As far as I can recall, the family shows at SBTS have never been anything less than fantastic. They are always clever, witty, fast-paced and entertaining for children and adults alike. That being said, this year's Robin Hood is in a class of its own. Both the script and music are polished and sophisticated. The no-holds-barred fight scenes are thrilling and funny. The cast is a nice mix of familiar and local (like Kevin Macpherson as the evil and dim-witted Prince John) and "imported" (Jeremy Hutton as the suitably heroic yet slightly conceited Robin). The show is replete with running gags, pop culture references and lovely, amusing twists on the familiar story. Especially delightful is the addition of Sven, a new falsetto-voiced Merry Man played by Simon Rainville. Honestly, summer theatre doesn't get any better than this!
To Sept 4, Shakespeare by the Sea, bottom parking lot of Point Pleasant Park, $15, 422-0295, shakespearebythesea.ca for dates and times
