The Robber Bridegroom

The Robber Bridegroom

Roundabout Theatre Company

Laura Pels Theatre

March 20, 2016

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of The Robber Bridegroom is creative and vivacious.  Director Alex Timbers and Choreographer Connor Gallagher have invigorated this “Mississippi Fairy Tale” with traditional story telling practices, flawless comic timing, and footstomin’ rhythmic patterns that make this show ninety minutes of high energized fun.  What they do on the small stage at the Laurel Pels Theatre is amazing. 

When the Bandit in the Woods, who “steals with style,” robs from Rosamund (played by Ahna O’Reilly), her father (played by Lance Roberts) asks his trusted friend, Jamie Lockhart (played by Steven Pasquale), to find the Bandit and restore his daughter’s honor.  Little does anyone know (except the audience) that the Bandit and Jamie are one in the same.  The plot thickens.  Rosamund realizes she has fallen in love with the Bandit.  Little Harp, a rival bandit (played by Andrew Durand), wants Jamie out of the picture.  Rosamund’s evil step mother (played by Leslie Kritzer) wants Rosamund dead.  After much expected Natchez-style mayhem, love wins out in the end.

Ahna O'Reilly & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The ensemble is strong and unified.  Their timing and vigor are impeccable.  Steven Pasquale is suave and commanding in the lead role.  Ahna O’Reilly’s singing voice is sultry and captivating.  Lance Roberts is endearing as father, husband, and wealthy land owner, Clement Musgrove.  Leslie Knitter is cunning and over the top funny as the envious step mother, Salome.  There are additional outstanding performances from Andrew Durand, Greg Hildreth, Evan Harrington, Nadia Quinn, and Devere Rogers.

The cast of The Robber Bridegroom
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The set design by Danyale Werle extends out into the audience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckons involvement.  The lighting design by Jake DeGroot and Jeff Croiter effectively transforms the space moment by moment.  The costumes by Emily Rebholz are simple and effective.

If you are a believer in love, passion, and happy endings then this show is for you.  If you are not, then you really need to see this show.  Just go and have fun!  The Robber Bridegroom runs at the Laura Pels Theatre through May 29.

Domenick Danza