“For one brief shining moment,” the love triangle of King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere will find new life when Masquerade Theatre stages Camelot at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts February 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. 

The musical, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, explores courtly life during the age of King Arthur, from the youthful monarch’s first meeting with Guinevere in the woods through his founding of the Round Table, his friendship with Sir Lancelot (a true bromance, to borrow modern slang) and the tragic events that lead to the dissolution of his kingdom through civil war. Memorable tunes include the title song, “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “Before I Gaze at You Again,” “Follow Me,” “The Seven Deadly Virtues” and “I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight.” 

Perhaps you’re familiar with the original Broadway cast album with Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet. Or perhaps you’ve seen the 1967 movie or the HBO stage broadcast, both starring Richard Harris as the king. Maybe you saw the Live at Lincoln Center concert version with Marin Mazzie and Gabriel Byrne.  

Regardless, Masquerade Theatre is guaranteed to do justice to this show, which manages to be tragic and funny, thought-provoking and romantic, all at the same time. It’s no wonder, after all, that Masquerade has found a permanent performance home at Zilkha Hall. Years ago, I would drive way out Shepherd near the Heights to see their productions, and I’ve consistently been amazed by the caliber and content of their shows. Rarely does this small company stage musicals that are easy to produce. Instead, Masquerade tackles the challenging shows — think Kiss of the Spider Woman, Frank Wildhorn’s Jekyll & Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sweeney Todd, Chess, the beautiful but rarely seen Jane Eyre, City of Angels, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and Children of Eden. Never have they disappointed me.