Review by Liz Eichler,
Ghostlight Stage Company is presenting Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood this weekend only at Keehner Park Amphitheatre in West Chester. This is a great weekend to enjoy a play in a park. And this is a pretty good play! Here are 5 reasons:
- 1. A Great Script
- 2. Solid Performances
- 3. Costumes and Swordplay Set the Scene
- 4. It is Outdoors and this is a Perfect Weekend
- 5. It is Free!
1. A Great Script
Ken Ludwig is a contemporary playwright that reimagines traditional stories and tells them in a new and accessible way. The Sherwood version of the Robin Hood story gives us the why and how young Robin grew up to help the poor. We meet him as a privileged lad (Liam Dalton), and as he meets his Merry Men and Women. We see him discover that not everyone has the food or funds to feed a family, even if he or she works hard. Robin Hood is not the first, nor hopefully last, to advocate for a government “For the Common Good.”
Another timely message, the women are often strong in Ludwig’s world. Marian (Julia Kempf) is a better archer than Robin (LeVane Harrington). Robin’s other friend Doerwynn (Daria Harrison) places herself in danger to gather intelligence.
There is interactive fun, too: the audience boos for the bad guy and cheers for the good, stands when Prince John enters, claps when he dictates it, and more.
No Robin Hood would be without great swordplay (Gina Cerimele-Mechley fight director), and there is plenty! The story is told in modern, witty language that gets a lot of laughs.
2. Solid Performances
The performances are solid. First and foremost, the majority of the lines can be heard in this setting. Most of the actors are newly minted theatre grads, demonstrating good projection and articulation. Kempf as Marian is regal and strong, Little John (Samuel Martini) is appropriately tall but also funny, Friar Tuck (Christian Hall) has great timing, the strongest voice, and great cheer. Aidan McCracken has a lot of fun with Prince John the wannabe, channeling every spoiled version and Hamilton’s King George to boot. LeVane Harrington has charisma as Robin Hood, and the role is quite a cardio work-out for him. Gunnar Shoemake as Sir Guy is delightfully evil. Peyton Wright as the Sherrif has a lot of fun connecting with the audience.
3. Costumes and Swordplay in Sherwood
Costumes are luscious, well fitting, and set the scene. The multiple fight scenes are well choreographed and executed, and sound design supports the show with many arrow “thwaps.” Director Aiden Dalton uses the whole stage, audience space, and walkways, firmly planting the show in a forest.
4. It is Outdoors! and the Weather is Great
The weather is great this weekend. The evening shows will end while it is still light out, and the golden hour light will shine on the characters. This early in May there are few bugs to pester you. Welcome the summer! There’s even a chance to try your hand at archery before the show, and have the kids run around a bit before they watch Live Theatre.
5. It is Free
Yup. You can see this show for free, however, donations are highly recommended, and tickets can be reserved in advance on their website. Remaining shows are:
- 2 pm on Saturday, May 18
- 7 pm on Saturday, May 18
- 2 pm on Sunday, May 19
Bring your own chairs (it is more of a chair space than a blanket place) and your own picnic. They will have snacks and drinks to purchase.
This is my first foray into a Ghostlight Stage Company company production. As a long time Shakespeare in the Park fan (CSC and elsewhere), it is great to see such a young crowd! Good work, Ghostlight and Producing Artistic Director Alyssa Batsakis. Keep introducing more people to the wonder of live theatre by presenting family-friendly work and a family-friendly price.
