Had I known Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is a complete “huzzah” and “tally-ho” audience-inclusive affair, I’d have rethought my regular theater attire in favor of Renaissance fair garb. Though the show doesn’t take it to the extremity of a Rocky Horror Show cult, this production pleasantly invites the audience to join in the iconic story of Robin of Locksley and his journey to become a champion of civil disobedience. It’s a lighthearted and quick-paced experience that spills into the quaint streets of Ferndale, where one can imagine horse-drawn carriages and bloomer-and-bonnet-clad wenches dumping used water from second-story dwellings onto the streets below. The production is fun, entertaining and makes you yearn for a juicy turkey leg to enjoy.
This show could easily veer toward children’s theater with slow, overly articulated and pandering speech geared for younger viewers. Thankfully, director Tyler Egerer avoids that trap and maintains the innocence of the piece while expertly balancing sophistication and naivete — it plays more like The Muppet Movie and less like Sesame Street. Thus, the actors can fully commit without the restraints of a G rating, and more easily encourage an older audience to participate.
I am continually impressed with Michele Simms, here playing Friar Tuck. Expert comedic timing combined with charm, confidence and a deep understanding of character choice easily lures an audience into her world — absolutely a pleasure to watch. Kyra Newell (Deorwynn) is equally confident and engaging. They have an uncanny ability to invest in times when their character is snotty and overbearing with charisma. The approach pays off in their character’s arc and amplifies investment in their well-being necessary for later scenes. Also, the interaction between them and Emma Sickles (Maid Marian) is perfect. Too often, dynamics between powerful women furthers a patriarchal narrative on female competition. These actors maintain their character’s power while encouraging each other’s disposition. Sickles’ performance has glimpses of Much Ado About Nothing’s Beatrice with sharp-tongued wit. Perhaps we will be honored in the future with her in that role. Amadeus Garcia Brown is great. At times I worried about his vocal strain. Relaxing through the throat could allow for a greater emotional impact and save the instrument for later use. As Little John, Nick Hendrix delivers a lovely performance — perhaps more chemistry with Deorwynn to deliver that “awwww” moment for later scenes — otherwise sweet. I have yet to see Jaye Templeton (Sir Guy of Gisborne) in any performance that is subpar. I would have preferred to see more enunciation through the accent, but they are always believable and entertaining.
Carl McGahan’s scenic design is clever and effortless (literally). Save for a couple of moving platforms and fabric trees that get pushed aside like curtains, it relies mostly on backdrop projections gorgeously rendered by Carin Billings. Shaylyn Haitzman’s costume designs are beautiful though I really wanted men in tights — tight tights — to tap into Mel Brooks’ comedy. The backstage crew and stagehands led by Miah Carter deserve a special award (or at least recognition in the program). Every scene change and prop placement was quick, efficient and better than any I have ever seen. A round on Tyler Egerer, perhaps?
Grab the kids, wear a costume, busk with a hurdy-gurdy and audibly react to the shenanigans. This cast is prepared and ready to entertain with a response. The only thing that’s missing is your presence — and the turkey legs.
Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s production of Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood continues through April 26, with Friday performances at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Visit ferndalerep.org or call (707) 786-5483.
Tiggerbouncer Custodio (he/she/they) is an empowered queer Indigenous Filipino artist whose works have been seen on Humboldt stages and elsewhere.
This article appears in Taco Week 2026.