Sherwood Comes Alive: A Look Back at Opening Weekend of Robin Hood and the White Arrow: the Holiday Feast of Stephen

Opening weekend at the Rose Center Theater felt less like the debut of a new holiday musical and more like the beginning of a tradition. From the moment the house lights dimmed and the first notes of “The Song of the People” rose from the orchestra, audiences were pulled straight into Sherwood Forest—a world full of wit, warmth, and wonder. The energy in the building was unmistakable. Patrons entered buzzing with curiosity, some longtime supporters, others first-time visitors arriving with families in tow. By the time the cast took their bows, that curiosity had turned into something else entirely: excitement, gratitude, and the sense that they had witnessed something special.

A Robin Hood With Heart

Leading the adventure is Brennan Eckberg as Robin Hood, whose performance earned an immediate and enthusiastic response. He brings an effortless charm to the outlaw hero—playful when he needs to be, steady and grounded when it matters. What stood out most, though, was his warmth toward the ensemble around him; every scene with the Merry Men felt lived-in, genuine, and deeply collaborative.

A Maid Marian Worth Rooting For

Opening weekend showcased a distinctly beautiful interpretation of Maid Marian by Addison Shay. She delivered a standout performance that drew praise from audiences. Addison leaned into Marian’s compassion and emotional depth, bringing warm, earnest moments that struck a chord with younger audience members. Marian was deeply human, deeply moving, and absolutely essential to Sherwood’s heart.

Villains Who Steal the Spotlight

No holiday musical is complete without larger-than-life villains, and opening weekend delivered them in spades. Chris Caputo as Prince John was met with laughter—and even a few delighted groans—thanks to his magnetic stage presence. It’s clear he’s having fun with the role, and audiences are loving every second of it. Opposite him, Edward Bangasser’s Sheriff of Nottingham struck a perfect balance between menace and humor, grounding every scene he appeared in. Theatergoers familiar with Edward’s history at the Rose were especially touched by the presence of his family onstage with him.

A Merry Band That Feels Like Family

From the younger actors to the seasoned performers, the ensemble was the heartbeat of opening weekend. The Merry Men—played by a fantastic group including Vincent Aniceto, Erik Duane, Ben Tietz, Nathan Willingham, Luke Martucci, and Ben Applegate—brought humor, camaraderie, and memorable musical moments. Sword fights were crisp and exciting, group harmonies were warm and full, and every ensemble scene felt alive with personality. Several families in the lobby after the show remarked that the cast felt “huge in the best way”—a full, bustling world that never once felt crowded or chaotic.

A Visual Story Worth Seeing

The production’s visual design drew a constant stream of compliments throughout the weekend. The lighting, scenic elements, and choreography blended seamlessly to create a version of Sherwood Forest that felt both timeless and distinctly holiday-infused. Particular audience favorites:

• The gypsy dance sequences, vibrant and full of movement

• Marian and Sophie’s castle scenes, lit with soft warmth and layered detail

• The group numbers that filled the stage from end to end

• The climactic White Arrow moment, which earned audible reactions from the crowd

The stills from these scenes will be stunning—especially those capturing the ensemble mid-motion, the swordplay, and the quieter character beats backstage.

A Holiday Message That Resonated

What surprised many first-time audience members was how emotionally resonant the story became by the end of the night. Several patrons commented on the show’s themes—loyalty, family, community, generosity—and how timely they felt for the season. The final scenes, built around hope and solidarity, earned standing ovations throughout opening weekend. One audience member summed it up perfectly in the lobby afterward: “It’s a holiday show with adventure. But what stays with you is the heart.”

A Team Worth Celebrating

Behind every moment onstage was the careful work of director Tim Nelson, choreographers Diane Makas and Jennifer Simpson-Makas, and a deeply committed production staff and crew. Their attention to detail—both artistically and emotionally—is what made opening weekend so successful. And if the reactions in the lobby were any indication, audiences will continue to return throughout the run.

Looking Ahead

With opening weekend behind us and word of mouth spreading, Robin Hood and the White Arrow: the Holiday Feast of Stephen is poised to become one of the Rose Center Theater’s most beloved holiday traditions. Families are already purchasing return tickets. Youth performers have fans returning specifically to see them again. And many patrons expressed excitement for the upcoming Feast Day Gala on December 6, which adds a whole new dimension to the Sherwood experience. The magic is only beginning.

🎟 Performances continue December 5–7 and December 19–21.Tickets are on sale now at rosecentertheater.com.

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