Allen County Community College’s Theatre Department brings to life the classic tale of the swashbuckling bandits who steal from the rich and give to the poor in its presentation of “Robin Hood,” which opens tonight at 7:30 at the ACCC Theatre.
The play is certain to thrill from start to finish, with action-packed sword fights, love, intrigue and funny one-liners, as the production stays true to Larry Blamire’s version of “Robin Hood.”
King John — a king in name only (because his mother is still in charge) — is unhappy. Tax collections are not going well. He assigns his ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham and his minions to step up their collection efforts.
An incident at a local tavern in which the sheriff kills the pub’s owner for not paying “back” taxes, sends the whole village into hiding. Enter Robin Hood, local archer and swordsman extraordinaire, and his band of “merry” bandits. The gang of good guys seize as many of the king’s holdings as possible by taking from the affluent (stealing from the rich) and having them redistributed to Nottingham’s impoverished (giving to the poor).
As expected, the king and sheriff are not pleased, ramping up their efforts to assume full control of their kingdom.
Isiah Smith, as the story’s protagonist, handles his Robin Hood persona with ease. He is quick with a quip and even quicker with a sword. However, his initial interactions with “Maid” Marian Harper (Desiree Mason) don’t necessarily go according to plan. She is rather unimpressed with Robin’s first ill-fated ruses to gain her affections.
Mason is captivating as the rambunctious Marian. She is unafraid of a fight and eventually finds herself rather fond of the dashing Robin Hood.
Those who adhere to the adage that a play is only as good as its villain will not go away disappointed. Mack Melvin shines as Nottingham’s sheriff, as does Dakota Yohe as the merciless King John. Both are willing to resort to any means necessary to find their riches, by resorting to double-crossing schemes, kidnapping and even — gasp — murder.
Robin and Marian, meanwhile, are supported by a superlative cast of motley characters as their Merry Men (and woman).
Tyler Plunkett is entertaining as Will Gamwell, one of Robin’s most loyal followers, Will Scarlet. Sean Swanson is memorable as the intimidating “Little” John Little, while Josiah D’Albini is the delightful Friar Tuck, a defrocked man of the cloth who seeks to join Robin and his gang.
Chisolm Sluder also deserves praise as the eccentric Guy of Gisbourne, a man-horse of sorts, hired by the sheriff to find and kill Robin.
On stage all too briefly are Katarina McIntosh as Ellen Deirwold, kidnapped by the sheriff during their raid on the Blue Board Inn; Shelby Cruz as Queen Eleanor, King John’s domineering mother; and Valeree Winslow, the Prioress of Kirklees, who helps redistribute Robin Hood’s bounty to the poor.
Jeremy Francis provides a number of laughs as the Bishop of Hereford, an adviser to the king and sheriff. His lack of fighting prowess is exceeded only by his outlandish shrieks upon the slightest hint of danger.
Brandon Eckley, Amber Wiederholt, Robert Williams, Jon Eddy, Tanya Wilson and John Thompson fill out the cast, taking full advantage of their time on stage.
Under the direction of Tony Piazza, the students once again have filled the ACCC Theatre with an entertaining evening of thrills and laughs. Special mention also is warranted for Nancy McEndree, costume designer, and Cliff Harris, technical assistant, for providing the costumes and scenery for the play. Debra Francis serves as stage manager, ensuring the production runs seamlessly from start to finish.
“Robin Hood” runs tonight thought Saturday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and may be purchased at the Iola Pharmacy and at the box office prior to the performances.
‘Robin Hood’ a delightful swashbuckling tale
