`Camelot’ glimmers on PBS

Set those DVRs.

I guess KQED isn’t too concerned with the “live” part of “Live from Lincoln Center.” The concert production of Camelot that will air at noon this Sunday (May 12) was actually filmed on Thursday, May 8. But who doesn’t love show tunes on a Sunday afternoon? Consider it a Broadway brunch.

Hard to complain, though, when we get to hear the Lerner and Loewe score performed by the New York Philharmonic, Gabriel Byrne (King Arthur), Marin Mazzie (Guenevere) and Nathan Gunn (Lancelot).

Here’s the blurb from KQED:

Live From Lincoln Center presents the New York Philharmonic performing a semi-staged version of the Lerner & Loewe classic Camelot. It’s one of the most endearing musicals of all time telling the unforgettable tale of the legendary King Arthur, whose idealized kingdom meets a tragic end, as well as the wake of the disastrous affair between Sir Lancelot, the King’s most trusted knight, and Guinevere, his beautiful Queen. The program features such classic songs as “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “The Lusty Month of May,” and “I Wonder What the King Is Doing Tonight.”

Channels and Airdates
KQED Channel 9
Sunday, May 11, 2008 — 12:00 p.m.

KQED HD
Monday, May 12, 2008 — 9:00 p.m.

And here’s the official “Live from Lincoln Center” web site with more info: http://www.pbs.org/livefromlincolncenter/

Now, for your entertainment, here’s a clip of original Camelot co-stars Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet performing a medley from Porgy and Bess on “The Julie Andrews Hour.” God, I miss variety shows. Strange and cheesy, yes, but they sound incredible!