Robinson's production of "Gold in the Hills" had no need for curses, for they were not foiled.
The 19th century melodrama allows audience participation: you can boo and hiss the scoundrels, and cheer for the heroes. "Gold in the Hills" contains the story of a mysterious murder by moonlight, with the characters of the villain Richard Murgatroyd, the sweet and virtuous Nell Stanley, and the heroic farm-boy John Dalton. Murgatroyd is trying to take over the Stanley's estate by manipulating Nell to fall in love with him. When Nell is kicked out of her home for a few troubling habits, she goes to the city, where she gets in a tangle at Big Mike's Bowery and Dance Hall. And who comes to save her, but her loving John Dalton! The show is filled with surprise and deceit, love and loathing, humor and drama.
The show could not do so well without an outstanding cast. The actors fit each role like a dream. Dan Borrelli, who plays Richard Murgatroyd, compliments the character to the extreme (well, from a stranger's point of view, of course), as well as having an influential chemistry with the rest of the cast. The ensemble is fantastic. During the bowery scene, the bar crew is enticing and vivacious. They work off one another, while having their own distinctiveness. Their eyes sparkle, proving they are having a fabulous time being onstage, while giving one of the best performances of the year.
Other remarkable performers include Sophia Miller, who has the enthusiasm and presence of a true "Country Belle," and Justo Rivera (Big Mike), the all-time, big bad Bowery and Dance Hall owner. Patrick Sanders (John Dalton) keeps his character throughout the show, whether he's in the middle of a raging verbal brawl or singing sweetly in the bowery.
The tech aspect of the show is intimidating. Detail is taken into high account, from the pin-pointed research of dancing the can-can, to snowflakes for a cold winter's night, to highly stylized make-up and clothing. The properties crew (managed by Tim Cooke) squeezes in all possible perfections, including a breakable window! The sound and light crew (managed by Ryan Koontz and Michelle Durr, respectively) work flawlessly, creating effects that are of professional quality and standard.
Overall, Robinson's show is no fool's gold, and can be complimented by a standing ovation at curtain call.