Almost a year to the day since the last time I was at A.R.T. (American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA), I returned to see The Heart of Robinhood.
This was one of those shows that isn't really considered a musical, but it's not quite a play either (think Peter and the Starcatcher).
The first thing I noticed when I walked in the theater was set, because honestly it was amazing. When I was at A.R.T. last year, the space was set up as a typical proscenium-style theater. This time the stage extended onto the floor and there was seating on the right and left side of the thrust and then the normal stadium style was across from that. We sat in row I, seats 33-35. I honestly don't think there was a bad seat in the house for this show -- the way the space was set up allowed for great sight lines. I was in the last seat on house left and I didn't miss anything.
After I assessed the differences in seating, I looked up and saw tree branches extending onto the ceiling from the tree on the stage. It was like walking into a forest. The band (Poor Old Shine), a Mumford and Sons-esque group of men with odd facial hair, greeted the audience when the doors opened and played for the fifteen minutes until the show. They fit right in with the set, set the overall tone of the show -- hip, new, cool, but also aged, and they sounded great. Having them come up into the audience was a nice touch. Poor Old Shine played during scene changes, and provided the soundtrack to the show. The cast did sing a few times as well.
The show itself wasn't the most brilliant thing I have ever seen, but it was a lot of fun. The word that comes to mind every time someone asks me what I thought is "charming" because that's exactly what it was. You couldn't help but fall in love with Robinhood. You couldn't help but adore the flamboyant and up-on-pop-culture servant, Pierre. And you couldn't help but be wowed by the special effects and the gorgeous twinkle lights and the beautiful costumes.
So yeah, it was a little contrived and some of the jokes were too obvious, but it was almost a farce. And I appreciated that it was smart, the humor was enjoyable and the audience was filled with kids laughing and adults.
I don't know where this show is going (if anywhere), but it was a fun afternoon at the theater.
And Robinhood's body was worth the $65 ticket price. Classic.
