Epic Sword Fights and Medieval Hijinks Ensue in Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
ISSAQUAH, WA – Village Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the first show of their 2023–2024 season, Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood. From comic mastermind Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You) comes this rollicking and inventive play packed with contagious laughs, raucous swashbuckling, and delightful thrills to entertain adults and kids alike. Performances will be held in Issaquah from September 12 to October 15, 2023, and in Everett from October 21 to November 12, 2023.
“Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is a delicious, ridiculous, and wildly fun romp,” said Village Theatre Artistic Director Adam Immerwahr. “Designed for audiences of all ages, this frothy play aims to be the funniest Robin Hood you’ve ever seen.”
This is the first show programmed by Village Theatre’s new leadership, Immerwahr and Managing Director Laura Lee, who both joined the theatre in July 2022. It’s also the first Village production directed by Immerwahr—an artistic choice that playwright Ken Ludwig finds particularly meaningful.
“To choose this play at the very beginning of his tenure, it’s very touching,” says Ludwig. “We spent a lot of time at McCarter Theatre together and I’ve seen his work many times. He’s so smart and knowledgeable and on top of that, he’s really masterly at comedy. Knowing that my play is in such good hands – it’s the world. It’s everything.”
Upping the on-stage stakes of Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood are Fight Director J. Allen Suddeth and Associate Fight Director Geoffrey Alm, two of only 25 recognized Fight Masters in the United States.
“One of my favorite things about working on this show is the chance to work with these two incredible Fight Masters,” said Immerwahr. “We’ll see quarterstaffs, broadswords, daggers, and more —and bows and arrows that will make your jaw drop.”
In this familiar tale, a greedy prince has taken control of England, and it is up to Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men—and women!—to fight for justice and champion for the underdog. Robbing from the rich has never been so much fun! This ridiculously funny production will add a new chapter to the timeless legend, bringing joy to the whole family.
The cast includes Alegra Batara (Maid Marian and others), Quinlan Corbett (Little John and others), Mark Emerson (Sheriff of Nottingham and others), Billy Finn (Sir Guy of Gisbourne and others), Arika Matoba (Deorwynn and others, Dance Captain), Brandon O’Neill (Friar Tuck and others, Fight Captain), Ricky Spaulding (Robin Hood), and Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Prince John and others).
Understudies include Kyle Henick (Little John, Prince John, and others), Jason Marr (Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham, and others), Michael Nevárez (Robin Hood, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and others), and Chelsey Sheppard (Maid Marian, Deorwynn, and others).
Bringing Robin Hood’s medieval jungle gym to life is the creative team: Scenic Designer Misha Kachman, Original Costume Designer Jess Goldstein, Costumes Reimagined by Chelsea Cook, Lighting Designer Nancy Schertler, Sound Designer Nick Kourtides, Choreographer Cy Paolantonio, and Stage Managers Ruth Eitemiller and Susannah Butler.
They’re joined by Associate Fight Director Geoffrey Alm, Associate Director Jasmine Joshua, Dialect Coach Gin Hammond, Assistant Scenic Designer Brandon Riel, Associate Lighting Designer Casey Price, Dramaturg Ellen Peltz, Assistant Stage Manager Brigid Ridge, Production Assistant Nicola Krause, Intimacy Consultant Kathryn Van Meter, and Casting Director Jes Spencer.
Season subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased now through Village Theatre’s Box Office in-person in Issaquah (303 Front Street, Issaquah) or Everett (2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett), by phone at (425) 392-2202, or online at VillageTheatre.org/Sherwood. Masks will be optional for all Village Theatre performances in the 2023–2024 season.
Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood was originally developed and produced at The Old Globe, Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director, Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director. This production is produced in association with Cleveland Play House and presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
ABOUT VILLAGE THEATRE
Based in Issaquah, WA, with operations in Everett, WA, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musicaltheatre in the Pacific Northwest. Producing entertaining, quality productions since 1979, Village Theatre has grown into one of the region’s best-attended theatres. Through its Village Originals program, Village Theatre is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new musicals, having supported the creation of over 175 new works to date. Village Theatre also takes pride in nurturing tomorrow’s audiences through its Youth Education programs, serving thousands of young people and their families annually.
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FOR EDITORS/PRODUCERS
WHAT:
Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
Directed by ADAM IMMERWAHR
Robbing from the rich has never been so fun! A greedy prince has taken control of England, and it is up to Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men—and women!—to fight for justice and champion for the underdog. From comic mastermind Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You) comes this rollicking and inventive play, packed with delightful thrills, amorous exploits, contagious laughs, and great beloved heroes like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian. So get ready to dodge an arrow or two—you won’t want to miss a moment of this swashbuckling adventure!
WHERE:
Village Theatre
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre
303 Front Street N, Issaquah
Everett Performing Arts Center (EPAC)
2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett
WHEN:
September 12–November 12, 2023
Issaquah: September 12–October 15, 2023
Everett: October 21–November 12, 2023
TICKETS:
$20–$115 - ON SALE NOW
For tickets and information >> VillageTheatre.org/Sherwood
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VILLAGE THEATRE’S COVID SAFETY PLAN
Masks will be optional for all Village Theatre performances in the 2023–2024 season. For Village Theatre’s up-to-date health and safety protocols, please visit the Village Theatre website>>
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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