'Robin Hood' steals the laughs

You'll have to act fast if you want to see the play "Robin Hood," as the Carson Performing Arts at Carson High School presents this year's Fairytale Theatre on Friday only. That's right - just one show for the general public at the Carson City Community Center.

Robin Hood and the others from the story in Sherwood Forest are all on hand for the show. But this is not an historical drama, no-laughs event. This is Robin Hood about as far removed from the old Errol Flynn swashbuckling epic as possible.

Director Jonathan Josten (from the Josten theatrical family) has made this his senior project, and with the help of classmates has turned the tale into a kind of happy farce.

"Robin Hood is a story that continually evolves, and this production will be another facet of that evolution," Josten said. "In the beginning, the stories were passed on through a strictly verbal avenue; however, this story has (been) transformed into a billion-dollar cinematic experience."

You remember the villain, the sheriff of Nottingham. Jeremiah Jones is the sheriff in this version. And if he's the toughest villain around, Robin Hood has nothing to worry about. This sheriff can't even keep his skivvies up, and is as blithe as a hummingbird.

Robin Hood himself, Josh Rankin, has trouble with his rakish hat, which falls off at critical moments. When he swings onto the stage on a rope, he does it with something less than panache.

But never mind, this Robin is a jolly fellow, and when he engages in the famous archery contest with the sheriff's man, he shows he can shoot a mean toy arrow, even if you don't get to see it hit the target offstage.

Friar Tuck is on hand in the person of Robert Stewart. He handily beats Robin in a duel with staffs, and winds up joining the party. Lady Merle (don't remember her from my fourth-grade readings) is properly indignant, and a beautifully costumed Hollie Eiswert.

Kirstin Charles is a dainty miss Maid Marian and, of course, the love interest of Robin. She is puffily gowned and shy and retiring - as any good maid of the times would be. Little John (Jake Williams) is just the right, towering size for the role, and Mark Hernandez is a fine Will Scarlet (don't remember him, either).

The jesters Brittney Kinsey and Kenni Kinsey are poofed up in bells and caps and help the audience know when to clap and when to boo with signs (FYI, "yay" means "yeah" in today's theater).

Sarah Ferguson as stage manager keeps everyone hustling along. The indefatigable Karen Chandler, of Carson High School, created the costumes along with Ferguson. Josten did the set design, and Rebekkah Crounk works the light switches.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $3 for children/ students/seniors, $5 for general admission. And if anybody is running short of cash, Pat Josten can probably fix you up with a freebie. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds from the show go toward Carson Performing Arts' budget for program costs, supplies and awards.

There will also be special showings for groups from schools, preschools and day-care centers today at 9:30 and 12:30 p.m. A performance was held Wednesday for other school groups. So by Friday, the cast should have lines down pat.

• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

If you go

WHAT: Carson Performing Arts Fairytale Theatre's presentation of "Robin Hood"

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

TICKETS: $3 for children/

students/seniors, $5 for general admission

CALL: 887-0438