Shows · Robin Hood
Robin Hood
Opened 1891
40 performances
Musical, Origins
The most celebrated American operetta of the 19th century, Robin Hood was produced by a touring company that first presented it in Chicago in June 1890. Though hastily put together at a total cost of $109.50, the musical caught on and was remounted in a more stylish production. It made an auspicious New York bow at the Standard Theatre (then on Broadway at 32nd Street), but its run was cut short because of a prior booking. Eight revivals were shown in the city, the last in 1944. The story remains faithful to the familiar legend about Robin and his merry band of altruistic outlaws who dwell in Sherwood Forest and take from the have-lots and give to the have-nots. In addition to Robin’s beloved Maid Marian, the well-known characters include Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, and Alan-a-Dale (a traditionally female part originated by Jessie Bartlett Davis, who scored a hit singing the interpolated “Oh, Promise Me!”). This was the third musical created by the team of Reginald DeKoven and Harry B. Smith, who collaborated on a total of 17, including the unsuccessful sequel, Maid Marian.
- Music
- Reginald DeKoven
- Lyrics
- Harry B. Smith
- Book
- Harry B. Smith
Productions9 on Broadway
Songs4 songs
Song of Brown October Ale, Oh, Promise Me!, Tinkers’ Chorus, Ah, I Do Love Thee
Recordings 5 recordings
'It was that choreographed, that perfect, that astonishing,' recalls Jess. 'John Gielgud later told me, 'There were things about it that were breathtaking.' And when Hamlet died and there was the 'Good Night, Sweet Prince' part, it was touching and moving.' 91
Before the Parade Passes By Gower Champion and the Glorious American Musical Joh, p. 369Something wrong here? Correct a field or report the problem. Every change is recorded in public under the contributor licence.