"Robin Hood" by Zephyr Theatre at Aamondt's Apple Farm

On one of the hottest days of the summer, I sat outside in the blaring sun and stifling humidity watching a new-ish retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale. Only for theater would I put up with such miserable conditions! To their credit, Zephyr Theatre had coolers full of water bottles and wet washcloths which helped immensely. And to the actors' credit, they recognized the situation and brought it into the story, instead of pretending we were all sitting inside an air-conditioned theater. But the good news for you is that next weekend's weather forecast looks much nicer, so if you go it will be a much more pleasant experience for you. But even with the heat, I enjoyed this fun playful show with a great cast, featuring the directorial debut of Children's Theatre Company's longtime company member Reed Sigmund, who's comic stamp on this production is very much evident. Join the adventure at Aamodt's Apple Farm (a beautiful and easy to access location just outside of Stillwater off 36) this weekend only!

Antonisia Collins as Robin Hood
(photo courtesy of Zephyr)

CTC produced frequent collaborator Greg Banks' Robin Hood adaptation in 2010, in which Reed played Prince John. One difference here is that the title character is played by a female actor and referred to as she/her, which is a fresh and modern choice. We meet the familiar characters from this enduring legend, including Maid Marian, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Friar Tuck, and Little John. As with all of these stories, they go on a series of adventures, banding together to defeat the callous and selfish Prince (and eventually King) John. But it's not exactly a happy ending, more a call to action for all of us to stand up to bullies and despots through the power of friendship.

The joy of this production comes from the performances of the cast, most of whom have worked with CTC, as directed by Reed. He's one of my favorite performers to watch, for the absolute abandon with which he approaches characters, his relentless physicality, and a little bit of meanness in a fun way (see the Grinch, no seriously, if you've never seen it, you can see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at CTC this holiday season and Reed is masterful in the role). Reed's signature comedic performance style is very much in play here, but with each actor also utilizing their own unique skills. Antonisia Collins is a fierce Robin Hood who is easy to root for, someone you want to follow into the woods and into danger. The other three actors all play multiple parts, and do so well. Jeffrey Nolan's unique characterizations of the cruel and weak Prince John, the bumbling Friar Tuck, and the preening Will Scarlet are over the top (in a good way). Grace Hillmyer is as natural and affecting as a scared young boy who joins the "Merry Men" as she is as the independently minded Maid Marian. And Brandon Brooks impresses as the delightfully dastardly Sheriff, with some fun interplay with young audience members that I'm sure he learned growing up on the CTC stage. (There is a bit of opportunity for audience participation, so maybe don't sit in the front row or on the aisle if that's not your jam. But the kiddos enlisted in the sack race seemed to enjoy it!)

Jeffrey Nolan and Grace Hillymer
(photo courtesy of Zephyr)

Musician Jay Scoggin performs a few songs before the show, and provides a constant underscoring throughout the show, as well as playing a few characters. But as I noted last time I saw Zephyr outdoors, the sound system leaves a little to be desired. It's a bit too loud and picks up things like wind, and it often sounds like the music is coming from the speaker on the side instead of the musician in front of us. I would love it if they could figure out a way to not have the actors miked in the intimate outdoor space.

According to an interview with Reed on Twin Cities Live, the set was cobbled together from items found at Aamodt's, including a couple of flatbed trailers, some barrels and crates, and various dead trees and branches, to create a fun and rustic playground for the cast. They perform some entertaining fight choreography, using baseball bats as swords and bows with imaginary arrows. The cast is dressed in matching white tank tops and shorts (which they probably appreciate on a hot summer day), with various pieces added to differentiate characters (no set designer, fight choreographer, or costume designer listed in the program).

Outdoor theater is one of Minnesota's fleeting summer pleasures (when it's not too hot), and this is a fun and playful one that fits well in the natural environment.