A PANTO ON TARGET
Laguna Playhouse, in concert with Lythgoe Productions, has fashioned an Americanized version of the classic, wildly popular, British holiday pantomime. While it may not check all the boxes for our friends across the pond, it features plenty of verbal treasures ripe for its target audience (i.e. families anxious to entertain the children with broad, stageworthy antics, etc.). 
The Sherwood Forest adventures celebrated in ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARION are populated with all the usual suspects. In addition to the title characters, the attentive youngsters attending this performance encounter his merry band of cohorts including “Little John” and “Friar Tuck” and, of course, the villainous “Sheriff of Nottingham” (BOO!). Immersed in a selection of 1970’s disco hits from the likes of Donna Summer, the Pointer Sisters and the Bee Gees, the show benefits from these embellishments along with the musical interludes provided by resident Sound Designer Ian Scot in addition to Jamjor Music.
Kristopher Lythgoe has crafted a book giving due credit to the basic story elements, carving out freedom for the hero to rob from the rich and give to the poor, allowing the heroine opportunities to demonstrate her cunning in addition to her physical prowess as 
well as providing the villain quite a few instances to be bamboozled, together with his coterie of bumbling henchmen. The script, though, screams for a few carefully designed entrances for “Robin” to generate cheers from the audience. Not only that, this critic is not sure that all of the disco insertions warrant the “mirror ball”, although there can be no doubt the “Disco Inferno” set the Moulton Theatre ablaze and “Le Freak” offered choreographer Mason Trueblood a palette of bizarre, contorted movements which appear just right in amping up the silliness factor.
Mr. Trueblood’s dances provide jolts of energy to the zany goings-on and all of his dancers are right on the mark. Shout out, in particular, to James Velasco and Bryce Moyer who deserve some extra recognition for their notable prowess.
Title players Michael James Ryan (who may have been a bit “tight” – I know, insert GROAN here) and Sohm Kapilka (who still needs a dose of demure near the beginning and a sprinkle of sly applied to her manipulative nature) will undoubtedly secure their 
footing as they settle into the run. Featured player Jo Osmond (“Sherwood Sprite”) handles the narration with airy ebullience. Likewise, Tyler Shilstone (“Little John”) flexes the muscle appropriately, while Daniel Kim (“Friar Tuck”) approaches the altar of godliness with his own version of piety (in this case, no need for a diet anytime soon!). All in the Ensemble, no matter the task, perform admirably as well.
Sherwood Forest could not thrive for sure without the enormous contributions of two thespians who fill the stage with a heavy helping of mirth. This critic “sure would” like to recognize the talents of Jared Machado (“Will Scarlett”) and Andrew Lynford (“Sheriff of Nottingham”) respectively. The former galvanizes the appreciation of the young ‘uns with a steady diet of glee, kneading the collective appreciation for these onstage hijinks. The latter slithers around the stage with evil aplomb, prompting those in the seats to relish his undoing. Bravo, guys!
As for the physical production, Ian Wilson succeeds with the scenic elements without getting lost in the forest. Likewise, Nita Mendoza’s lighting is truly “lit”. In addition, Tiffany Maxwell’s costumes impress with special note warranted for the ladies of the Ensemble, “Robin Hood”, “Sheriff of Nottingham”, ”Sherwood Sprite” and the wedding party of the Finale.
Lastly, any observer would be remiss by not recognizing the contributions of Director Bonnie Lythgoe who squeezes the glue which melds this entire enterprise together. YAY!
In case you are wondering, Covid protocols currently in force do not require vaccinations, although face masks are required. Guests will be happy to know that compliance appears to be widespread. In fact, this critic only witnessed one mature gentleman ignoring this requirement throughout the show; then again, he may have been somewhat inebriated as evidenced by his occasional goofy exclamations.
So, join the merry band of outlaws in residence at the Moulton Theatre in Laguna Beach. Help the theatre celebrate its 100th Anniversary while you’re at it. Don’t forget to bring the kids (who likely will welcome the opportunities to cheer and boo w/o the admonition of their parents).
pc: Mason Trueblood
Theatre Curtain Calling… Reviewing the Situation
