Theater Review: ‘Robin Hood’ Steals The Spotlight In Cape Cod Theatre Company Performance

Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre brings lighthearted, engaging, summer fun to Harwich with their production of “Robin Hood.” This original adaptation, created by Nick Nudler and Kirsten Peacock, adds modern takes and shocking twists to a classic tale, offering something for every member of the family.

The play opens in a kingdom suffering under the oppressive hand of Prince John. This kingdom, depressed and ruled by fear, is desperate for a hero, and a hero Robin Hood will give them. Advocating for the rights of the needy, with the musical assistance of his trusty sidekick Will Scarlett, the townspeople can’t help but chant “Robin is our hero!”

It is this lyrical outpouring of public support that inspires Prince John to banish Hood from the kingdom. Maid Marion, in an effort to preserve her independence and avoid marrying Prince John, places a bounty on Hood’s head, despite joining him and his band of “Merry Men” in their commune, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. As romance blossoms and dangers arise. Will Robin Hood be able to manage his constituents and his personal life, all while escaping the brutal Prince John?

Touching on issues such as wealth distribution, gender equality, and more in an accessible and funny fashion, this tale leaves audiences wanting for nothing.

The altruistic, mischievous, and incredibly talented Robin Hood is played by an incredibly spirited Nick Stewart. With an ignorance equally endearing as it is frustrating, and a degree of boyish whimsy and charm that makes the audience call out to the hero, Stewart embodies the beloved rebel beautifully.

As Batman is to Robin, Hood is to Scarlett. Witty, loyal, and great with a guitar, Scarlett, played by Fionn Pina Parker, plots with (and sometimes for) his bow-wielding friend, managing their escapades from the passenger seat. Parker’s performance elevates the narrative, bringing a level of humorous realism to the stage, humanizing Hood while playing some catchy tunes.

Counteracting the whimsical purity and caring of this duo is Prince John. Actor TJ O’Leary dominates the stage, playing this insufferable oaf of a royal with a perfect mix of immaturity and abrasiveness, capturing the infuriating and dangerous implications of insecurity with a hilarious jaunt. As if this performance weren’t enough on its own, Prince John is rarely without his gruff and shady right-hand man, the Sheriff of Nottingham (played by Connie Chan). This duo forms a comedic powerhouse.

Maid Marion, as beautiful as she is intelligent and as graceful as she is strong, reclaims her narrative and lives for herself in this adaptation. Portrayed by Rachel Walman, Marion shows that independence and love can coexist, even in an oppressive patriarchal society.

Hood’s “Merry Men” offer hilarious, emphatic performances. Much, played by Jazzy MacDonald, is a spacey and eccentric member of the band of outlaws, whose erratic body language and inflections never fail to earn a laugh. Friar Tuck, played by Xevi Pina Parker, armed with a Bible and a bald cap, is a grouchy curmudgeon, and Little John, played by Ryan MacDonald, is a burly bandana-wearing ruffian. Each of these “Merry Men” is as hilarious as the last, and there is more to each of them than meets the eye.

Queen Eleanor, Prince John’s mother, played by Nansea R. Flynn, is as glamorous and dramatic as can be.

This play would not succeed without the support of its Rambunctious Ensemble, which delivered stellar musical and theatrical performances throughout the entirety of the show.

Held at the Harwich Junior Theatre’s Outdoor Theatre, the sets and performances alike are integrated into the audience. This careful and creative design is due to the hard work of Matt Kother on set and light design, with the assistance of stage manager Laura Froeschner. Costumes designed by Calliope Pina Parker, with the assistance of Perry Gill, are as adorable as the rest of this production, and the sound operations by Alex Ingraham transport audiences to a world of fantastic adventure and honor.

Kids of all ages are sure to adore this production of “Robin Hood.”

DETAILS:

“Robin Hood”

At Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre

Through Aug. 4, Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., plus a bonus show on July 26

Information and reservations: 508-432-2002, www.capecodtheatrecompany.org.