Opera Guide– Robin Hood

American Comic Opera by Reginald de Koven & Harry B. Smith

Oct 17, 2009

Guide to the characters and story of Robin Hood, a comic opera by the American composer Reginald de Koven, with a libretto by Harry B. Smith.

Robin Hood is a comic opera composed by Reginald de Koven to a libretto by Harry B. Smith. It was first produced in Chicago on June 9, 1890. An English operetta in the tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan, Robin Hood follows the adventures of the famous Medieval English outlaw and his Merry Men.

Act I

Villagers of Nottingham enter, preparing for the May Day fair. Friar Tuck enters with his auction goods, and tells the other outlaws that he sold a stolen suit to the Sheriff. The milkmaids sing about how wonderful their life is, but Allan a Dale protests that real milkmaids are old, plain, and overworked.

Robin Hood enters ("Come the bowmen in Lincoln green"). Marian enters, disguised as a cavalier. She has been ordered by the King to marry Robert of Huntington, and pretends to be a page delivering the message. Robin sees through her ruse, however, and they sing a love duet.

The Sheriff enters with Sir Guy. He found a letter from Dame Durden to her husband in the suit he bought from Friar Tuck, and knows that the suit was stolen. He offers Guy the position of Earl of Huntington, including Marian's hand.

Robin is to be named Earl of Huntington, but the Sheriff claims that Sir Guy is Robin's older half-brother and the rightful heir to the title Earl of Huntington. Marian refuses to marry Sir Guy, Little John invites Robin to become their king in Sherwood Forest, and Robin vows vengeance when King Richard returns.

Act II

The outlaws are gathered in a hunting lodge at the edge of Sherwood Forest. Robin arrives. The Sheriff, he says, believes that he joined the Crusades, and does not know the real identity of the outlaw Robin Hood. Little John sings a drinking song ("Brown October Ale"). (Sometimes the song "Oh Promise Me," with lyrics by Clement Scott, is included here, sung by Allan a Dale.)

The Sheriff and Guy plan to capture Maid Marian and marry her to Guy, then hang Robin Hood. Robin Hood and the outlaws enter unrecognized. They learn from the Sheriff, who is drunk, that Marian has run away from home, and prompt the Sheriff and Guy to drink more.

Dame Durden sees the suit which the Sheriff bought, and the letter in his pocket, and believes he is her long-lost husband. He denies knowing her, but when she threatens him he plays along.

Maid Marian enters, dressed in a hunting costume. She tells Annabel that she hopes to join Robin Hood's band, and becomes angry when she learns that Robin is flirting with Annabel. Allan arrives with Sir Guy and betrays Robin Hood to the Sheriff.

Robin serenades Marian ("A troubador sang his love"), and they plan to marry. Allan, who mistakes Marian for Annabel, becomes angry. The Sheriff arrives to capture Robin Hood; when Allan realizes his mistake, he is remorseful.

The outlaws capture the Sheriff, but the Dame rushes in, still claiming that he is her husband. He tells her he stole the clothes, and the outlaws put him in the stocks. Sir Guy and his archers come to rescue the Sheriff, and Marian promises to marry Guy in exchange for Robin's freedom.

Act III

Outside of the prison, Will Scarlet forges chains for Robin Hood ("Let hammer on anvil ring"). Dame Durden has forced Annabel to marry the Sheriff; the outlaws plan to rescue Annabel, Marian, and Robin. They hide in the jail, disguised as monks.

The villagers decorate for the wedding. Allan reveals himself to the Sheriff, claiming that the outlaws have captured the Bishop and are holding him in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood, disguised as a monk, will perform the wedding in the Bishop's place.

Robin Hood confides in Maid Marian and learns that the King has returned. Given enough time, he can stop the wedding. The Sheriff, however, discovers Robin's disappearance from the jail. The wedding goes on; but before the vows can be recited, Robin reveals himself and his Merry Men, who have filled the church. A messenger enters with a royal pardon, and Marian is free to marry Robin.

Other Operas by Reginald de Koven

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