By Elizabeth James
Wolves of Sherwood, performed by Renaissance Now at the Castle Amphitheater in Provo, Utah, is an exciting adventure. This original play, written by Chelsea Frandsen and directed by Sarah Re, is based on the tale of Robin Hood. It centers around Robin’s son, Cassian (Anton Moss), who is just as impulsive and feisty as his father. This is the first time Wolves of Sherwood is being performed in Utah and it’s a perfect time to see it premiere.
Moss as Cassian of Locksley is the heart and soul of this production. Moss expresses a mix of resilience, rebellion, concern, and love. He is a very dynamic actor and it would be wonderful to see more of him in Renaissance Now’s performances.
Adam Argyle as Robin of Locksley is bold and confident. He has a passion for theater and his emotion is very compelling. He never lets anything distract him from his performance.
John Valdez plays Cassian’s right-hand man, Jean-Luc Scathelocke, with a lot of fire and passion. He expresses loyalty and is a voice of reason for the protagonist. Valdez plays this complex character in a well-balanced, convincing way.
Taycen Timothy is the new Sheriff of Nottingham, Josselin DeClaire. He plays cold and heartless convincingly. Every moment he spends on stage is a sign that something evil is about to go down..
Jakob Tice is the threatening, yet comical, assassin, Etienne Malbete. Tice is hilarious. He has great timing and confidence on the stage. His presence onstage heralds a laugh to come and he is very clever with his character. Tice was my favorite part of the play.
Ravenna of Gisbourne, Cassian’s love interest, is played by Sophie Lewis. She has so much fire, but Lewis seamlessly goes from being fiery to soft. Her eyes tell it all. She’s one of the most dynamic actresses in this play. Lewis looks so strong and firm when she fights that she is very believable.
Marcia Averett Wright is Jean-Luc’s love interest and crafty gypsy, Tirzah Massimo. Wright is spunky, energetic and funny, so that her confidence is a joy to watch.
Bree of Gisbourne (Kathy Curtiss) is a key element to plot of this play. Curtiss portrays her with strength, but also with believable reservation and regret. She’s an interesting character because of the constant pulls of loyalty to the sheriff, to her daughter, Ravenna; and to Robin of Locksley.
Re’s direction for this play is perfect for telling the story. The entrances and staging especially are well-choreographed; both played into the telling of the story.
A huge shout-out must be given to the Black Rose Costume Design. The costumes are stunning in a modern, punk style with an old, medieval twist. Ravenna’s costume was a favorite, but all costumes play an important role into bringing audiences into the play.
Renaissance Now’s mission is “to illumine classical text through a modern lens.” Wolves of Sherwood is a prime example of bringing a classic tale into a modern light. It’s of a father passing the torch to his son with modern twists and wit. The characters are feisty and driven. The plot is intense, putting audiences at the edges of their seats. It is worth seeing. Wolves of Sherwood may not be appropriate for all ages. There is violence and a minimal amount of swearing. It’s a tragic story about loyalty and self-discovery that audiences won’t want to miss.
Renaissance Now presents Wolves of Sherwood, book by Chelsea Frandsen
Castle Amphitheater, 1300 E Center St, Provo, UT 84606
Sep 12-21, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $15 general, $10 student ($5 student at the door on Tues, Wed, and Thurs)
0 Comments