Darryl Maximilian Robinson Opens His 1980s Enchanted Hills Playhouse Scrapbook

Throughout The 1980s, The Enchanted Hills Of Northern Indiana Were Alive With The Sound Of Some Very Talented Young Stage Performers - Particularly In A Well-Received 1981 Summer Stock Playhouse Revival of Lionel Bart's Tony and Oscar-winning musical masterpiece OLIVER!

" ANOTHER SPOT northern Indiana travelers like to visit is the Enchanted Hills Playhouse at Lake Wawasee. Those who have seen plays there during the past two seasons may remember Darryl Maximilian Robinson, the Chicago-based actor, who has impressed audiences and critics alike. Robinson, a tall, slim, black actor, has shown great intensity and stage presence in such plays as The King and I, Oliver, Peter Pan; My Fair Lady and Camelot.

I saw him in Camelot last summer and remember raving about him in a subsequent review of the play.

He is also experienced in many Shakespearean productions, having toured with New York's National Shakespeare Company. The Bard's work is what he will be doing this summer as a performing member of the Indianapolis Shakespeare Festival. The festival features outdoor productions in Garfield Park. Its season opens in July and will include The Merry Wives of Windsor and Hamlet. Robinson will also be featured as an actor / director / instructor at the Indianapolis Children's Museum, a post similar to one he held last year at Enchanted Hills. Keep an eye on Mr. Robinson; he may have a great career ahead. " -- Larry Shores, Our Neighborhood, The Star Press of Muncie, Indiana, June 21, 1985.

"This reviewer has usually related best to big and brawny men as Captain Hook, but lean and sinewy Darryl Maximilian Robinson, EHP’s man of all roles this year, leaves nothing to be desired in his portrayal, and like Mathis and Miss Aiello, relates well to an audience that ranges from tiny kids to their great-grandparents." -- Bill Spurgeon, Guest Reviewer, Peter Pan flies through the air with the greatest of ease, The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, August 15, 1984.

Your humble servant in The Theatre, Darryl Maximilian Robinson, has a observation to make regarding his role of Captain Hook in The 1984 Enchanted Hills Playhouse of Syracuse, Indiana revival production of the musical "Peter Pan."

Yes, it's been 39 years, but this image arouses memories of an unspoken comment.

Though he would never have dared to say this to the skilled and talented Costume Designer of the show he worked with at that time:

"I know I'm playing Captain Hook. But don't you think that this is a little bit over-the-top?" -- Darryl Maximilian Robinson, Founder of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago and The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project, Monday October 2, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/253163688/

 

Exactly 42 summers ago, a rustic, intimate, charming and lovely 240-seat old summer stock barn theatre ( located near the shores of Lake Wawasee, and with a main entrance on of all named streets "Wizard Of Oz Way" ) in The Enchanted Hills of Northern Indiana just outside of the sleepy hamlet of Syracuse, might not be the place one would expect a rousing, critically-praised, award-winning revival of Lionel Bart's Tony and Oscar-winning British musical theatre masterpiece Oliver! to occur. But between July 1st and 12th of 1981, under the skillful guidance of Producing Director Jill M. Stover and Artistic Director Dr. Jeffrey P. Koep, that is exactly what happened for two solid, sold-out weeks at THE ENCHANTED HILLS PLAYHOUSE, which was filled-to-capacity with enthusiastic, musical theatre classic lovin' Hoosiers, onstage, backstage and in the audience every night!

 

 

Deeply and truly committed to effectively conveying the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' acclaimed 19th-century novel Oliver Twist, and greatly assisted by inventive young choreographer Leta Kritzman and skilled young musical director Douglas Baumgartner, Stover and Koep's cast was talent-packed, and many remain working and teaching professional stage and academic theatre artists to this day.

Now an experienced Chicago-based concert performer, recording artist and song-writer, Temple Schultz was an 11-year-old South Bend area resident ( with a big stage voice ) in 1981 when she played the title role of "the boy who asked for more."

Currently a highly-respected and esteemed west coast play director and drama coach ( and working mom ), Myrona Delaney ( known in 1981 as Valpo University Vocal Performance Major Myrona Lou Laws ) impressed audiences with both her acting and singing as the doomed Nancy. Skilled actor-singer-dancer Donald Lee Hahn of Peru, Indiana was a solid Bill Sykes. And Tom McSweeney delighted as The Artful Dodger.

Talented and mature actor, Culver Military Academy theatre student and future New York stage and television actor T. Gregg McClain appeared as young pickpocket Charlie Bates.

 

 

 

Talented young actor-singer ( excellent tenor ) and future New Orleans radio personality Opera Joe McKesson impressed as Oliver's benefactor Mr. Brownlow.

"Darryl Maximilian Robinson is a perfectly delightful Fagin, playing the pickpocket with just the right combination of impertinence and compassion. Mr Robinson is particularly well-cast because he, like the wily, lovable thief that he plays, obviously knows — and likes — his job." -- Bill Spurgeon, Enchanted Hills Playhouse batting 1,000 with 'Oliver,' The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, July 8, 1981.

Arriving from his hometown of Chicago to make his northern Indiana public stage debut in his first full season of professional summer stock, 20-year-old, future Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award Winner Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( who had appeared earlier in the year as the Russian ballet instructor Boris Kolenkhov in The Act IV Theatre of Forest Park, IL. revival of George S. Kaufman's and Moss Hart's You Can't Take It With You and the title role in The Puppet Place Theatre of Chicago revival of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado ) would win over Hoosier audiences and critics so much with his performance as the wily, lovable, king of pickpockets, Fagin in Oliver! ( his very best part in a gallery of six roles which also included Joe in Show Boat, the tap-dancing First Gangster in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate, El Gallo in Tom Jones' And Harvey Schmidt's The Fantasticks, Persian peddler Ali Hakim in Rodgers' And Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and tale-spinning cowboy Kit Carson in William Saroyan's 1939 Pultizer Prize-winning comedy The Time Of Your Life ), that he would become the first theatre artist at EHP to receive an acting honor: The 1981 Fort Wayne News-Sentinel Reviewer's Recognition Award as Outstanding Thespian of the Season from veteran theatre critic Sharon Little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"This reviewer continues to be impressed with the versatile talent of Darryl Maximilian Robinson, who has had key roles in the other two Enchanted Hills successes this season and who did it again in The Fantasticks as El Gallo. The role is not an easy one, and as Mr Robinson stepped from being an omniscient narrator into his other assignment as a swashbuckling microcosm of life in the real world itself, it was obvious that he can do difficult things and do them well." -- Bill Spurgeon, Playhouse version of The Fantasticks successful, The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, July 22, 1981.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The pace of the play improves dramatically in the second act with the arrival of Mordred, long-forgotten illegitimate son of Arthur. Darryl Maximilian Robinson injects verve and excitement into the role and dominates the stage during his moments." -- Larry Shores, Guest Reviewer, Editor of The Muncie Star, A Lot to Like in 'Camelot,' The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, August 1, 1984.

 

 

 

 

YOUR HUMBLE SERVANT IN THE THEATRE, CHICAGO-BORN AND STAGE-TRAINED ACTOR AND PLAY DIRECTOR DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON, IS PLEASED TO SHARE AN ARCHIVED THEATRE REVIEWS REGARDING HIS AUGUST 1984 APPEARANCE AS JEWISH DENTIST DR. JAN DUSSELL IN THE ENCHANTED HILLS PLAYHOUSE OF SYRACUSE OF SYRACUSE, INDIANA REVIVAL PRODUCTION OF THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING DRAMA "THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK."

ENTERTAINMENT, Page 39 of The South Bend Tribune of South Bend, Indiana, Friday, August 24, 1984

'Diary of Anne Frank' poses challenge

By Linda McManus

SYRACUSE - "The Diary of Anne Frank" has brought tears and a lump in the throat to millions who have either read the book or seen the film or play. A story told so often can lose its impact, but the Enchanted Hills Playhouse production, continuing though Sunday, meets the challenge.

The entire cast does justice to the diary found in an attic where a young girl and her Jewish family and friends lived for two years from the Nazis In Amsterdam. Grace Aiello, 23, plays an endearing 13 year-old Anne Frank.

"I like playing the role of Anne because I like the message that Anne offers." 'In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.' "Anne kept that optimism, whereas all the adults had given It up," Aiello said on opening night.

Aiello said she is comfortable playing someone that young. She also played Wendy in "Peter Pan" staged last week at Enchanted Hills.

She portrays Anne's vivaciousness and spunk, which at times grated on the nerves of the adults who were bogged down in frustration and fear. Aiello manages to be irritating in her nonstop patter, yet retain a winsome charm.

Stephen Monroe portrays Anne's father with Just the proper amount of wisdom and diplomacy. If at times Mr. Frank appears too good to be true, it must be remembered that this ls Anne's diary and she adored her father.

Darryl Maximilian Robinson went from playing a Nazi officer in "Cabaret" earlier this summer to playing a Jewish dentist, Mr. Dussell, in this production. He said he prefers playing Dussell because "he offers a comic touch to a dramatic role."

GERALD ARMSTRONG II and Faith A. Linn portray very well the shakey relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan. They are unafraid to throw themselves into the roles of victims who dont always retain their integrity.

The attic, divided Into four sections, is the only set. Spotlights direct the audience from one drama to the next on stage. A voiceover of Anne reading from her diary accompanies the scene changes. Aiello's strong voice is effective in moving the story along as months in hiding continue.

The cast shows the outward, as well as the inward deterioration of the characters in hiding. They showed wounds and lose the luster of good health right before our eyes.

IN TWO YEARS, love blossoms, marriages falter, children grow up. Those are developments difficult to act out In such a contained setting.

"Everyone worried about not having enough energy for drama after putting on five musicals this summer," said Robinson. "But somehow the energy came."

Anne Frank died In March 1945 after contracting typhus In Bergen-Belsea. In her diary she talked of her hopes to become a writer. The diary her father gave her when they first went into hiding afforded her that title. Her journal continues to leave Its mark.

This final production of the summer for Enchanted Hills Playhouse is offered at 8 pm. today, 8 30 pm. Saturday and 7.30 pm. Sunday.

 

 

"The Franks and the Van Daans are joined by another Jewish man, a beleaguered dentist named Dussel, and Darryl Maximilian Robinson, in this role, gave a performance overshadowed only slightly by the manner in which Miss Aiello carried the title part." - Bill Spurgeon, Guest Reviewer, 'The Diary of Anne Frank' closes 1984 playhouse season, The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, August 22, 1984.

 

 

For the summer of 1984, Producer Stover and Director Koep would rehire Mr. Robinson to not only perform another full season of roles ( which included Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Colonel Pickering in Lerner and Lowe's My Fair Lady, Mordred in Lerner and Lowe's Camelot, Nazi Ernest Ludwig in Kander and Ebb's Cabaret, Jewish refugee Dr. Jan Dussell in Frances Goodrich's and Albert Hackett's 1956 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Diary Of Anne Frank and His Majesty, The King of Siam in Rodgers' and Hammerstein's The King and I which was not only his very best role during this encore season but was one of the best roles of his musical theater performance career ) but also to serve as The Assistant Director of Children's Theatre and Director of Mainstage Promotion.

 

 

 

"Robinson, obviously aware past performers have played the role with angular movements, took a more flowing approach to the King, making the role his own. He rants and raves as a spoiled-child ruler, revealing the King's insecurities. His songs, when interpreted, are a delight to hear as they are full of energy and emotion." -- William Bartolini, Guest Reviewer, The Mail-Journal of Syracuse, Indiana, July 18, 1984.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without question, Darryl Maximilian Robinson was pleased and proud to perform some of his greatest stage roles as a young professional theatre artist in The Hoosier State.

 

 

 

In Spring of 1987, during the very last year that the beloved venue was under the ownership and operation of skilled Producing Director Jill M. Stover, Darryl Maximilian Robinson returned to work for Enchanted Hills Playhouse of Syracuse, Indiana in a third and final limited engagement, but not as a Featured Performer in The Mainstage Season. Joined by talented fellow EHP Alum and professional actor Paul Gregory Nelson, Mr. Robinson served as EHP Spokesperson and Principal Instructor of "An EHP Theatre Workshop" which, during a two-week period, toured to several local public schools in The Greater Lake Wawasee area. And while teaching the basics of preparing for auditions, performing monologues and exponding acting career and training advice to interested and responsive students with the fine assistance of the skilled Mr. Gregory, Mr. Robinson had the memorable and enjoyable experience of giving his educational presentations to young people whom he had performed onstage with ( including the rambunctious Stephen and David Schmahl Brothers ) and many others who recalled seeing him in multiple shows at Enchanted Hills during his two earlier summer seasons on Lake Wawasee. THE 1987 EHP THEATRE WORKSHOP was a highly satisfying conclusion to his 1980s professional performing arts experiences with the northern Indiana theatre venue. More than 40 years later, Darryl Maximilian Robinson still has many fond memories of working at The Enchanted Hills Playhouse of Syracuse, Indiana.

 

 

 

 

https://theatre.fandom.com/wiki/The_Enchanted_Hills_Playhouse_of_Syracuse,_Indiana_1981_Fort_Wayne_News-Sentinel_Reviewer%27s_Recognition_Award-winning_revival_of_Lionel_Bart%27s_Oliver!

http://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/100385-oliver-at-the-enchanted-hills-playhouse-1981

 

AND...WITH GREAT PLEASURE AND PRIDE AN OLD CHICAGO STAGE PERFORMER IS DELIGHTED TO MAKE THE COVER OF THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER!:

 

 

Again, your humble servant in The Theatre, Darryl Maximilian Robinson, expresses his thanks and gratitude to The Editorial Staff of The Chicago Weekend Citizen by The Citizen Newspaper Group for sharing a Feature Story regarding his 50th Anniversary As An American Stage Performer, highlighted by his photo on the Cover Page of the 12-27-2023 Edition.

 

Many, many thanks.

 

https://citizennewspapergroup....

 

 

 

Note: Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( The Founder of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago and The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project ) was last seen by Windy City theatregoers in the marvelous dual roles of The Chairman Mr. William Cartwright and Mayor Thomas Sapsea in skilled Director / Musical Director Robert-Eric West's 2018 Saint Sebastian Players Chicago revival of Rupert Holmes' Tony Award-winning Best Musical Whodunit The Mystery of Edwin Drood for which Mr. Robinson earned critical praise and a 2019 BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nomination for Best Performer In A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ). Most recently, Darryl Maximilian Robinson was named a winner of a 2022 Making The World Happening Award for his numerous online theatre-related offerings at Allevents.in.

 

 

Darryl Maximilian Robinson has become noted as the very first black actor in American Theatre History to portray on stage a trio of classic dramatic roles including: Sir Thomas More in Robert Bolt's "A Man For All Seasons" ( in a 1984 revival presented by The University Players of The University of Missouri-St. Louis and directed by AEA Member John Grassilli at The Benton Hall Theater ); King Henry II in a 1992 multiracial cast revival of James Goldman's "The Lion In Winter" ( directed by Mr. Robinson for his chamber theatre Excaliber Productions, Ltd in St. Louis and staged at The Wabash Triangle Cafe ); and Andrew Wyke ( opposite the talented actor Sean Nix as Milo Tindle ) in a 2000, 30th Anniversary, all-black cast revival of Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" presented under Mr. Robinson's direction by his chamber theatre The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago at The Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre of Oak Park, Illinois.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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