Ken Wulf Clark and Ali Ewoldt Photo by Daniel Rader

T.H. White's stories, published in 1958, reflect on the fifteenth century times of King Arthur. At Barrington Stage, Arthur (Ken Wulf Clark) tends to spend a fair portion of time in set designer Lee Savage's lengthy fake tree. An eclectic magician named Merlyn (Dakin Matthews) appears soon to counsel Arthur, but Merlyn, for all his wizardry, is not fully coherent. Arthur is a bit jittery himself and sings "I Wonder What the King Is Doing Tonight?" Arthur, as a younger man, needed to locate his knight's sword. He did so and has become Britain's leader who will imagine and realize a lovely, democratic era in Camelot. He and his bride Guenevere (Ali Ewoldt) combine to sing the title song after Guenevere's solo, "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood." The king and queen enjoy an idyllic life and the wondrous Round Table comes into being. It was a place for equals to converse.

Some time later, Lancelot (Emmett O'Hanlon) arrives and sings "C'est Moi" as an announcement. It becomes immediately evident that he and Guenevere have fallen in love at first sight. Pellinore (Dakin Matthews in another role) enters into the proceedings as a crusty, comic elderly knight. Before the lengthy first act concludes, we discern that Guenevere, with feelings for both Arthur and Lancelot, is troubled and she sings "Before I Gaze at You Again."

A few years pass and actor O'Hanlon opens the second portion of the presentation with a show stopping, bold rendition of Lancelot's compassionate "If Ever I Would Leave You." Forget any famous Lancelots of the past and listen to this man instead! Arthur is now aware of what goes on, that his precious wife and the knight he values are fully in love with one another. As if that situation isn't complicated enough, Mordred (Danny Kornfeld) shows up, explains that he is Arthur's illegitimate son and pretty much intends to make his father miserable.

Guenevere highlights the evening with the touching "I Loved You Once in Silence" and Arthur then brings a reprise of "Camelot." Alan Paul demonstrates his singular take on the musical with a unique selection of a boy who enters just before the final curtain. Theatregoers must make that discovery for themselves.

Excellent Ken Wulf Clark, who has appeared on Broadway several times, combines emotion with reason as he embodies Arthur with a consistently disciplined performance. Ali Ewoldt, with credits on and off Broadway, adeptly plays a young woman who is caring and sweet but very much caught in between two men, each of whom she values. The gifted actress is always on pitch. Emmett O'Hanlon provides a Lancelot who is powerful and sometimes even egocentric. This performer's Baritone voice is huge.

Choreographer Brandon Bieber capitalizes upon a few opportunities to devise nifty, animated dance numbers which serve to complement the musical's overarching storyline. Musical Director Darren R. Cohen plays keyboard and leads eight other fine instrumentalists who are vital components fueling Lerner's lyrics and Loewe's music. Performers and stagehands effectively slide set pieces fluently on and off the stage. Lighting Designer Christopher Akerlind is of extra importance since his hues (upstage) so appropriately depict varying moods.

Finally, it would be a mistake not to acknowledge that this is a play which speaks of vision, potential harmony, and of a possibly peaceful existence for human beings. You, too, might experience some relief within a theater which has mounted a production encouraging dreams.

Camelot runs through July 19, 2025, at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union St., Pittsfield MA. For tickets and information, please call 413-236-8888 or visit barringtonstageco.org.