“ …I found my heart full in the presence of a strong, beautiful woman, and that’s how Robin found his.” –From the Director, Brian Johnson’s Notes.

Filled with exciting swashbuckling battles, daring fight scenes, and what proves to be an epic adventure, the Electric Company Theater’s latest fare, The Heart of Robin Hood, might not be exactly what one is expecting, and here’s why. You see, the big switcheroo in this story of Robin Hood is that, surprisingly, the lovely Maid Marion takes the reins, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. 

In this spirited version of Robin Hood, Marion is no longer the graceful and feminine lass who stands by her man in the forest. She is more of a tried and true warrior who stands up to her man. She is brave, determined, and ambitious, but also in love. Whether she is the feminine – yet slightly tomboyish – Marion or disguised as the courageous young Martin, she demonstrates her skills as the young independent aristocrat and fearless opponent who escapes her peril and flees to the woods. 

After an unfortunate first meeting with Robin Hood, she soon forms her own band of brothers. There is an interesting dichotomy in Marion’s character, and it is so much fun to follow along in this reimagined, fun-filled journey. The lovely Jacqueline Alberto (a Demi Moore look-a-like) portrays her feisty character with fire and an explosion of vim and vigor. 

Robin, the forest dweller (who is well-played by the robust and charismatic Wyatt Logan), is nothing more than a notorious scallywag of a bandit who, with his marauding band of un-merry brawling thieves, robs the rich and keeps the dough. Yes, Robin may be a bit of a handsome rogue, but also a bandit; however, it is how he finds the way to his heart and how love changes him into a hero that is the essence of the story. 

This tale is filled with magnificent and colorful characters, and Pierre/Big Peter (scene-stealing Michael Reehl) is at the top of the list. As Marion’s aide, the campy and scared buffoon, Pierre, reluctantly runs into the forest with Marion to stay by her side. Callie Prendiville-Johnson brilliantly portrays Alice, Marion’s crafty and devious younger sister, and with larger-than-life facial expressions, Barbie pink shoes, and a crazy period headpiece, she is every bit the mischievous vamp of a sister with a nasty side and a big fat grudge. 

Despicable Prince John (Bobby Gonzalez) is the true heartless villain who is a recognizable figure in most fairytales, but this baddie has made up his mind to steal the crown and marry Marion, and that might be the biggest mistake of all. With floppy ears and a doggy mask, Hannah Hart jumps around like most loving doggies do, and Plug is as real as can be. Hart deserves applause for being a loving little stage dog who is a heart stealer herself. 

Two absolute must-have mentions are Zachery Ninomiya and Sierra Chavez, as the children, and Jethro and Sarah Summers, who were believable and true professionals in their roles. ECT’s production has an extremely strong cast, and each member plays a vibrant character and is an important part of this story. Scenic Designer Lukas Garberg has created a steep vertical wall of astroturf-like green grass where actors scamper about and slide into their scenes, which highlights their stunts, their dramatic entrances, and especially their phenomenal feats. There is a hidden trap door in the middle of the sky-high wall where characters come in and out during scenes, which also creates a stunning and dynamic effect. 

The amazing fight choreography by Michael Polak has the audience gasping as the full company fights to the finish across the stage. Costume designer Christine Logan has added her magic touch to the colorful period costumes. The band, The Archers, featuring Rob Bethancourt, Josh Irons-Rodriguez, Mike Manzer, Danny Kimes, and Callie Prendiville-Johnson, is one of the star players in this production because this group of merry men + one, “tells” the story in music as the tale moves along. The band, led by Wesley Chavez, is amazing and a real treat for all. Wonderfully directed by ECT’s Co-Artistic Director, Brian Johnson, David Farr’s 2011 play turns things topsy turvy, which makes for a delicious and amusing jaunt through the forest.

The rest of the production team not yet mentioned are as follows: Stage Manager: Zoe Kinne; Assistant Stage Manager: Camile Vargas; Intimacy Coordinator: Callie Prindiville Johnson; Choreographer: Natalie Oga; Lighting Designer: Matt Mankiewicz; Wigs and Beards: Kat Scott; Scenic Construction By Kerry Ufholtz and Running Crew: Lukas Garberg and Kayla Beining. 

The Electric Company Theatre, The Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s Resident Theater Company 1201 West Malvern Ave, Fullerton electriccompanytheatre.org  • (714) 381-2249  Runs June 4th – June 26, 2024.