ROBIN HOOD A comic opera in 3 acts; Music by Reginald de Koven. Book and Lyrics by Harry B. Smith. Opened 28 September, 1891 at the Standard Theatre, New York (35 perfs) Reopened 16 May, 1892 at the Garden Theatre, New York (42 perfs) SYNOPSIS: The story is the conventional one about Robin Hood: Robert, the Earl of Huntington, is stripped of his title, becomes Robin Hood, robbing the rich to help the poor, with the moral assistance of Maid Marian, until his title is restored. All the popular characters are there, Will Scarlett, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham just as they are in contemporary versions of the story. STORY Act 1 In the market square in Nottingham, England, villagers are singing and dancing about the first day of May (“Mayday”) and “Tis the Morning of the Fair”. Friar Tuck, an overweight comic character, sings “As an Honest Auctioneer” about selling goods including a suit of clothes. The milkmaids sing the “Milkmaid’s Song” about how wonderful their life is, followed by Allan-a-Dale who sings about real milkmaids being overworked. Robin Hood and his archers arrive and the chorus sings “Come the Bowmen in Lincoln Green” (the colour of their costumes) about their ideal life in the woods and are welcomed to an archery contest. Allan-a-Dale gets into an argument (in song) with Robin about love and kissing. Friar Tuck joins the argument, and one of the milkmaids, Maid Marian, sings “I Came as a Cavalier”. Robin Hood and Maid Marian sing a duet “Though It Was Within This Hour We Met”. The Sheriff of Nottingham appears and announces his plan to arrange a marriage of his nephew Guy of Gisborne to the beautiful Maid Marian. The Sheriff sings a boastful song “I am the Sheriff of Nottingham” that labels him as the villain. Sir Guy and the Sheriff sing a duet about how Sir Guy should ask Marian to marry him. Maid Marian sings about another boyfriend named Colin while the Sheriff instructs Sir Guy to sing to Marian “Sweetheart, my own sweetheart. Lift up thy bonny eyes”. Robin Hood and the bowmen return and sing about all the prizes they won in the archery contest. Because Robin is to receive his inheritance today, they go to the Sheriff ’s residence, knock on the door, and demand that the Sheriff declare Robin Hood’s title of Earl, title to his land, and cash. The Sheriff comes to the door and refuses all demands. He declares “No Earl are you, you vain, presumptuous youth” and produces forged documents proving that Sir Guy is the Earl. Little John sings to Robin “Come to Sherwood, join our jolly crew.” Robin and his friends exit singing “Away to the woods”. Act 2 In Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and his friends have gathered. Songs include “O Cheerily Sounds the Hunter’s Horn”, “The Tailor and the Crow”, “Brown October Ale”, the “Tinker’s Song”, “O See the Lambkins Play” (a drinking song), and “Ho then for Jollity” (drinking song). Marian sings the “Forest Song” dreaming of Robin. Robin sings a serenade “A Troubadour Sang to His Love”. Allan-a-Dale plans revenge for losing Marian to Robin. The Sheriff, who was pursuing Robin’s followers as outlaws, is himself captured by them and they sing “Put him in the stocks. He is captive, our enemy, we win the game.” Dame Durden sings to the Sheriff: “Faithless one, you’re in a gruesome plight.” But Sir Guy arrives with soldiers and overpowers Robin’s men. Sir Guy and the Sheriff sing “We’re brave as lions, for we’re two to one.” and “Sing hey for the gallows tree”. Robin sings “You have no power to take my life. Marian must be my wife. It is the king’s command.” The Sheriff replies “The King’s command is for the Earl of Huntington. The Earl of Huntington is Guy, and Guy will bridegroom be.” All return to Nottingham.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=