soprano to the fore. Ms Fullerton, sadly, never really reached her full potenial in musical theatre, and after CAMELOT, she mainly concentrated her talents on film and television roles. Fullerton gives full depth to Guenevere's introductory "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood" and the petulant antics of "Take Me to the Fair". If there is one glaring weakness, it's that Fullerton never really manages to fully convey the shattered quality of the disgraced Queen in "I Loved You Once in Silence".

Robert Meadmore gives Sir Lancelot the bravado and vocal finesse that one expects, with the signature "If Ever I Would Leave You" performed admirably. While Robert Goulet and his stridant delivery is hotwired into most people's memory thanks to the OBC, Robert Meadmore holds his own.

The cast also includes Robin Bailey as Pellinore, and Claire Moore as Nimue (her "Follow Me" is indeed spell-casting stuff).

This complete album of the 1982 revival is a wiser investment than the budget-priced "highlights" recording (available through Jay's `Showtime' series). The remastering is a lot better, and the entire package is nicer.

[Jay/TER 1295]

Camelot is by far my favorite musical. And, although the story is a beautiful one, like any good Broadway musical it's the songs and music that really make it memorable. This take on an old legend really stirs the emotions, and the soundtrack lets you relive those moments again and again. You smile to yourself at the forshadowing in "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood", you laugh at Lancelot's "humility" in "C'est Moi" and the clever puns in "The Lusty Month of May", you appreciate poor Arthur's confusion in "How to Handle a Woman", you experience the ups and downs of "The Joust", you admire Arthur's loyalty to his friends in "Resolution", your heart breaks for the lovers in "I Loved You Once In Silence", you feel Guinevere's shame and Arthur's desparation in "Guinevere", and finally you feel just a little hope through the tears during the "Finale".

In all honesty, this album is quite enjoyable. But ultimately this album falters from overkill, lack of editing and a chip on the shoulder of Maestro Pedroza aka Jon Anderson , Napoleon. Pedroza took too much control on his vision of creating a musical story of King Arthur. Broaddus was relegated to a Popeye's biscuit buying puffy faced Jerry Lewis role where he let Pedroza's vision come true by creating a more melodic approach to their music. Gone was the bass derived songs replaced by keyboards. The result was mixed- some classic material; some not so classic. The final analysis is one of a failed grand vision flawed but still powerful.

The following songs are worthy of mentioning:

Suma Bravo- awesome opener that cascades with Arabianesque melodies. Pedroza puts his heart in the vocals.

Lancelot's Tears- this one will bring you to tears- it's so emotional and beautiful- wonderful keys from Broaddus and good vocals from Pedroza

Merlin Trader of Hearts- an incredible song that demonstrates that Pedroza and Broaddus listened to the masters of prog and do wonders emulating their teachers- great instrumental passage a la Genesis

Faith and Doubt- an all time classic that makes you shiver with it's power and grace

Hurricane- another beautiful song that has become a standard in their live shows