By Becky Evans
Robin Hood as put on by Salt Lake City’s Utah Children’s Theatre provides a delightful experience for the whole family. Robin Hood was introduced as being a classical tale with the basic background explained by a narrator for the benefit of the children. I am most familiar with Disney’s cartoon version, but UCT was able to tell me the real story in a way that only master storytellers can. I learned about the history of Robin Hood and was introduced to new characters such as Much the Miller’s Son (Jared Dukepoo) who is loyal and true, Will Scarlett (Lucas Vayo), and Guy of Gisbourne (Christopher Taylor) who is in love with Maid Marian (Lexie Thompsen) but wants to destroy Robin and help Prince John (Bryson Dumas). Robin Hood valiantly steals from the rich, helps the poor and does all he can to help restore King Richard (Steve Harmon) to his rightful throne that his brother Prince John is trying to steal. Robin Hood is a champion of women and hero to the less fortunate regardless of race or background. Maid Marian is not initially smitten by Robin Hood but a relationship develops after she discovers his true character. Despite traditional beauty, Thompsen gives Marian strength and bravery that resonates with the many young girls in the audience. When she and Robin finally kiss the audience erupts into cheers. My daughters absolutely loved her and said that the kissing scenes were their favorite.
My son, however, loved the fighting. Spencer Hohl is the Fight Choreographer and directed stage combat using real swords, knives, long sticks, and they even use real bows and arrows. It is obvious that Hohl and his men have spent many many hours perfecting their fights to be realistic, stylish, safe, and precise. Did I mention that Hohl also plays a bold, tender-hearted, rugged Robin of Locksley? Dumas is perfectly sinister as Prince John and reminded me a little of Shrek’s Farquad. Chris Harvey is especially likeable as Little John. Two of my favorite scenes are when Little John meets Robin and he wins a stick fight and when Harvey meets Maid Marian’s lady in waiting Bess (Meighan Smith) and he admits that he’s never had a girlfriend before. Harvey’s Little John has an innocence and loyalty that is endearing. Harmon’s King Richard is kingly and commands respect while Vayo’s Will Scarlett is very personable as Robin’s best friend but not his servant. Friar Tuck (Robert Fernandez) displays multiple talents including the ability to carry Robin on his back and play a convincing concubine. Zach Vayo deserves a shout out for his role as Sheriff of Nottingham. He acted somewhat as a comic relief and was my son’s favorite character. Zach plays a snively self-important character who likes to appear braver than he is.
I was really impressed by the group acting skills of every member of Joanne Parker’s talented cast. Each member added to the scenes through gestures, vocalizations, and body language to help move the story along. Parker has been teaching and directing theatre for nearly 40 years and has written more than 100 plays. I first saw her work as a child in 1987 in the old ZCMI Mall.
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Joanne’s son James Parker and his wife Emily Parker helped to purchase the historic Avalon Theatre (3605 South State) where Robin Hood is performed. The Avalon, which was renovated and opened in April of 2012, exceeded my expectations on many levels. The stage was large enough to handle a full cast and fight choreography, the rigging was neatly organized, and the floor was recently refinished. The seats are very comfortable with good leg-room and the stadium style seats made viewing easy for even the smallest audience member. The set is simple and helps tell the story without being distracting. James Parker designed the set and lights that seem to flicker like real lanterns that adds to the ambiance and establishes the time period. I especially liked the use of black light when some characters were hiding offset so that the audience could still see them.
Costumes are designed by Julie Anderson and add to the delineation of the Merry Men versus Prince John’s men and of course Maid Marian’s gowns are exquisite. There is a scene where Robin Hood takes Prince John’s men’s pants and they have to come out in their underclothing. The actors and costuming worked together to earn many giggles from young audience members. One unexpected surprise was the theatre’s concessions by chef Amy Richardson. There is a soda stand next door to the theatre that sells specialty items with names that correspond to the show such as Pineapple Princess Phosphate and Strawberry Sherwood Forest which you can order before the show and they deliver it to you in the theatre. We had Little John’s BIG Brownie Ice Cream Sundae which was plenty big enough to split. Beautiful acting, masterful storytelling, and delicious food creates an enjoyable experience for all at Utah Children’s Theater Robin Hood.
Utah Children’s Theatre presents Robin Hood
3605 South State Street, South Salt Lake, UT 84115
March 2– April 7, 2018 Friday 7:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM Tickets: $16
Contact: 801-532-6000, boxoffice@uctheatre.org
Utah Children’s Theatre Facebook Page
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