CHILDREN’S THEATER REVIEW : Action-Packed ‘Robin Hood’ Has Pageantry and Romance to Boot

A wronged youth seeks revenge against a repressive society and, with the help of his vagabond band, rallies the locals to revolt, earns the devotion of his countrymen and the love of a comely maid.

And get this: He’s doing it in Irvine.

This weekend, legend’s most romantic renegade swaggers onto the Irvine Valley College campus in an open-air production of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” a presentation of the Irvine Valley Theatrefaire for Children. Closing performances of this family adventure are scheduled tonight through Saturday.

Director Blake Gould has given us a virile, swashbuckling “Robin Hood” filled with pageantry, romance and action. The trumpets blast, the banners whip in the evening breeze, the ladies swoon and, in several highly realistic clashes staged by fight directors Bob Barnett and Christopher Villa, the good guys beat the living daylights out of the baddies.

The show’s creator, Paul Downey, provided a rough script to Gould, who ultimately “fleshed it out” to include 30 colorful characters, from the witty Friar Tuck to the diabolical Sir Guy of Gisbourne.

Gould has assembled a capable cast of local adults and high school students, headed by 18-year-old Martin Noyes. A senior at Irvine High School who made his Theatrefaire debut at 12 in “Treasure Island,” Noyes gives us a swaggering, passionate Robin, a fellow quick with the wisecracks and quicker still with a bow and arrow. It’s no surprise when the feisty Maid Marian (a fetching Kathleen Simmons) decides to ditch the royal life to be at his side.

Terry Christopher is delightfully nasty as Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Prince John’s devilish henchman, and Mark Downie is valiant and true as Robin’s right-hand man Will Scarlett. Ron Sheehan as Friar Tuck and Tammy Calder as Mistress Bess Quigley provide plenty of laughs throughout, and Jose Lambert is strong as King Richard the Lion Heart (who, unfortunately for England and the audience, doesn’t appear until late in the show).

With the liberal use of live trees, rustic wood pieces and towering flats, set designer Wally Huntoon manages to turn a somewhat bland college courtyard into a variety of romantic settings, from a humble country village to the grand chambers of Nottingham Castle to the most remote corners of Sherwood Forest.

Mary Ann Griego’s costumes are rich in color and texture, especially the studded leather jerkins worn by the sheriff of Nottingham and his men and the coronation vestments of the bishop of Black Cannons. Eric Kerns’ taped accompaniment, which ranges from simple lute music to thunderous orchestrations, is fine but tends to be overly loud during the fight scenes.

One other complaint. Theatrefaire organizers might consider selling a quieter brand of munchies. Even the most imaginative theatergoer will have a hard time transporting himself to Medieval England while his fellow patrons crunch potato chips and crinkle popcorn bags. How about a nice leg o’ mutton or a tankard of ale instead?

Founded in 1982 by Gould and his wife, Charlene, Irvine Valley Theatrefaire presents two family shows each summer on the campus of Irvine Valley College. Earlier this month, they presented “The Everyday Adventures of Harriet Handleman, Super Genius,” an original work by local playwright Greg Atkins. Next season’s schedule will be expanded to include performances of “The Beauty and the Beast” at the new Irvine Barclay Theatre in March.

‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’

An Irvine Valley Theatrefaire production, adapted and directed by Blake Gould. Runs one hour, 30 minutes. One intermission. Recommended for adults and for children aged 6 and up. With Martin Noyes, Mark Downie, Terry Christopher, Ron Sheehan, Gary Kershman, Kathleen Simmons, Tammy Calder, William Dunkelberger and Jose Lambert. Sets by Wally Huntoon. Costumes by Mary Ann Griego. Lighting by Chris Medvitz. Sound by Eric Kerns. Outdoor performances are tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive. Tickets: $7 to $8. Information: (714) 559-3333.