Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Theatre of NOTE
Through September 22

RECOMMENDED 

Male actors have always had a lock on the role of Robin of Locksley, whether on stage or screen, but now the provocative Kirsten Vangsness crashes the hallowed fraternity and dons the green feathered cap in this “gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, hilarious new take on the classic Robin Hood myth.”  The play, by Adam Szymkowicz, is imaginatively directed by Christopher Johnson.

As reimagined by the playwright, the fellow who “robs from the rich and gives to the poor,” is actually the fair Maid Marian in disguise, and the infamous band of Merry Men are a mixed bunch of men and cross-dressing women who wreak havoc in Nottingham Court and Sherwood Forest while harassing the flamboyant Prince John (Joel Scher) to madness.

The play opens at the royal archery contest, whose contestants include the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Dan Wingard) and Alanna (Sierra Marcks, who narrates throughout). Alanna is bested in the match by a hobbled, bent-over contestant in a beard and white wig, who unfortunately is outed by the Prince’s knights as being Marian. After that, it’s off to the Tower with her — but not to worry, an escape is in the offing, as well as a plan to relieve the petulant, greedy prince of his gold to help the poor with their exorbitant taxes.

Robin/Marian’s Merry Men are all here, among them the hulking Little John (Stephen Simon), a lovable but not so bright fellow, and Friar Tuck (Alex Eliot -Funk), who during the evening tosses his vows and enjoys some coital bliss with the seductive Lady Shirley (Cat Chengery). Then there’s Tommy of No Consequence (Kristian Bikic) who bungles his way into his own kidnapping; the feisty Much; the Miller’s Son (Kelby Jo McClellan); and Will Scarlett (Alysha Brady), who forms a surprise romantic attachment to Alanna.

It’s a fast-paced, sometimes confusing 99-minute ride that includes many comical turns, a few “naughty” bits, and a hefty display of sword play and quarterstaff clashes (effectively choreographed by Jen Albert and Dawn “Sam” Alden). The script could use trimming, but the show is nevertheless entertaining and fun. The ensemble is solidly engaging, with special nods to Scher’s fem Prince John and Vangsness’s spirited Marian/Robin. The performers also do a fine job with a variety of songs under Jake Anthony’s vocal direction. Linda Muggeridge’s cheeky costumes are a hoot, while scenic designer Bill Voorhees does a whole lot with limited space in his recreation of the environs of both castle and forest.

Theater of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through Sep. 22. www.theatreofnote.com or 323-856-8611. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.