The Playgoer: Bill Camp

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Bill Camp

I'm very glad Time Out ran this Helen Shaw profile last week of the usually unsung Bill Camp, whose performance as Alceste in the Ivo van Hove Misanthrope was the kind of stuff awards are made for.

I first saw Camp as the star leading man in the ART company about ten years ago--playing Prince Hal and Henry V in consecutive seasons for director Ron Daniels. Unfortunately when he left Cambridge and came to NY, he became just another struggling classical actor--despite starring in Macbeth and Measure for Measure for Theatre for a New Audience. More recently, he was also one of the best things about "Coram Boy."

I suppose it's also true--though rubbing it in a bit--to say he became Mr. Liz Marvel! (Who was memorably his Lady Macbeth back in that '99 production.)

Among the sorry revelations in the article is that he almost gave it all up. But welcome back, Bill. You're better than ever.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Camp also did a superb Bolingbroke in the ART's Richard III. An amazing actor (and a proud papa, too...). I was happy to be able to meet him several times at the ART. I wish him & his family all the best in NYC. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!
Chris B. (now of Indiana, formerly of Boston...)

Rob Weinert-Kendt said...

Also a Camp fan--saw him in Homebody/Kabul in LA, and various things here (Heartbreak House, Sore Throats, Coram Boy). I feel like he's one huge showpiece role away from breaking through to a wider audience, but I'm quite happy to already be in on the secret.