A Review

Megan EB Poff • July 8, 2023

A Review: The Very Fractured Tale of Robin Hood

The Fulton Theatre in tandem with its MainStage shows produced a lovely children’s theatre rendition of the famous tale of Robin Hood which was loosely based on the 1883 novel by Howard Pyle. The show itself was original both in music and in dialogue and was written by local professional actor and director, Randall Frizado. As the patrons entered the theatre lobby, they were greeted by magicians, face painters, and an opportunity to pose in a fun Photo Booth with props to capture the experience. The children were delighted to have these experiences before attending the show.


The stage was cleverly constructed among the pre-existing Titanic set pieces as the actors moved about through the various levels of Sherwood Forest. The set was also level with the audience which made for appropriate banter for the young patrons and mature adults alike. It was an interactive production which made it very enjoyable for the attendees as the main characters in the show were both on and off the stage interacting with the crowd.


The cast consisted of energetic actors who truly enjoyed their roles on the stage. The cast consisted of the the traditional characters of Robin Hood such as Robin Hood (Matt Provencal), Little John (Joshua William Green), Maid Marian (Melissa Blaterwick), Friar Tuck (Zoe Fox), Sheriff of Nottingham (Jay Poff), Prince John (Brad Myer), King Richard (Trevail Maurice), and Wil Scarlett (StephJo Wise). The additional character of Troubadour (Lindsey Grimble Adams) was important in the narrative story telling. Lindsey specifically brought comical delight that was akin to slapstick humor appropriate for the young patrons in the house.


It was a delightful yet succinct show lasting only for an hour – enough time for children to actually pay attention. The plot was focused on freeing Robin Hood. The characters navigated the stage and audience with their iPhone devices to find their way through Sherwood Forrest to escape the conniving and evil Sheriff of Nottingham played by Jay Poff. With Poff’s Cheshire catlike features, he had a natural ability to maintain the villain status throughout the show. His equally diabolical helmer Prince John played by Brad Myer brought forth the spoiled attitude and snark required to fit the role. Duets abound with these two and the voices were in good synchronicity dripping with bad intentions.


Robin Hood played by Matt Provencal, had a lovely rich tenor sound which perfectly paired well with his supposed innocence and youthful frame. He was quite funny too. The conflict between him, Prince John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham brought forth an epic sword fight which involved light sabers much to the delight of Star Wars aficionados. In alliance with Robin Hood, there was Little John (Joshua William Green) whose sarcasm and mild frustration in certain conflicts were apparent through vibrant facial expressions. Green was ideal in this particular role as the humanistic subtleties of frustration were ever so telling. Not to leave out the comical Friar Tuck (Zoe Fox) and Wil Scarlett (StephJo Wise) both played by comical actresses whose references to epic girl power made many an audience member chuckle with delight.


There were moments where children in the audience had the opportunity to participate. Such as when Sheriff of Nottingham (Jay Poff) invited them to the archery competition from their seats to win the hand of Maid Marian (Melissa Blatherwick). There was also the ending where King Richard (Trevail Martin) made a comical conclusion as the rightful ruler of the kingdom and stated that the children were also his loyal subjects - this was of course after they gave away the location of evil Prince John (Brad Myer).


The production of The Very Fractured Tale of Robin Hood was adorable, fun, interactive, and quite entertaining. Frizado’s music was composed in simple and singable melodies which children were able to hum away with in the lobby. It was apparent the actors were having a great time on stage and the audience enjoyed watching them. Performances were held from April 29-May 20th and made for an ideal getaway for local primary schools as a field trip option. If there any criticism for this show, it is that there were not enough of them.


Rating 4.5/5
- Megan Poff



Meet Megan

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Megan Poff, a coloratura soprano, is most noted for her works in Baroque and 20th Century Music. She is currently serving in the Music Department at York College of Pennsylvania. Her previous collegiate experience was teaching voice and music literature at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  

Megan has taught many area professionals who have performed in local theater venues such as: Sight and Sound Theatres, Fulton Theatre, Dutch Apple Theatre, AMT, PRiMA, Hershey Area Playhouse and numerous National Broadway Tours. Her students have also found success in acceptance to competitive graduate music programs, National Television spots and most notably, Broadway. She is a member of NATS and is currently involved with helping facilitate the next round of auditions locally at the Allegheny Mountain Chapter. 

Megan is passionate about teaching all genres of music and has made it a mainstay with instruction to teaching voice. Historical reference, detail to communication with text, pedagogical technique are all foundational elements she provides to her students. 

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Nostalgia

By Megan Poff • December 9, 2020
Nostalgia. It’s a word that most sums up a complicated emotion when it comes to grief. In the Webster dictionary nostalgia means: "a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition”. The etymology of the word nostalgia comes from combination of the Greek words: “nostos” which means return home and “algos” which means pain. So nostalgia truly means painful homecoming. It’s apparent to me how this emotion is a tough one. Home is a place of security, familiarity and peace. Pain is an emotion of hurt, discomfort and sorrow. When you combine these two emotions together it is the recognition that you cannot go back to once was, and the holidays are a nostalgic reminder that you cannot have what “once was” when love ones have passed. In 2015, my Father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and my Mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer that same year. As a believer in Christ, it was honestly the most confusing season in my life. Within three years, both of my parents slipped into eternity 18 months apart from one another. Illness had taken their physical well-being. If I’m being honest, it was incredibly hard to reconcile the glorious power of God and His miracles while having death literally surround me. I was angry. I was hurt. I was heartbroken. I thought... “God, why do you hate me so much to take BOTH of my parents? Why aren’t you the healer that you say you are in your Word? Why me?” I embraced victim-hood so quickly at that time. But The Most High is long suffering and revealed to me His truth. He brought to me passages in His Word that reminded me I’m not alone in my pain... that Jesus was literally a man of sorrows as mentioned in Isaiah 53:3. That in Him I can find peace and comfort. So while the holidays approach and the existential dread of being reminded of what I no longer have... my Mom unloading presents from her car or my Dad singing a Christmas Carol somewhat off key, I AM reminded of the greatest gift to mankind Jesus who the Prophet Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 9:6 “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given unto us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” That last name I hold on tightly to... The Prince of Peace. He gives the most ultimate freedom from disturbance, pain and even nostalgia - this is why I keep going in the faith. That is why even though the holidays are hard, I understand that the Savior of the world bore our sorrow, bore our grief and understands us at the deepest level possible. It is truly the greatest gift imaginable. This is why I can celebrate simultaneously the joy and nostalgia of Christmastime. While, yes... I miss my parents, memories had and sorrow for memories we will not have. I am reminded that this life is a temporary one. Jesus isn’t limited to a holiday, and He gives me as mentioned in Isaiah 61:3 “a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning.” Joy to the world, indeed! For Jesus is the greatest gift of all. Remember that as you sing your Christmas carols this year and unwrap your presents from loved ones. It is always and should always be only about Him.

This Thing Called Life

By Megan Poff • October 20, 2020
Will post more later... when I find the time! So much to share, but I'll be posting soon. Promise. XO ~ Meg~

Staying Healthy

By Megan EB Poff • March 6, 2020
Hello Music Fans! It has been a long time since I wrote on my blog. It's shameful, I know. I was somewhat distracted with other events happening this past year that did not allow me the freedom to write as often as I wanted. I'm back now, and with a promise to be faithful to my weekly outro. With everything going on in the world regarding health and wellness - I thought I would give a quick tip to help with homeopathic remedies as we know that hand washing, avoiding germs by keeping your hands away from your face are the common sense ways to stave off colds and flu. I had a foreign exchange student in my early years of teaching. One day in the studio, I was feeling poorly. Tickle in my throat... sniffles... bad headache.... She suggested that I go home and boil a pot of water. Once the water was hot enough for my feet to feel the heat (but NOT burn), you soak them. Put your feet in the hot water (NOT BOILING WATER... there is a difference!) and let them soak for a minimum of twenty minutes. Afterward, while your feet are still wet, take the fuzziest socks you own and put them on. DO NOT DRY YOUR FEET BEFORE PUTTING THE SOCKS ON. It will defeat the purpose. Go straight to bed. I did this and miraculously I woke up with no symptoms. I felt 100% better and thanked her upon our next lesson. Amazingly, your feet have nerve endings which are connected to the ear, nose and throat. If we give our feet a chance to relax in hot water, this also allows freedom for your body to respond appropriately. Do this when symptoms first arrive, otherwise it might be a wasted effort. And always... drink lots of water! Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! - Meg

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