Explore Camelot, the musical, including who wrote Camelot and who was the composer of its songs. Study a synopsis of Acts I and II, and understand its legacy.
Updated: 05/06/2022
Camelot the Musical by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe
Camelot the Musical
Camelot, a musical composed by Frederick Loewe with Alan Jay Werner as Lyricist and Librettist, debuted at Broadway's Majestic Theatre in December 1960. The original cast included top rate performers such as Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and John Collum. The original show was directed by Moss Hart, vocal directed by Franz Allers, and choregraphed by Hanya Holm. Camelot went on to win four awards out of their five Tony nominations.
Camelot highlights the forbidden love between Queen Guenevere of Camelot and the French knight Lancelot in the height of Arthur's establishment of the Order of the Round Table. Their love eventually ruined, not only the marriage of King Arthur and Queen Guenevere, but also the relationship between Camelot and France. The musical features 17 musical numbers accompanied by a traditional orchestra and 19 scenes divided into two acts.
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Who Wrote and Composed Camelot the Musical
In the early 1940s, Frederick Loewe was receiving much attention for his talents as a songwriter. Around this time, he heard of Alan Jay Lerner and his ability to create moving lyrics. They first met at the Lamb's Club in New York City. There, they established their partnership: Loewe would compose the scores and Lerner would write the lyrics. Though the two cowrote many musicals over the next five years, it was their fantastical Brigadoon that truly put them on the theatrical map—as it won the New York Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. Over the next several years, they worked together on many hit musicals for both the stage and the screen. Their next great hit was the 1956 hit My Fair Lady, a romantic retelling of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. After the two briefly followed their newfound fame to Hollywood, they wrote Camelot based on T.H. White's The Once and Future King which had just been published in 1958. Camelot would not reach the fame of My Fair Lady, but it did remain on Broadway for two years with over 800 performances.
Background
Writer and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe needed a new project. They'd had smashing successes with the Broadway musical My Fair Lady (1956) and movie musical Gigi (1958). They bought the rights to T. H. White's The Once and Future King, a fantasy novel written between 1938 and 1941 and first published in 1958, and molded elements of it into a story exploring King Arthur and the Knights of a Round Table. The musical Camelot premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theater in 1960 with an original cast featuring Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Roddy McDowall, and a young heartthrob named Robert Goulet.
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Camelot has many characters and two acts that vary in tone. Act I is funny and light-hearted and has elements of satire as well as blossoming love. Act II is different. It's darker and illustrates the downfall of an idealized empire and the complications of relationships. So, with all of that as an introduction, here's the synopsis, or summary of the plot.
Camelot the Musical: Act I
To understand a synopsis, or brief summary, of Camelot Act I, one must first understand the Greek and Shakespearean uses of a chorus. In these contexts, a chorus is not the same as a modern ensemble; the chorus is responsible for framing the narrative to come. In Camelot Act I, the curtain opens to a group of revelers, functioning as the Grecian-style chorus, who begin recounting the tale of King Arthur's court and reign. The action then moves to King Arthur, played by Richard Burton, who is nervously awaiting his soon-to-be wife Guenevere, played by Julie Andrews. As Guenevere avoids the large crowds, she accidentally bumps into Arthur. After getting acquainted, the two feel fortunate to actually like each other and go on to get married.
Years later, Arthur is looking to start the Round Table, where all men are seen as equals. Lancelot, a French knight played by Robert Goulet, journeys to Camelot hoping to earn a seat at the table. However, many of the courtiers, including Queen Guenevere, are irritated with his ego. In attempt to put him in his place, Guenevere arranges three knights to challenge Lancelot, but he defeats them all. His victory leads Guenevere to realize that she is acually falling in love with Lancelot. The feeling is mutual, but both Lancelot and Guenevere are loyal to Arthur, who notices the attraction between the two but knows it will pass.
Camelot the Musical: Act II
Act II opens years later with Guenevere and Lancelot still pining for each other but still denying their feelings. In the midst of these unexpressed feelings, King Arthur discovers his illegitimate son Mordred is trying to bring Camelot to ruin. Though he first persuades some of the Knights of the Round Table to return to their former glory of battle, it was really Mordred's accidental discovery of Lancelot and Guenevere alone together that handed him the keys to the kingdom. Lancelot flees the scene while Guenevere is sentenced to death by burning at the stake. However, right before Guenevere is to be executed, Lancelot rescues her and the two escape.
In the end, Guenevere and Lancelot's love does not last. They meet up with Arthur and surrender, but he refuses to execute them since he still has fond feelings for them both. The finale of the musical shows Arthur meeting a young boy named Tom who has lofty dreams of joining the Round Table. Arthur is moved by the young man's purity of heart, so he knights him and sends him to England to teach them the ways of the Round Table.
Camelot the Musical: Songs
Below is a list of the most memorable songs from Camelot with the context of each song:
Act I Significant Songs
- ''I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight'' is sung by King Arthur as he fearfully awaits meeting his future wife, Guenevere. He expresses the irony that he is afraid about meeting a woman even though he is a decorated soldier and king.
- ''Camelot,'' is King Arthur's description of his beloved home as he has accidentally met Guenevere.
- ''The Lusty Month of May'' is sung by Guenevere upon the opening of the May Day Celebration, where she will meet Lancelot.
- ''Then You May Take Me to the Fair'' is Guenevere telling the knights that whomever beats Lancelot in combat will be rewarded with escorting her to the fair.
Act II Significant Songs
- ''If Ever I Would Leave You'' opens Act II and reveals the still long lasting flame between Lancelot and Guenevere.
- ''The Seven Deadly Virtues'' is Mordred's attempt to draw the knights away from the chivalry of the Round Table.
- '' Fie on Goodness'' shows the knights rekindling their love of war and fighting.
- ''I Loved You Once in Silence'' precedes the climax of the show, when Mordred discovers Guenevere professing her love for Lancelot.
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Camelot the Musical: Legacy
Though Camelot did not attain the same fame as My Fair Lady, it did receive significance in its own rite. Debuting simultaneously as the start of John F Kennedy's Presidency, Camelot's romanticism of chivalry, patriotism, and gallantry captured the heart of a hopeful nation who had just elected an adored political figure. In fact, after President Kennedy's assassination, Jackie Kennedy revealed that her husband would often listen to the Camelot soundtrack. She said his favorite line was one of the last of the show, ''Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment was known as Camelot''. In retrospect, it seems as though Kennedy related to King Arthur's desire to care for his country even after he was gone.
Since its original debut, Camelot has been revived several times, both on Broadway and at other notable playhouses—such as the Walnut Theatre in Philadelphia. Most exciting, however, is the recent news that Camelot will be revived in the fall of 2022. This revival will feature a new script written by Aaron Sorkin and will be directed by Bartlett Sher, who also directed the concert revival of the show at the Lincoln Center in 2019. The fall 2022 revival will be the first full-production revival since 1993.
Lesson Summary
The musical Camelot first appeared on Broadway's Majestic Theatre in December of 1960. The music was composed by Frederick Loewe and the lyrics/words were written by Alan Jay Lerner. The synopsis, or summary of what takes place, is as follows: King Arthur (Richard Burton) marries Guenevere (Julie Andrews) and then starts his infamous Knights of the Round Table. After receiving a global summons to any men wanting to join the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot (Robert Goulet) journeys to Camelot where he eventually falls in love with Queen Guenevere, though the two deny their feelings for most of the play. At the opening of Act II, Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred comes to Camelot hoping to overthrow the Round Table. After convincing the knights that they should return to what they do best (fighting), Mordred, along with the knights, find Guenevere and Lancelot alone together. Lancelot escapes and returns only in time to rescue Guenevere from execution. However, the show ends with Guenevere and Lancelot separating and King Arthur knighting a young English man. Arthur teaches him the ways of the Round Table so that the young man will return to England and teach them these ways.
The musical features many hit songs like ''If Ever I Would Leave You'' which reveals the still long lasting flame between Lancelot and Guenevere and '' Fie on Goodness'' which shows the knights rekindling their love of war and fighting. Camelot is often associated with John F Kennedy's Presidency not only because it debuted the same year Kennedy was elected but also because Arthur and Kennedy share many notable qualities like chivalry and duty to country. The show has been revived many times and will be revived again in the fall of 2022.
Story and Characters: Act I
In Medieval England in mythical Camelot, idealistic King Arthur wants to rule with equality and democracy. He's set to marry a woman he has never met, a gesture to solidify an alliance with France. He's nervous and unsure what to expect and tries to get his childhood mentor, the wizard Merlin, to tell him about his bride. At the same time, Guenevere (his intended) arrives in Camelot with similar doubts. She escapes her official retinue and hides. Arthur and Guenevere meet by chance and realize they like each other and happily wed. But Merlin gets lured away by a spirit, leaving Arthur on his own.
We then jump ahead several years. King Arthur establishes the Round Table, a group of the purest and bravest knights. They'll help Arthur avoid war and rule in a spirit of fairness. In France, knight Lancelot du Lac hears about the Round Table. He goes to Camelot, arriving during springtime in May. Lancelot is young and full of himself. King Arthur is impressed but everyone else thinks he's obnoxious, including Guenevere. She arranges a joust to test him. He wins, but almost kills another knight and demonstrates true faith and goodness in bringing the injured man back to life. Eventually, Guenevere and Lancelot fall in love.
Story and Characters: Act II
Jump ahead another couple of years. Arthur is depressed because he knows about Guenevere and Lancelot, despite them trying to hide it and fight their feelings. To make things worse, Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred comes to Camelot with the goal of overthrowing his father and claiming the crown. And the knights are growing restless because well, they're knights and fighting is what they do best. Despite her love for Lancelot, Guenevere has stayed with Arthur and she tries to cheer him up.
But, through trickery and lies, Mordred lays a trap and catches Lancelot in the King's bedchambers with Guenevere. He accuses them of treason. Lancelot escapes but Guenevere is sentenced to be burned at the stake because of laws that Arthur's put in place. As the execution nears, Lancelot, with Arthur's blessing, arrives and rescues the queen. But the action has a price--now Arthur must go to war against France and Lancelot. It seems all is lost. As he goes into battle, Arthur runs into a boy who wants to join the Round Table. Touched, the king knights the child, telling him to spread the story of Camelot and the Round Table. As the lyrics in the song 'Camelot' express: 'Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.'
Songs
The music in Camelot is tuneful and diverse. In Act I, the score includes upbeat humorous songs like 'I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight,' which Arthur sings as he's worrying about his future bride; 'The Lusty Month of May'; and 'Then You May Take Me to the Fair,' about the joust that Guenevere puts together to test Lancelot. The title song 'Camelot' also sets out Arthur's idealistic vision for his kingdom.
Songs in Act II are darker, including 'The Seven Deadly Virtues,' in which Mordred complains about the knights' saintly character; and 'Fie On Goodness!,' which the knights sing as they rekindle their love of combat. The show also includes romantic ballads like 'If I Ever I Would Leave You,' sung by Lancelot and 'I Loved You Once in Silence,' sung by Guenevere.
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Legacy
Camelot opened shortly after John F. Kennedy was elected president and people drew comparisons between the mythical story about a land of equality and the youthful Kennedy and his young family. Kennedy's untimely assassination echoed the sense that promise was fleeting--to echo the song lyrics, 'a brief shining moment.' Sometimes you hear Kennedy's administration referred to as 'Camelot.' As for the musical, Camelot has since had numerous revivals, including several on Broadway. Many professional, community, and high school groups have performed it over the years, and its songs remain popular standards. While true equality might be fleeting, the idea of Camelot does endure.
Lesson Summary
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe created the musical Camelot, which opened on Broadway in 1960. It is based on the story of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Lancelot. The synopsis of the musical is that Arthur and Guenevere, who meet right before they're to be married, rule the kingdom of Camelot. Arthur establishes the Round Table, with the best and purest knights to rule the land without warfare. Among those who join is Lancelot, who falls in love with Guenevere. Eventually, Camelot falls apart for many of the same reasons that any ideal world can't be achieved--rivalries, jealously, and desire for power. With songs like 'If Ever I Would Leave You,' 'Then You May Take Me to the Fair,' and the title tune 'Camelot,' the musical is an enduring one, still performed by many professional and amateur groups today.
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Additional Info
Background
Writer and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe needed a new project. They'd had smashing successes with the Broadway musical My Fair Lady (1956) and movie musical Gigi (1958). They bought the rights to T. H. White's The Once and Future King, a fantasy novel written between 1938 and 1941 and first published in 1958, and molded elements of it into a story exploring King Arthur and the Knights of a Round Table. The musical Camelot premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theater in 1960 with an original cast featuring Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Roddy McDowall, and a young heartthrob named Robert Goulet.
|
Camelot has many characters and two acts that vary in tone. Act I is funny and light-hearted and has elements of satire as well as blossoming love. Act II is different. It's darker and illustrates the downfall of an idealized empire and the complications of relationships. So, with all of that as an introduction, here's the synopsis, or summary of the plot.
Story and Characters: Act I
In Medieval England in mythical Camelot, idealistic King Arthur wants to rule with equality and democracy. He's set to marry a woman he has never met, a gesture to solidify an alliance with France. He's nervous and unsure what to expect and tries to get his childhood mentor, the wizard Merlin, to tell him about his bride. At the same time, Guenevere (his intended) arrives in Camelot with similar doubts. She escapes her official retinue and hides. Arthur and Guenevere meet by chance and realize they like each other and happily wed. But Merlin gets lured away by a spirit, leaving Arthur on his own.
We then jump ahead several years. King Arthur establishes the Round Table, a group of the purest and bravest knights. They'll help Arthur avoid war and rule in a spirit of fairness. In France, knight Lancelot du Lac hears about the Round Table. He goes to Camelot, arriving during springtime in May. Lancelot is young and full of himself. King Arthur is impressed but everyone else thinks he's obnoxious, including Guenevere. She arranges a joust to test him. He wins, but almost kills another knight and demonstrates true faith and goodness in bringing the injured man back to life. Eventually, Guenevere and Lancelot fall in love.
Story and Characters: Act II
Jump ahead another couple of years. Arthur is depressed because he knows about Guenevere and Lancelot, despite them trying to hide it and fight their feelings. To make things worse, Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred comes to Camelot with the goal of overthrowing his father and claiming the crown. And the knights are growing restless because well, they're knights and fighting is what they do best. Despite her love for Lancelot, Guenevere has stayed with Arthur and she tries to cheer him up.
But, through trickery and lies, Mordred lays a trap and catches Lancelot in the King's bedchambers with Guenevere. He accuses them of treason. Lancelot escapes but Guenevere is sentenced to be burned at the stake because of laws that Arthur's put in place. As the execution nears, Lancelot, with Arthur's blessing, arrives and rescues the queen. But the action has a price--now Arthur must go to war against France and Lancelot. It seems all is lost. As he goes into battle, Arthur runs into a boy who wants to join the Round Table. Touched, the king knights the child, telling him to spread the story of Camelot and the Round Table. As the lyrics in the song 'Camelot' express: 'Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.'
Songs
The music in Camelot is tuneful and diverse. In Act I, the score includes upbeat humorous songs like 'I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight,' which Arthur sings as he's worrying about his future bride; 'The Lusty Month of May'; and 'Then You May Take Me to the Fair,' about the joust that Guenevere puts together to test Lancelot. The title song 'Camelot' also sets out Arthur's idealistic vision for his kingdom.
Songs in Act II are darker, including 'The Seven Deadly Virtues,' in which Mordred complains about the knights' saintly character; and 'Fie On Goodness!,' which the knights sing as they rekindle their love of combat. The show also includes romantic ballads like 'If I Ever I Would Leave You,' sung by Lancelot and 'I Loved You Once in Silence,' sung by Guenevere.
|
Legacy
Camelot opened shortly after John F. Kennedy was elected president and people drew comparisons between the mythical story about a land of equality and the youthful Kennedy and his young family. Kennedy's untimely assassination echoed the sense that promise was fleeting--to echo the song lyrics, 'a brief shining moment.' Sometimes you hear Kennedy's administration referred to as 'Camelot.' As for the musical, Camelot has since had numerous revivals, including several on Broadway. Many professional, community, and high school groups have performed it over the years, and its songs remain popular standards. While true equality might be fleeting, the idea of Camelot does endure.
Lesson Summary
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe created the musical Camelot, which opened on Broadway in 1960. It is based on the story of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Lancelot. The synopsis of the musical is that Arthur and Guenevere, who meet right before they're to be married, rule the kingdom of Camelot. Arthur establishes the Round Table, with the best and purest knights to rule the land without warfare. Among those who join is Lancelot, who falls in love with Guenevere. Eventually, Camelot falls apart for many of the same reasons that any ideal world can't be achieved--rivalries, jealously, and desire for power. With songs like 'If Ever I Would Leave You,' 'Then You May Take Me to the Fair,' and the title tune 'Camelot,' the musical is an enduring one, still performed by many professional and amateur groups today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Camelot a Broadway show?
Yes, Camelot was a Broadway musical written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. The show debuted in December 1960 at Broadway's Majestic Theatre.
Did Richard Burton sing in Camelot?
Yes, Richard Burton played King Arthur in Camelot. He sang in several songs including ''Camelot'' and ''I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight?''
Who was in Camelot on Broadway?
The original cast of Camelot included Richard Burton as King Arthur and Julie Andrews as Queen Guenevere. The show also featured a young Robert Goulet as Lancelot.
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Camelot the Musical by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe | Synopsis & Songs
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