‘For one brief, shining moment,’ Camelot shimmers on NFCT stage

“Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.”

The words are immortalized in the pages of American history, uttered by a bereft First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy after her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.

The message rings true and deep today, as a production of “Camelot”, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Lowe, delights at the North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck. The show runs through May 31, and is directed by Caroline Ciochetto and produced by Babette Cornine, with musical direction by Nancy Deegan and Jeff Wentz and assistant direction by Rusty Kransky.

The NFCT consistently breathes new life into Broadway classics each year, delighting audiences with familiar standards and show-stopping musical selections while also introducing some of the most well-known shows to new audiences.

“Camelot,” a Tony award-winning musical, tells a story about chivalry and spotlights a love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and Sir Lancelot, bringing audiences “a doomed romance, a yearning for the once and future better world and magical music,” according to NFCT.

Rusty Kransky brings passion and heart-aching sensitivity to the role of  King Arthur. His voice cracks with pain as he come to realize that he’s lost his one true passion, Guenevere, to Lancelot, a young man he loves and trusts.

Dreams die visibly in Kranksy’s despairing eyes as his vision of having knights work together at the Round Table — a table with no head, where all are equal and where “might for right” is the compelling force that drives his mission toward a civilized new society — dissipates.

Kransky’s Arthur is a human king who draws audiences in with his initial joy at finding true love, his passion for creating a new world order where swords are abandoned in favor of democracy and trial by jury, where equality trumps the brutality of battle.

A familiar face at the NFCT, this is easily one of Kransky’s finest performances, a stand-out role to which he’s brought his considerable acting chops. His performance is one audiences will remember long after the final bow.

As Guenevere, NFCT newcomer Kelsey Cheslock is an irrepressible charmer, infusing her performance with both feisty spirit and finely tuned sensitivity. Her vocals soar; she’s a welcome addition to the NFCT stage.

Equally notable is Brett Chizever, who is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly sympathetic as the man who’s stolen the king’s love. The other man in the love triangle, it would be easy to despise Lancelot, but Chizever brings depth and complexity to the role; scenes between his Lancelot and Kransky’s King Arthur are imbued with respect, forgiveness, and ultimately, the unbreakable bond of brotherhood.

Meanwhile, Peter Peterson’s Mordred is a dose of pure evil, one he plays with wicked delight. A young man who’s a familiar presence on NFCT stage, Peterson just owns this role; it’s impossible for the audience to take their eyes off his performance.

Richard Gardini, another new actor on the NFCT boards, is a captivating Merlin who loses his magical powers at the worst possible moment, leaving Arthur to navigate the murky waters of his future with no guide other than his heart.

Other shining performances include Patrick O’Brien as a dutiful Sir Dap/Sir Sagramore, Rick Peters as a riotous King Pellinore, Matt Tuthill as Sir Dinadan, whose witty line about Lancelot, ‘He probably walked across the channel,” had audiences roaring, Kyle Breitenbach as Sir Lionel, brought back to life in a miracle turn by Lancelot, and Marilyn Scheer, with a rich portrayal of Morgan le Fey. Ben Eager, as the young Tom of Warwick who reignites Arthur’s fervent belief that his dream and final legacy will live on, is absolutely delightful.

Kelly Cassidy, as Lady Anne/ ensemble, and ensemble performers Jennifer Eager, Joyce Stevens, Aria Saltini and Victoria Carroll all lend their considerable talents and work together seamlessly.

Studded with Broadway hits including “Camelot,” “If Ever I Would Leave You,” and “How to Handle A Woman” the show has feet tapping and audiences humming along to King Arthur’s journey. The production is another gem for the NFCT’s sparkling crown.

Ultimately, the show reminds transports audiences back to the age of Camelot in the United States, a time when dreams were born, hopes ignited, and anything was possible. Dark days did shatter the illusion of Camelot, but watching this sterling production, and seeing the hope flicker in Kransky’s eyes as a young man carries his vision into the future, it’s easy to believe that somewhere, somehow, for one brief, shining moment, Camelot will live again.

Remaining show dates are May 21, 22 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31. All shows are at 8 p.m. except for Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at 631-298-NFCT or by going to www.nfct.com.

Student rush tickets are available for $15 at the box office beginning 10 minutes before each performance. The tickets are subject to availability and cannot be reserved ahead of time.