On Stage: Ludwig Goes to Sherwood

Playwright Ken Ludwig’s first produced work, 1986’s Lend Me a Tenor, won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century” by The Washington Post. Six years later, his Crazy for You ran on Broadway for five years, on London’s West End for three, taking home both Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. There have been more than 30 additional plays authored by Ludwig, one of the most prolific playwrights of our time, with titles including Moon Over Buffalo, Leading Ladies, A Fox on the Fairway, A Comedy of Tenors and The Game’s Afoot, all of which have been staged locally over the years. 

Now, the Theatre Group at SBCC, which has produced several of Ludwig’s works, is mounting one of his more recent efforts, one with a story that should be familiar to everyone. Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is populated by the immortal (if mythical) title character – as well as Little John, Friar Tuck, and yes, Maid Marian – to relate the tale of a hero of the people who endeavors to rob from the rich and give to the poor. Ripe with thrills and romance as well as Ludwig’s unusual ledger of laughter, the adaptation is fast-paced, frothy and funny fare meant to entertain heartily. 

SBCC Theatre Co-Chair Katie Laris, who previously helmed productions of Ludwig’s Afoot and Tenors, directs a sizeable Robin Hood cast that features SBTG vets Nicholis Sheley as Robin, Justin Davanzo as Friar Tuck, Rachel Jordan Brown as Marian, Tyler Gilbert as the Sheriff alongside a number of current SBCC students, including Adrian Arias as Little John, for the February 28 – March 15 run. 

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