Engeman’s Camelot offers a different kind of night at the theater
Camelot, the classic musical inspired by the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, is running through June 28 at the Engeman Theater. Photo by Katie Mollison, the John W. Engeman Theater.
Not every community can claim a theater that regularly brings Broadway-caliber productions to its downtown. Fewer still can offer the variety audiences have experienced at the John W. Engeman Theater over the past year. From the music of Johnny Cash in Ring of Fire and the holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol to the uplifting story of Come From Away and the powerhouse vocals of The Bodyguard, the theater has consistently transported audiences to different worlds without ever leaving Main Street.
Now, the Engeman takes theatergoers even further back in time with Camelot, the classic musical inspired by the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Running through June 28, the production offers a mix of romance, loyalty, political idealism and betrayal, making for an entertaining and distinctly different experience from anything else the theater has staged this season.
At the center of the story is King Arthur, who dreams of creating a kingdom built on honor, dignity and justice through his Knights of the Round Table. That vision is tested when Queen Guenevere falls in love with Arthur’s trusted knight, Lancelot, setting in motion a love triangle – and civil war – that threatens both the kingdom and the relationships at its core.
The standout performance belongs to Montgomery Sutton as Arthur. Sutton brings a warmth and sincerity to the role that makes Arthur easy to root for from the moment he steps on stage. Even as his carefully constructed vision for Camelot begins to unravel, audiences can understand his motivations and appreciate the compassion that guides his decisions. His affection for both Guenevere and Lancelot is genuine, making the story’s conflicts feel more personal and consequential.
Liv Kurtz brings an engaging energy to Guenevere, portraying the queen as spirited, confident and eager for adventure. While Arthur offers stability, partnership and respect, Guenevere finds herself drawn to the strength and passion seen in Lancelot. Kurtz's performance helps make the character's choices understandable, even when they create heartbreak for those around her.
Alexander Ríos brings a commanding presence to the role of Lancelot. His confidence and physicality stand in sharp contrast to Arthur’s gentler style of leadership, creating a believable dynamic between the three central characters and helping drive the story forward.
One of the production’s most memorable sequences comes during Lancelot’s challenges against Arthur’s knights. While much of the action occurs offstage, the music, choreography and reactions from the ensemble create the excitement and tension of the competition.
The scene also serves as a turning point in the story, as Guenevere begins to recognize feelings she would rather ignore.
The ensemble should be applauded too, for bringing the world of Camelot to life. From the royal court to the musical numbers, the cast helps create a lively medieval setting that feels larger than the theater's intimate stage.
What makes Camelot particularly enjoyable is that it offers something different. It’s a period piece, a love story and a character-driven musical all at once. Familiar songs such as “The Lusty Month of May,” “If Ever I Would Leave You” and “Camelot” will be recognizable to many theatergoers, while the story remains easy to follow even for those unfamiliar with the legend of King Arthur.
Camelot offers a journey into a familiar story filled with memorable characters, timeless themes and enough humor, romance and drama to keep audiences engaged. This production leans into a lighter, slower pace; it never tries to be a massive spectacle, and honestly, it doesn’t have to.
Camelot runs through June 28 at the John W. Engeman Theater, located at 250 Main Street. Performances are held Wednesdays at 7pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets start at $86 and may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, visiting engemantheater.com or stopping by the box office.
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