By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
photo by Brian Gawne/ The Gaslight Theatre
True love links the iconic hearts of Robin Hood (Mike Yarema) and Maid Marian (Janee Page) amid the arboreal splendor of Sherwood Forest when they sing "Rockin' Robin!"
When it comes to being a straight arrow, nobody does it better than Sir Robin of Locksley – more popularly known in recent centuries as Robin Hood.
Gaslight Theatre is here to remind us of the tales spread about this idealistic Englishman of Olde by presenting its own lively Gaslight stage version titled, “Robin Hood” or “It Sherwood Be Fun.”
Mike Yarema has the title role, strutting about with his Merry Men: Little John (Brian Hale) and Will Scarlett (Jacob Brown). Before the performance is over, they will be jousting on horseback, swinging from ropes, sword fighting the Sheriff of Nottingham (Todd Thompson), and chasing all manner of lords a-leaping, sometimes wearing sunglasses.
Meanwhile the dastardly Sheriff is joined by Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Jake Chapman), the sorceress Countess (Heather Stricker) and her assistant, Wormwood (David Orley) who is the nefarious provider of rare ingredients for her dark potions.
Together they oppose the noble Robin's cheery band by casting evil spells, predicting the future with the aid of a mystical black eight-ball and singing several songs that prominently include “evil” in the lyrics.
At the heart of this confounding conflict are a pair of defiant beauties: the humble peasant lass Fiona (Erin Thompson) and the irresistible maid herself, Maid Marian (Janee Page).
Whenever Robin and Maid Marian see each other, cheerful birds descend from the theater's overhead rigging to chirp cheerfully, just like they always did in those old Disney movies.
The Gaslight's traditional olio segment following the main show is particularly bright and shiny – a bell-bottom swaying, fanciful, fantastical multi-hued tribute to the Beatles and their sea of unbridled psychedelic joy.
Thoroughly researched in art styles and color combinations, the presentation begins with those four mop tops wearing Nehru-styled gray suits and acting all proper, right on through a 10-song program to the dazzling magical mystery tour, while their beloved yellow submarine keeps making appearances – first seen far away, then closer and closer until a very large portion of it is onstage with the resplendent lads themselves.
The Beatles are played by Yarema, Chapman, Thompson and Brown. Not to be outdone are the Gaslight's own Go-Go Girls – Page, Stricker and Thompson – in equally resplendent mini skirts and other fashions recalling that epic costumery of the 1960s.
Joyful choreography by Katherine Byrnes, mind-sweeping costume designs from Renee Cloutier, wrapped in lighting by David Darland and Michael Mueller, with spirited backdrops and stage designs by Tom Benson complete this vigorous journey of the heart. The co-directors are Byrnes and Yarema, with musical direction by Josh Lamoreaux.
“Robin Hood” and the Beatles olio continue through June 4, with performances Tuesdays through Sundays at the Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Reservations are required. For complete details, visit www.thegaslighttheatre.com or phone 520-886-9428.
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