History

"Camelot" proved to be another huge success for Lerner and Loewe. It opened at the Majestic Theatre on December 3, 1960 and closed January 5, 1963 after a run of 873 performances, and a further run of 518 performances in London at the Drury Lane Theatre.

The Story

A nervous King Arthur tries to cajole Merlyn, his teacher, to tell him about Guenevere the future Queen. Merlyn knows the future, as he lives from the future into the present. He grows younger instead of aging.

Upon her arrival Guenevere dodges the awaiting crowds and hides in the forest unexpectedly meeting with Arthur. and is delighted to find they are charmed with each other. The wonderfully placid Camelot, where royal decree sets the tone, becomes the set for a story of love and chivalry.

The trusty Merlyn is lured away from Arthur by a spirit and Arthur is on his own. Five years pass and Arthur tries to follow the course of wisdom set for him by Merlyn. He creates a new philosophy, one that says might should be the weapon of right. He creates the Round Table, a new concept of chivalry whose advocates will be charged with improving rather than destroying, with redressing past wrongs and aiding the oppressed. The table at which these knights will meet will be round so that no one man can take precedence by sitting at the head.

The word of this Round Table spreads to France where Lancelot heeds its call and arrives in Camelot. Where he proclaims that he is the most extraordinary mortal, the perfect and invincible knight. He has dedicated his life to the quest for perfection in body and spirit. The queen and her party are engaged in a May day outing when Lancelot arrives. Everyone except Arthur finds him pompous and disagreeable.

The queen arranges for the three strongest knights, Sir Dinadan, Sir Sagramore and Sir Lionel to challenge Lancelot in the Jousts. He defeats all three, and even miraculously brings Sir Lionel back to life after killing him.

Lancelot finds that he has fallen in love with Guenevere.  Mordred, the evil illegitimate son of Arthur, arrives and tries to dishonour the King. He mocks Arthur's high ideals and tries to foster Guenevere's love for Lancelot.

The knights begin to grow restless for the battles of old when Arthur's leadership wanes.

Mordred has Guenevere arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake for her love of Lancelot. She is rescued and escapes to France with Lancelot.

Arthur declares war on Lancelot, but just before the fighting begins forgives them both. He is sad and disillusioned, his dream of love is destroyed, and that of chivalry ruined.

Tom, a boy about 14, appears and wants to join the Round Table. Arthur knights him, and sends him to tell the world of Camelot's quest for right and honour and justice.

Music & Songs

I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight (Arthur)
The Simple Joys of Maidenhood (Guenevere)
Camelot (Arthur & Guenevere)
The Lusty Month of May (Company)
How to Handle a Woman (Arthur)
Before I Gaze at You Again (Guenevere)
What do the Simple Folks Do (Arthur & Guenevere)
If Ever I Would Leave You (Lancelot & Guenevere)