While I tend towards more edgy and dramatic fare than Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, we could all use a little lighthearted respite nowadays. Cinnabar Theater has mounted a production of the irreverent farce, directed by Zachary Hasbany, that runs in the Warren Auditorium at Sonoma State University through Sept. 28.
The cheeky script provides more than enough opportunities for an ensemble of talented character actors (led by the incomparable David Yen as narrator Friar Tuck) to be as big and experimental as they want to be, should they choose to accept that mission.
This comedic romp tells the well known story of Robin Hood (an understated Adam C. Torrian), but adds a staggering amount of cultural references, musical interludes and tons of goofy physical shenanigans, mainly supplied by Yen, who tirelessly leads the cast both emotionally and physically (as he’s constantly moving actual set pieces around). There’s strong support from a saucy Tim Setzer as the Sheriff of Nottingham and the bold antics of Krista Joy Serpa as a foppish Prince John. Zane Walters, as the fiendish Sir Guy, also hams it up appropriately.
The overall message of the story resonates today: Help the unfortunate, and bring justice to the evildoers in power—a note that permeated the show in a very heartfelt manner, personified best by Lizzy Bies as the plucky Deorwynn (a new character).
However, tonally, the show was disorganized. The staging was chaotic and often completely undone by both its overbearing sound design and recorded musical additions. The fight choreography by Raisa Donato was carefully crafted but hesitantly executed at the performance I attended, the exception being the first-act duel between Little John (a charismatic Delaney Brummé) and Robin.
The cast wasn’t synching fully and could have made stronger character choices, thus leaving a feeling of disconnect, especially between the heroic Maid Marian (Amanda Vitiello) and Robin, between whom sparks should have been flying.
It’s not easy to write that, in the end, a play didn’t work. It sounds dismissive and reductive, because I am keenly aware of what actors put into a show and how vulnerable it is to be a performer.
Knowing the level of talent in this particular ensemble, perhaps I just attended an off night.
Cinnabar Theater presents ‘Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood’ through Sept. 28 at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $23–$66. 707.763.8920. cinnabartheater.org.
