Utah Festival Opera's 'Camelot' hits all the right notes

"CAMELOT," Utah Festival Opera, Eccles Center, Logan, through Aug. 8 (801-355-2787, 888-451-2787 or www.arttix.org): running time: 3 hours (one intermission)

LOGAN — A few things run through my mind when I sit down in a theater to watch "Camelot," the 1960 Lerner and Loewe musical:

I hope they don't mess up the "proposition" speech.

They'd better bring me a Lancelot I can buy.

And, most importantly, he'd better nail "If Ever I Would Leave You." (Ditto that for Guenevere's "I Loved You Once in Silence.")

Looking at my checklist for Utah Festival Opera's production … done, done and done.

Before I get to the first item on the list, a reminder, "Camelot" is based on the legend of King Arthur, and the complex, intertwining stories of Arthur's knights, the round table, Lancelot, Queen Guenevere and their relationship.

Item No. 1: the proposition speech. As a young boy, Arthur learns "how to think" from his mentor, Merlyn (James Arrington), who teaches him through a series of propositions. Fast forward. Painfully aware of the growing affection between his wife, Guenevere, and Lancelot, Arthur agonizes over what to do with a series of propositions.

Josh Powell delivers the speech with the right amount of heartache and pain.

With a lovely singing voice and a nice rendition of "How to Handle a Woman," Powell fills the crown and armor. I also enjoyed seeing his growth from silly young man to a more seasoned, mature leader.

Item No. 2: Lancelot … Lancelot, indeed.

Mark Womack had audible swoons from the ladies in the house the second he sang "C'est Moi." His striking good looks and inviting baritone are a sublime mix — making it perfectly believable that Guenevere would be willing to risk so much.

Item No. 3: "If Ever I Would Leave You." Womack's delivery of one of my favorite songs is superb. Not only vocally, but his acting as well. Truly, a joy.

Rounding out the infamous love triangle is Guenevere, played by Vanessa Ballam, daughter of UFO founder, Michael Ballam.

For starters, Vanessa Ballam is beautiful. With her delicate features, blushed cheeks and large eyes, it's no wonder the men swoon. But she also plays the part well. Her love for the two men feels genuine, and her singing is also well-suited to the role