Great Lakes Theater’s ‘The Heart of Robin Hood’ is an action packed delight

Over the centuries the character and story of Robin Hood has seen many different interpretations. It is speculated that Robin Hood first appeared in verse during the latter part of the 14^th century as tall tales that were sung or spoken at fairs, after elaborate banquets or around the cozy family hearth of the peasant cottage.

Eventually, the tales were written down as there are surviving manuscripts (mostly in verse) that date to the 15^th century. At some point, these individual broadsheets were collected into a book of some form. The stories portray the forest dweller as anything from a thuggish outlaw all the way to a benevolent and much loved hero of the common people. Regardless, Robin Hood has always been portrayed as an anti-establishment forest dwelling sort with a huge ego and personality who was adept at the art of deceit and disguises to foil his enemies. He also had a knack in gathering like minded individuals to join his “merry men”.

In modern times, Robin Hood became the focal point of the movies with such actors as Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe. He even received a comedic treatment in the form of Mel Brooks “Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Added to the various reincarnations is the 2011 version, David Farr’s “The Heart of Robin Hood” which was commissioned by Royal Shakespeare Company. Now on stage in the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square and performed by Great Lakes Theater this production takes a different twist to the ageless tale.

To begin with the central figure of the story is not Robin Hood (Evan Stevens) but Maid Marion (Angela Utrera). The Merry Men consisting of Little John (Casey Casimir), Friar (M. A. Taylor), Much (Jonathan Contreras) and Will (Avery LaMar Pope) along with their intrepid leader are content to steal from the rich and keep for themselves.

Marion escapes the clutches of Prince John (Nick Steen) to seek haven in Sherwood Forest with her servant, Pierre (Joe Wegner). They form their own band but more on the lines of sharing with the poor. Evil Prince John is the de facto ruler of England while his brother Richard the Lion Hearted is in the Middle East gallivanting around during the crusades.

All is also not well in Sherwood Forest. The problem lies in the fact that the misogynistic RH and the Merry have formed a “women hating club” (right out of the Little Rascals) in order to live out their plunderous ways without any thought of morals or charity. Tough as nails Marian and Pierre join up with them and convince the crew to accept her as Martin (thin disguise and all) and immediately work to change the rabble for the better.

Meanwhile back at the castle, Prince John tries to force Marion’s Nurse, Makepiece (Jessie Cope Miller) to support him and give information. She refuses and has her tongue cut out for her efforts. Word arrives in the forest that Prince John has captured Sarah (Sophia Ruiz) and Jethro (Gabriel Subervi) Summers and their father, Robert (Jonathan Contreras), who are protesting against new taxes, and threatens to kill them all as an example to the general populace. The forest gang breaks into the castle (apparently security is rather lax) and although the father is hanged manage to rescue the children.

Marian’s ditzy sister Alice (Kelsey Angel Baehrens) comes looking for her sibling and upon finding them alerts Prince John’s men to their whereabouts.

With 14 actors playing 52 characters the show is a master class in costume and wig changes and adapting to various parts. Everyone in the cast works hard to pull off the magic. Most notable are Angela Utrera as the feisty Marian, Joe Wegner as the hilarious Pierre (Big Peter), Evan Stevens as Robin Hood, Nick Steen playing a truly reprehensible Prince John (you can boo and hiss at this point), Kelsey Angel Baehrens as the off kiltered Alice, Jeffrey C. Hawkins as the other meany George LeBrun, Jessie Cope Miller as Makepeace (with and without tongue), T. A. Taylor in six various roles and Gabi Ilg as Plug the Dog who even when the attention was not on her still kept in character.

The sparse stage set by Courtney O’Neill has plenty of room for the fight scenes and a series of secret doors and panels that delight. Esther M. Haberlen costuming is authentic, functional and pleasing. Rick Martin’s lighting design adds the needed nuance for each scene and Paul James Prendergast sound design was crisp. The show was smartly directed by Jaclyn Miller.

This is a refreshing take on a classic and one of the most complete stage productions to date. It literally has everything from a strong female antagonist, truly funny lines, great special effects, really mean villains and some of the most authentic fight scenes ever choreographed on a Cleveland stage. Add to that a tongue in cheek (no pun intended) feel and some madcap action and you have a truly entertaining time in the theater.

The Great Lakes Theater production of “The Heart of Robin Hood” will be on stage in the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio through February 22, 2026. For more information and to order tickets go to https://www.greatlakestheater.org/ or call (216) 241-6000.