Current ‘Camelot’ is ‘brand new show’ at PPAC

Don Fowler
Posted 11/27/14

Mark Poppleton is blessed with the Thanksgiving week off from his roles as Merlin and King Pellinore in the classic Lerner and Loewe’s four-time Tony Award-winning musical, “Camelot,” coming to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Current ‘Camelot’ is ‘brand new show’ at PPAC

Posted

Mark Poppleton is blessed with the Thanksgiving week off from his roles as Merlin and King Pellinore in the classic Lerner and Loewe’s four-time Tony Award-winning musical, “Camelot,” coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center December 9-14.

“We’re doing a lot of one- and two-night stands on the tour, so I’m looking forward to settling down for a week in Providence,” Mark told me from his home in Jacksonville, Florida. “Before we get to Rhode Island, we have performances in Sarasota, Key West, West Palm Beach and South Bend, Indiana. I have some good friends in Rhode Island, and I’ll have a chance to visit.”

Mark has an extensive background in Regional and Summer Stock Theatre and has taken to the road recently in a number of hit Broadway musicals.

“I’m a baritone, and I’m 45 years old, so I play many villains or comedic roles,” he said. “I love this cast of ‘Camelot’ because the roles are age-specific. Lancelot is 25, and Guinevere is, well quite young. Never give an actress’s age. I’m the oldest guy on the tour.”

A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Poppleton has played key roles in over two dozen musicals.

“My favorite is ‘Sweeney Todd.’ ‘Man of La Mancha’ is right up there, too.”

The producers of the musical’s latest reincarnation have billed it as “The story as you’ve never seen it before.” Mark explained some of the changes.

“The original was a three-act, three-hour production, which is too long for today’s audiences,” he said. “The writers have streamlined the script, eliminating some of the dialogue, but not the beautiful music, while still focusing on the great story. The overture has been replaced with a dramatic opening battle scene with a huge drum roll.

“I wear colorful but very heavy costumes, which are a challenge. Merlin is part of a tree. You’ve got to see it.”

The road version of the show is booked through June but could be extended. The crew leaves Florida for Indiana and then Providence and then starts a cross-country trip that takes them as far west as Alaska. You can catch this classic musical at PPAC by calling 421-ARTS. Tickets range from $50 to $77.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here