In December 1960, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe's "Camelot" arrived on Broadway to a nation under the spell of the Kennedy family's so-called American Camelot. Starring Richard Burton and Julie Andrews, the musical debuted with a commanding $3 million in advance ticket sales and won four Tony Awards in 1961, including one for Burton.

A new production of "Camelot" arrives at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday for an eight-performance run. The 2007 touring "Camelot" features slightly different staging than the original and subsequent revivals.

By casting a more youthful Arthur, portrayed by "La Bamba" film star Lou Diamond Phillips, along with co-stars Rachel DeBenedet as Guenevere and Matt Bogart as Lancelot, producers sought actors more age-appropriate for their characters.

"Burton was brilliant when he debuted, and I might add, younger," Phillips said at a recent Westgate Hotel press gathering. "(Richard) Harris and (Robert) Goulet, later in life, worked the role of Arthur that it became more associated with an elder-statesman type king."

Tour producers Liza and Michael Lerner, the children of the musical's co-writer, decided to cast younger actors in this tour to add heat to an already passionate tale.

"It brings into stark tragedy the love triangle if everyone's a little bit more contemporary," Phillips said. "It reminds the audience that Arthur was indeed a warrior king. He was vibrant."

Reached in her New York offices, Liza Lerner added that the show's themes resonate deeper with a same-age Arthur.

"Richard Burton was 33 when it opened on Broadway," Lerner said. The power of a Lancelot, Arthur and Guenevere love triangle, she said, requires actors to share generations. "All three of them should be the same age. Now, we have that. It is an amazing dynamic."

Another adjustment is, when Michael Lerner streamlined the script, he changed the placement in the story of the dramatic bedroom scene -- where the love triangle is revealed. Phillips believes the change enhances the emotional punch.

"When I read it, it was just beautiful and truly effective," Phillips said. "Director Glenn Casale has done some lovely restaging that underlines and elevates the central themes of the piece."

The soundtrack features the soaring melodies of "If Ever I Would Leave You," the title track and "How to Handle a Woman," which Phillips calls "a beauty."

Phillips is no stranger to stepping into legends' shoes. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1996 for the title character in "The King and I," Yul Brenner's defining role.

"Camelot" finds Phillips repeating that method of finding character by ignoring the performances of previous King Arthurs.

"I've avoided watching Mr. Harris' version on film, much like I didn't watch Yul Brynner's film version (of "The King and I"). I didn't want to inadvertently channel anything that he did. I try to create whatever I bring to the role from the page," Phillips said.

The Golden Globe-nominated and Independent Spirit Award-winning actor finds humor in theater producers' knack for casting him in musical roles that are closely identified with other actors.

"I'm the idiot that they keep asking to do things like this," Phillips said and laughed. "Let's see, who's dumb enough to follow Burton? Wait a second, Lou followed Yul Brynner, let's get him."

It was Phillips' ties to Los Lobos, the musicians who provided his vocals for "La Bamba," that allowed him the opportunity to blossom in musical theater in 1994, when he was cast in the La Jolla Playhouse's production of "The Good Person of Setzuan," which featured songs by Los Lobos' David Agoldo and Louis Perez.

"The casting director of 'The King and I' saw that show and cast me as the King," Phillips proudly said. "It's been a long process of getting my voice to a better place."

After a musical audition at 17, Phillips said, his high school theater director suggested he make other plans.

"He told me I was tone deaf," he said. "I was devastated. But of course, when I got nominated for the Tony for the 'King and I,' I went, 'ha-ha!' Take that!"

Phillips is still humble speaking of his singing prowess.

"I would not compare myself to some of the people I'm working with, such as Rachel DeBenedet," he said. "To put myself in their league at all would be highly presumptuous."

The father of three daughters, and another on the way with wife Yvonne Boismier, Phillips said he's thrilled with his next eight months of living the Arthurian legend, family in tow.

"You read the script and listen to the music, it's overwhelming how wonderful it is," Phillips said. "I get to say some of the most beautiful speeches, and it's hard to keep tears out of your eyes."

"Camelot"

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Sept. 27; 7 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Sept. 28; 2 and 8 p.m. Sept. 29; 1 and 6 p.m. Sept. 30

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego

Tickets: $19-$67

Info: (619) 570-1100

Web: www.broadwaysd.com