A Workmanlike Take on ‘Camelot’ in Fullerton

It’s the lusty month of May--time for a local production of “Camelot.” Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s version will do fine until a more imaginative take on the Lerner and Loewe musical comes along.

Director Jan Duncan assembled an excellent trio, musically and dramatically, for the leading roles. As King Arthur, Brendan Ford--occasionally recalling a young Anthony Hopkins--retains enough youthful charisma to illustrate why Guenevere remains in love with him even after her eye wanders.

Jennifer Mathews has the glittery voice and saucy flirtatiousness that Guenevere requires, and handily makes the transition to the queen’s later, guilt-stricken look. Jeremy Aye’s show-stopping baritone serves Lancelot well, as does his sense of earnestly trying to be a good boy.

The supporting cast is in top form, led by David Richards as the wise Merlyn and gregarious Pellinore and Kevin Noonchester as the hissable Mordred.

No new ideas enhance the staging or design, but the old ideas are executed well.

“Camelot,” Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton. Tonight-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends Sunday. $17-$40. (714) 879-1732. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes.