Camelot at Beef and Boards

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents Camelot through October 10. This Broadway musical, which premiered in 1960, shares the legend of King Arthur (Doug Stark), Queen Guenevere (Krista Severeid) and Sir Lancelot (Tony Lawson). An epic love triangle, Beef and Boards' production features gallantry, sword fights and knights dancing. . . what could be better? With strong contributions from both Severied and her real life husband Lawson as two-thirds of the love-triangle, the production shimmers with forbidden love and catchy tunes. And though Stark sing-speaks most of the beloved songs, his contribution as the chivalrous and kindly king is simply heartbreaking.

In the role of a life time, Doug Stark captures King Arthur's temperament nearly perfectly. Making the transition from the dull Wort to the noble King, Stark is lovable in this lead role. When paired with Severeid as Guenevere, the two create a realistically charming relationship. And Severeid's voice simply soars in her vocal solos. Tony Lawson's ego-centric Lancelot, complete with a snooty yet sexy French accent, delicately navigates the waters between total ass and miracle maker. The three lead hit every relational nuance they can, without brow beating. Underplayed emotions align with medieval mores. As their age-old love triangle builds, its is impossible to keep from intertwining your own emotional response with the difficult situation at hand.

As usual, Jeff Stockberger is spot-on as comedic relief in the role of King Pellinore. Snorting and barking his way through scenes, with some help from a gigantic four-legged friend, he steals practically every scene he is in. A delight to watch, Stockberger pulls double duty as Merlyn in the first scene of the play, effortlessly grasping the aged wisdom of the famed wizard. As Mordred, Danny Kingston is an evil scream. A good six inches shorter than most other players on stage, he establishes himself quickly in the second act as the ruthless heir with a larger than life presentation. The ensemble shines vocally, particularly in the climatic song of the play "Guenevere."

Director Eddie Curry creates a magical homage to the legend of Camelot on stage now at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. For lovers of grand musicals, this Indianapolis theatre production is one to catch.