By Nate Brown
Robyn Hood, a parody of the well-known and beloved tale written by Eric R. Jensen and Bob Bedore, in Salt Lake City at the Off Broadway Theatre is an old story made new—and funny. My daughter and I walked through the brisk night, taking in the sights of the shops and the smells of the restaurants as we made our way to the corner of 300 South and Main, where we’ve been able to spend an evening laughing together for 25 years.
After getting our tickets and loading up on treats from the snack bar, we found our seats and anxiously awaited the start of this Off Broadway Theatre classic, which has always been a joy to watch.
Robyn Hood maintains the traditional story line we all know: an outlaw who lives in the forest with his merry men, steals from the rich, gives to the poor, and loves Maid Marion.
Chris Kennedy as Robyn Hood strikes the iconic figure perfectly, maintaining the nobility and skilled grace of the outlaw from Sherwood Forest, so much so, that it is surprising when this character you expect to be little more than a straight man breaks the mold and makes you laugh. Torin Scoffield (Little John), Sebastian Smith (Will Scarlet) and Ed Gilmore (Friar Tuck) support him with guffaws, puns, and slapstick throughout the performance, along with immensely enjoyable musical numbers. The energy of these Merry Men is so high you’ll want to pay close attention‑it’s easy to lose some of the best one-liners in the raucous jubilee of their merriment.
Mary Kathryn Rath (Maid Marion, double cast with Kristina Wilson) attracts both the eye and the funny bone as she navigates the chauvinist evils of the story, showing stealth and strength throughout. Flanking her are her Ladies-in-Waiting, Jennifer Crabb (Lady Clydesdale) and Rachel Green (Lady Ackbar). Crabb maintains a quiet calm that lulls you into almost ignoring her at times, allowing her well-timed punchlines to catch you unexpectedly and with surprising humor. Green is just a pleasure to watch on stage—her facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission, and her running gag is still remarkably fresh by curtain-close.
Jillene Stark (Peasant Woman) is the closest thing to ensemble that this cast has, and despite this she manages to be one of the most interesting characters of the show. Stark’s comic style is content to play background to others, but serves to move the plot forward with clear and present humor.
The evil trio of Bob Bedore (Sheriff of Nottingham), Blake Heywood (Sheik Hugh Boote), and Eric Jensen (Sir Guy) is the comic heart of the production. Heywood navigates the humor masterfully, moving between furious, clueless, and creepy with skill and dexterity. Bedore is reminiscent of the late Harvey Korman as he stalks the stage with moody menace, and occasionally he can’t help but laugh at the antics of his fellow actors.
There is no doubt that the soul of the production emanates from Jensen. His name is absent only from sound, light, and tech (Rob Reins and Dave Cooke). As playwright (along with Bedore), director, choreographer, costumer (with Janice Jensen), set designer (with Clint Lehmberg and Reins), and prop designer (also with Lehmberg and Reins), this show shines with his wit, energy, love, and enthusiasm. Jensen is a treasure of Salt Lake City and one that is very accessible and a pleasure to interact with. Attend Robyn Hood for your birthday or anniversary, and you’ll see what I mean.
It is worth noting that though this is a musical, you shouldn’t go in expecting Broadway-caliber vocals and choreography. The songs and dances are funny and move the plot forward nicely. Go into the show seeking only to be entertained by the musical numbers, and you won’t be disappointed.
Robyn Hood at the Off Broadway Theatre in Salt Lake City is appropriate and entertaining for the whole family. Bring husband, wife, kids, parents, friends, and neighbors—they will all thank you. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a little donation while you’re at it, so we can keep this theater as a thriving landmark in downtown SLC.
The Off Broadway Theatre presents Robyn Hood by Eric R. Jensen and Bob Bedore
The Off Broadway Theatre, 272 South Main St., Salt Lake City, UT 84101
January 18 – February 23, 2019, 7:30 PM, Mon, Fri, Sat.
Tickets: $10–16
Contact: 801-355-4628
www.theobt.org
The Off Broadway Theatre Facebook page
Robyn Hood Facebook event
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