By snoadmin
The story of Robin Hood and his merry men has been around for ages, dating back to medieval times. “Robin Hood” is famous for its message of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The All American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall did not stray from this overall theme in its production of “Robin Hoodwinked.” It did, however, crank up the theatrical effects and add a modern and comedic twist to this timeless legend.
Writer and director Ken Sparks was hysterical as he also took the stage as the narrator and town crier. With his mini guitar in hand, similar in shape to a lute, an instrument used in medieval times, Sparks entertained the crowd with song during each scene change, accompanied by pianist, Rick Illes. The hilarious songs enlightened the audience with a synopsis of what had happened in the story and a prelude of what was to come. The duo had the audience smiling and swaying as each of the melodies were taken from a familiar TV show theme song like The Addams Family, The Brady Bunch and Cheers.
The production was interactive, as the crier explained to the audience that they must “boo the villain, cheer the hero and aw the damsel in distress,” each time that character entered the stage. The viewers complied. Each time Robin Hood leapt onto the stage in his bright green tights, boasting a very manly pose with a fist on each hip and wearing an obnoxiously cheesy smile, the crowd cheered and roared in laughter.
In sync with the latest and historic healthcare bill recently passed this March, “Robin Hoodwinked” reeked of themes of taxes and government. As the original story goes, the evil sheriff of Rottingham was raising taxes on the poor, only in this version, he was using the extra dough to buy flat screen TVs and DVDs. The people of the town were in dire need for their hard earned tax dollars to be used on “health, education and road safety.”
The beautiful Maid Marian, niece of the evil sheriff and played by Emily Pessano, could only take over as the rightful sheriff of Rottingham by getting married. The only man to save the day, of course, is none other than the infamous Robin Hood played by the goofy and hilarious Kevin Kem. His overly dramatic entrances and manly stance kept the viewers in constant laughter. His merry men, Friar Smuck and Long John, were of Robin Hood’s heroic assistance by taking jabs at themselves and adding to the show’s humor.
Although set in the woods of Rottingham featuring costumes from the medieval era, New York culture and reenactments of the mob and The Sopranos were heavily portrayed. The nurse and Maid Marian came well equipped with their own dramatized New York accents, as well.
Gags of Facebook and Google Maps also made the folktale relatable on a more modern level than most renditions.
Even “Jersey Shore” reality star Snooki made it into this modern day comedy. This occured when the crier became the announcer at the miniature golf tournament where a competition for Maid Marian’s hand would take place.
“Hit the ball into the never closing mouth of Snooki,” the crier announced.
Jabs at contemporary news and entertainment kept the audience on their toes, constantly chuckling while good-natured messages made for a truly family-oriented event.
Both children and adults were engaged and entertained by this well-known tale with a new and improved twist.
This show runs through April 24th at The All American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall in Shoreline Village located at 429 Shoreline Village Dr.
