An impression that a lot of folks have about musical theater is that it is lighthearted, fun stories with popular, hummable songs and not a lot of substance.

While this is true of many great musicals, there are many substantial productions that have been wildly successful and continue to be staged as highly successful revivals. “South Pacific,” which deals with racism, and “West Side Story,” which deals with racism and gang violence, are some examples.

Playwright and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick (Fritz) Loewe, longtime friends and collaborators, were two of the most powerful creators of Broadway musical theater in the ‘40s and ‘50s, starting with their first big hit, “Brigadoon,” in 1947. Their best known show, “My Fair Lady,” while full of wonderful, very popular songs, was based on social satirist George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion.” The story deals with British classism and the morality of raising a person up from the lowest class and then abandoning them.

“Camelot,” which opened at Music Circus Tuesday, was Lerner and Loewe’s last big Broadway hit, opening in 1960. It has a beautiful, powerful score and some nice songs, including “If Ever I Would Leave You.” It is Lerner’s adaptation of T.H. White’s novel “The Once and Future King” that drives the show. The major themes include rule of law versus ruling by power and adultery.

The story begins on the day that King Arthur’s betrothed, Guinevere, arrives from her father’s kingdom. It is an arranged marriage by treaty between the kingdoms. Lancelot du Lac, a French knight, comes to join King Arthur’s Round Table, but soon Guinevere and Lancelot develop strong feelings for each other.

King Arthur is portrayed by Davis Gains, who played the Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, in Los Angeles, San Francisco and on national tour. Gains has the powerful voice necessary to sing the role of Arthur.

Davis Gains as King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Image by: Charr Crail)

The role of Guinevere also has a large number of the songs. Lisa O’Hair does a very nice job with her lovely voice. She is very familiar with Lerner and Loewe, having performed as Eliza Doolittle in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “My Fair Lady” and the title role of “Gigi.” She has also performed the title role of “Mary Poppins” in London. She has been nominated for and won numerous theatrical awards.

Sean Hayden as Lancelot and Lisa O’Hare as Guinevere (Image by: Charr Crail)

Sean Hayden, who plays Lancelot, is both a musical and dramatic actor who has been in shows from “Mama Mia” to “Angels in America.” He sings the most enduring song from the show, “If Ever I Would Leave You.”

Theater,  film and television actor Time Winters was an audience favorite, playing both Merlin and Pellinore, King Arthur’s trusted friend and adviser. Both roles are the type of character roles that Music Circus audiences love.

Time Winters (Image by: Charr Crail)

Another audience favorite was Shannon Stoeke, who plays Arthur’s illegitimate son, Mordred, who has arrived from his evil mother’s kingdom. Mordred does all he can to cause trouble, hoping at some point to take over the kingdom. Stoeke was so good as Mordred that some booed him as a compliment at the curtain call.

Young actor Alex Greenlee already  a Music Circus veteran plays the young Arthur and Tom of Warwick.

Davis Gains and Alex Greenlee (Image by: Charr Crail)

Music Circus artistic director Glenn Casale directs with his usual considerable skill. 

This is the ninth Music Circus production of “Camelot” and the first in the Wells Fargo Pavilion. It is an age-old story featuring one of the first love triangles. It also has sword fights, rituals and intrigue. And all is accompanied by words and music of one of the most revered duos in Broadway history.

Image by: Charr Crail

"Camelot" at Music Circus through Sunday  More Info and Tickets