From: eaglenewsgr...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(Eagle) <<<I prefer Lancelot without
an
> accent>>>
> ------------------------------------ =A0
> I have to say I really liked Nathan Gunn, and wasn't aware of him
> before. Reminds me somewhat of Russell Crowe lookswise. The one thing I
> was disappointed about-- he faded out too much vocally at the end of "If
> Ever I Would Leave You" and it didn't end strong enough
>
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I thought Gunn has a particular resemblance to Hank Azaria in
appearance. His fine lyric-baritone sounded considerably more
resonant than in the radio-promo for this eagerly anticipated
presentation.
-He, assuming an authentic-sounding 'French accent', managed to make
the role his - even if not totally obliterating memories of Goulet and
Merlino/Nero (that'd be Gene Merlino, whose also outstandingly
beautiful high-baritone dubbed for Franco Nero's in the film)
Byrne, for a non-singer, carried-through satisfactorily in the songs,
but his acting is on a much higher level, having been utterly moving
in his scenes with 'Jenny', and the play's great conclusion.
Not sure why, exactly - but as I watched him, the memory of Danny
Kaye was evoked, with thoughts of how DK might've played Arthur, had
he taken the role.
Mazzie unexpectedly reminded me of Katharine Hepburn, with her broad
mouth-set and a certain toothiness. Her vocal technique seemed a bit
strained and regularly flatted on high notes, throughout the evening,
with a shrillness more expected from a 'Kate' than 'Guenevere' - yet,
as I noted in another post, she did 'grow' on me as the play continued
on to conclusion.
-Couldn't help wondering, though, how her between-acts interviewer,
Ms. Fleming, would have handled the role. -Very near to, or attaining,
perfection, I'd guess.
Oddly cast, was an obviously non-British youngster as 'Sir Tom of
Warwick', but the boy is not UN-talented, and played his brief role
well.
I found Christopher Lloyd's trademarked 'Rev. Jim Ignatowski'
persona a glovelike fit as 'Pelly', but agree with Steve New****t, that
having a dog-companion would have enhanced the ****trayal.
The androgynous version of Mordred, here, with 20-21st Century razor-
cut 'designer hairdo', seemed odd enough, and 'cla****ng' with
predecessors' performances, to distract from the actor's otherwise
skilled and lively one.
The Rego Park, Qns.-accented 'Morgan le Fey' of Fran Drescher's was,
as I expected, a hoot! Her cuteness has, if anything, increased.
Best
LT
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