Greetings, Encore fans, and happy #TheatreMagicMonday! We were fortunate enough to have a guest reviewer join us at the opening weekend of Robin Hood. Read on to learn how our production of this classic tale stacked up, through the eyes of a target audience member.
I’ve always been a fan of the story of Robin Hood. I think I liked the idea of the swashbuckling hero robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Robin Hood, I jumped at the chance. If you are not familiar with Encore Stage & Studio, it is a theatre company; a children’s theatre, specifically, which offers performances of musicals and plays, for kids played by kids. And, this Encore production did not disappoint! From the inspiring acting to the resplendent scenery and elegant costumes, this production transported me, and I am sure the audience as well, back to the medieval period, replete with chivalry, sword fights, jousting, archery, maypoles, and royalty. There was even a beautiful and talented dancing wood sprite!
The story is one that most know; Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw, expert archer and swordsman, clashes with malevolent Prince John and his henchmen, led by the duplicitous Sheriff of Nottingham, in order to free the good people of Nottingham from their tyranny and save Nottingham for the one true king, King Richard’s, return. When King Richard went off to battle in the Crusades, he left his ward, Maid Marion in the care of the scheming Lady Merle, who plots with the Sheriff of Nottingham to help Prince John usurp King Richard’s throne. Robin Hood, with the help of his band of Merry Men (Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, and the rest), must rescue Maid Marian and rid Nottingham of its cruel rulers.
Though this version of Robin Hood was more on the dramatic side, offering impressive acting from all in the cast, there were also many moments of humor and levity which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. The cast ranged in ages from nine to seventeen and I found myself continually amazed at the level of professionalism and talent from these young performers. And, while I enjoyed all of the performances, I found two particularly noteworthy: Hannah Torma, for her impervious and haughty Lady Merle, and Maggie Donnelly, for her hilariously obnoxious Sheriff’s Wife. When the two were sharing a scene together, the juxtaposition of the two characters made for some really great moments of dry comedy!
Throughout, the young cast kept the audience – adults and children alike – captivated and thoroughly engaged. The children really seemed to enjoy seeing actors onstage who they can relate to! If you and your family love period dramas and are looking for affordable family theatre entertainment, purchase your tickets now to see Encore Stage & Studio’s Robin Hood!
Friday, March 1, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 3 pm
Meet the Reviewer: Mealy Cronin is in the eighth grade at Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. A child-performer herself, Mealy is an enthusiastic fan of the theatre, especially musical theatre, and hopes to have the opportunity to view, and review, many more of these great Encore Stage and Studio shows!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by guest Student Editor Mealy Cronin.