The production of "Camelot" at the Evergreen Theatre strives mightily, finding more success in its noble heart than in the execution.
It is a collective effort with proceeds going to the Emergency Needs for Theatre Artists Fund. Contributions to the production have come from the region's theater organizations, including Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, DeSoto Family Theatre, Germantown Community Theatre and the Harrell Theatre.
Even with all that help, "Camelot" remains a low budget effort, and you shouldn't expect explosive frills or a spectacular showcase.
It's to the credit of director Cara Smith that the production doesn't try to do more than it can. In the relatively brief time available to mount the show, she has focused on telling the story and giving the lead players plenty of time to shine.
At the core of the Lerner and Loewe musical is the somewhat warped love between Guinevere and King Arthur. Emily F. Chateau is the queen and Brian Everson the king, both splendid performers with lively chemistry that imbues their scenes. Both also have lovely voices and it is a pleasure to hear them going at it.
It's also a great deal of fun to see Jo Lynne Palmer back on the stage. She had a stroke earlier this year, which prompted the establishment of the artist fund. Palmer is full of mischief as the sorceress Morgan Le Fey. Her husband Jim Palmer is also in the cast as Merlyn, and neither one required any wizardry to charm the viewer other than the talent they always bring to the stage.
Some of the other roles would have benefited from more seasoned performers, although again, for the time available and the spirit involved, it is a commendable effort.
The bare bones production means minimal choreography and basic wardrobe, set and lighting. And there were a fair share of rough spots.
But that doesn't mean it's a trivial effort. That simplicity serves to enhance the fine lead performances and the terrific and timeless music.
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"Camelot"
8 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar Ave. Tickets: $20; children: $10. Sunday is a donate-what-you-can performance. Call 417-4732 or e-mail northemberproductions@gmail.com.
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