Dave Droxler in ROBIN & ME at Hedgerow Theatre Company. Photo by Mark Garvin
By Ellen Wilson Dilks
Delco native—and Summer Stage alum—Dave Droxler brings his one-man piece about how he was inspired as a performer by comic Robin Williams to Rose Valley’s historic theatre.
Running now through October 27th, the play stars Droxler under the direction of Chad Austin. ROBIN & ME has been touring to great success, owing in large part to Droxler’s engaging turn—and deft recreation of many of Williams’ bits.
Williams burst on the scene—and entered the national zeitgeist—via a guest appearance on the television sitcom Happy Days. His unique humor and rapid-fire improv skills were let loose as Mork from Ork. His own sitcom, Mork & Mindy, soon followed. Producers didn’t fully know what to do with Williams, as his mind went at warp speed. Mostly, they pointed a camera at him and just watched as he invented character after character. Films soon followed. Droxler gives a quick history of these, bouncing between portraying himself and an homage to Williams. He speaks of how he idolized Williams and that in his mind, the comic often came to help him cope with the difficult times in his life.
As always, the technical work is solid Lucy Pickering’s set is a feast for the eyes, filled with the sort of items you’d find in the wings of a theatre. Making magic happen with the lighting is Lily Fossner, while Paul Kuhn performs his usual alchemy as the scenic carpenter. Elizabeth Hanson handles the bits and bobs of costuming Droxler uses as he creates various characters, with Owen Mannion handling production management.
Director Chad Austin cleverly moves Droxler around the stage and assists with his whirlwind manifestations of people both famous and not so famous.
Following a successful off-Broadway run last year, ROBIN & ME won five Broadway World honors including: Best New Play Off-Broadway, Best Actor, and Best Director.
When You Go: ROBIN & ME plays through October 27th at Hedgerow Theatre – located in a 1740s converted grist mill at 64 Rose Valley Road, in Rose Valley, PA—just outside of Media. The performances have a runtime of 90 minutes—with NO intermission. Best enjoyed by ages 16 and up due to language. Performances run Thursdays thru Sundays, with evening curtains at 7pm and matinees at 2pm. Check the theatre’s website for specific times and ticket availability. Special Events: Happy Hour Receptions (pre-show 6:30p); Thu, Oct 17th 7:30p – PRIDE Night Thu, Oct 24th 7:30p; Open Captioning Thu, Oct 24th – Sun, Oct 27th (all performances); Audio Described Performance Sat, Oct 26th 2p; Relaxed Performance Sat, Oct 26th 2p WITH Sensory tour and pre-show notes at1:15p.
Dave Droxler on Lucy Pickering’s set for ROBIN & ME at Hedgerow Theatre Company. Photo by Mark Garvin
*To reserve an audio-description headset please email boxoffice@hedgerowtheatre.org or call 610-565-4211. For info on times and special events, visit the theatre’s website at www.hedgerowtheatre.org
There is ample free off-street parking, and the theatre is within walking distance of the Media-Elwyn train line—you would get off at the Moylan Station. Nearby Media Borough has a number of wonderful dining options along State Street for a pre-show meal. Or a post-show knosh. Hedgerow is fully handicapped accessible, information regarding this as well as directions, can be found on the Company’s website [see link above]. For tickets, call (610) 565-4211, or purchase them online.
NOTE: COVID Protocols: Masks are currently not required, but this may change if the number of cases rises in the area again. Please visit the website for details on these new policies.