As they say in the forest, “free yourself of humduggery” and join the cast of Robin Hood at the Mid-Ohio Valley Players opening Friday June 17 at 7:00 pm. Your adventure includes a romp through Sherwood Forest, a night at the Blue Boar Tavern, and visits to the castle while you are immersed in the action as the cast uses the entire theater to bring this classic play to life. Directed by Amber Smrek with assistance from Angela Shrader and Sherri Knapp, the Players bring to life the adventures of a merry band of thieves under the direction of Robin Hood (or perhaps the beguiling Maid Marian) who steal from the rich and give to the poor all while thwarting the evil Sheriff.

But don’t let the idea of “classic” dissuade you from attending. This version of Robin Hood is hysterical with lots of biting sarcasm and action and even some drunken revelry.  Ms. Smrek and her team choreographed an abundance of fight scenes.  The cast fights with everything:  long swords, short swords, large sticks, swords in one hand, swords in both hands.  If they can fight with it, they do, with enthusiasm!

The best fighter of them all?  Maid Marian, brought to life by Players newcomer Erika Jennings.  New to the area but not new to community theater, Ms. Jennings’ Marian is a wise-cracking heroine who not only can wield a sword or two but she wins the guy in the end.  Playing Maid Marian “felt like destiny” and the perfect role to introduce her to the local theater scene.  You’ll enjoy watching Maid Marian as she not only wins the heart of Robin Hood but will also enchant the audience.

Each member of the cast has their shining moment, but a few stand out.  Friar Tuck, played by John Burns, is hysterical during one scene where he enjoys a little snack and conversation with himself.  George Faber, who portrays Much, brings his vocal and comedic talents to the stage as he sings his way through several scenes and is properly manhandled by Little John, played by equally funny Justin McKown.  Nicholas Rake, as minstrel Alan-a-Dale, brings a steady presence and quite a bit of musicality in each of his scenes.

Audience members will recognize many of the Players from their previous performances this year along with some new faces.  Ike Eastwood will make you boo out loud as the villainous Sheriff while Nathaniel Maciag shows a range of emotions as the evil Guy of Gisborne.  Making his debut performance on the main stage is 12-year-old Leon Elliott who plays one of the Merry Men.  Also new to the Players are Rebecca Maciag, Sam Bidwell, and Lindsey Dornon.

Robin Hood, sponsored by WesBanco, opens Friday, June 17 at 7:00 pm. Additional show times are June 24 and 25 at 7:00 pm and June 18 and 26 at 3:00 pm.  Tickets cost $13 and are available at midohiovalleyplayers.org or at the box office.

But let’s get back to the fighting.  There’s a lot of it! Word to the wise: don’t sit in the front two rows or you will literally end up in a sword fight.

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The Mid-Ohio Valley Players open their 2021-2022 season with a lighthearted British comedy, Bedroom Farce. Written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Kermit Polan, this fast-paced 1970s era romp through three bedrooms showcases the trials and tribulations of four couples brought together one night for a house warming party. 

“The biggest challenge of the show was trying to squeeze three bedrooms onto our stage” shared Polan. This was accomplished by stacking the rooms one behind the other. Effective use of lighting makes it easy to follow the action between the bedrooms.

The play centers around a disastrous party, hosted by Kate and Malcolm. A fight, tears, a misplaced kiss, and some pretty odd affirmations drive husband and wife, Trevor and Susannah, into the bedrooms of every other couple. Trying to save their marriage, Trevor and Susannah seek advice and solace from the other couples. Wonderfully neurotic Trevor, just doesn’t understand that the world does not revolve around him while Susannah, who is so broken, ends up in the bed of Trevor’s mother for some lessons on a happy marriage.

While the entire cast is wonderfully talented, Morgan Maciag and husband, Nathaniel Maciag who play Jan and Nick, are quite frankly hilarious. Their physical comedy combined with witty writing keep the audience laughing throughout the entire play.

To contrast them are seasoned actors, Kathy Biery and George Faber, who bring a more subtle depiction of marriage. They keep their home fires burning with naughty bedtime snacks and lots of innuendo. This is not the first time these two actors have played love interests so their natural chemistry makes watching their scenes heartwarming and relatable.

MOVP welcomed newcomer Ashton Michael to the stage as the ditzy Kate who brings a lighthearted touch to her character. Playing opposite of her is husband Dyrk who takes the audience through the rollercoaster of emotion as his marriage is tested.

Ike Eastwood and Vanessa Rake are the glue that holds the plot together as they bounce from bedroom to bedroom disrupting everyone else’s lives while trying to fix their own shortcomings. Both actors bring humor and angst to their roles. 

This play does contain some mature themes.

The MOVP is a totally volunteer organization providing quality entertainment. Bedroom Farce has three remaining shows:  September 24 and 25 at 8:00 and September 26 at 3:00. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

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