Robin Hood: A Holiday Panto at Piccolo Theatre

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"... Directed by Glenn Proud and Brianna Sloane from Jessica Puller's script, this production follows the form's rigid conventions with a nerdy devotion: topical jokes, a pantomime cow, and a pie fight--all de rigueur--trot dutifully across the stage. Though it seems Piccolo would rather have a good panto than a good show, Robin Hood benefits from several solid performances. Andrew Roberts imparts a bustling comic charm to the traditional role of the Dame, and Ben Muller radiates electric evil as the villainous Sir Guy."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...All the actors throw themselves wholeheartedly into their roles. Amy Gorelow and Vanessa Hughes, the ugly sisters/forest sprites, work together in perfect sync like the best comic duos, and Ben Muller's germophobic villain/Guy of Gisbourne injects just the right amount of wide-eyed crazy into his part. The only drawback to this production is its length; the intermission, while necessary to remove an I Love Lucy-inspired mess onstage, cut the energy of the audience in half, and the scenes in the second act were too short to maintain comic momentum. Still, the audience was rolling in the aisles from beginning to end, and there's not a moment of boredom for children or adults. Piccolo Theatre has produced a holiday panto for eight years running, and if this year's delightful production is any indication, that tradition will continue for many years to come."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Of course, the bad guys intend to capture the ingenuous but opportunistic Maid Marian (name not in program).  But Scarlett (no Wlll since she’s a girl), a scampish Nicole Keating, steals a magic book from the River Spirits that can alter events as it’s written upon.  At first this secret weapon helps Robin and his merry men (klutzy Adam McAleavey as Little John and cool-dude Maxx Miller as Alan A Dale) to rescue the damsel in distress (something he has to do about once a week, it seems).  But the spell-binding tome becomes a curse which must be returned to the Spirits (hammy Vanessa Hughes and another uncredited performer) who then set everything right.  So Robin and Marian are reunited for the umpteenth time, while the Sheriff is tricked into marrying Maid Marian’s oversexed nursemaid Bess (a drag role played by Andrew Roberts with pluck and gall)."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...Other memorable moments include Noah Ginex’s magic scene and puppetry design, as well as Vanessa Hughes and Amy Gorelow playing the evil spirits of the Dark Forest, busting out a power ballad just like the 1980’s duo, Heart. But the show really is about the pact between audience and players to have a ridiculous, raucous good time. To that end, bring your friends and family. And watch out for the whipped cream."