February 11, 2010 — The Sugar Creek Youth Players will present The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood on the final two weeks in February. The play will be performed at the Vanity Theater February 19-21 and February 26-28. Curtain times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
A comedy written by Mary Lynn Dobson and directed by Nancy Rodenbeck, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood is a completely different take on the 100-year-old classic.
“This play is not the traditional telling of the Robin Hood story,” said Rodenbeck, who has been involved with Vanity Theater productions for 18 years. “It is written as a comedy, with the Merry Men uttering “Boo Hiss” every time Prince John's name is mentioned. That sounded like a good excuse for audience participation!”
The frantically funny play follows Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they steal from the rich and give to the poor. But in this version, Robin Hood’s ego is bigger than the stage; the scheming Sheriff of Nottingham would rather be bowling; the Merry Men will do anything for Ho-Ho’s; Prince John bans Girl Scout Cookies; and a good-natured “Town’s Gal” keeps the story moving — and her face in every scene of the show.
Because the original play features roles for only 14 actors, Rodenbeck took a novel approach and double-cast the 10 leading parts, all of which are substantial roles (more than 60 lines). That allowed her to involve more children (ages 9 to 18) and avoid losing children to late-winter colds and flu.
“Yes, it has been double the work, but also allowed extra children to be involved,” said Rodenbeck of double-casting the play. “Forty-five children auditioned for 14 roles. I was able to cast 27 kids by doubling 10 roles and adding a few extras.”
She’s split the cast into two parts — a “green cast” and a “red cast” — and each cast will perform three of the six productions. When not playing their major roles, cast members will appear in smaller parts. The “green cast” will perform leading roles on February 19, 21, and 27, while the “red cast” will perform leading roles on February 20, 26, and 28.
“Both casts have had exactly the same number of rehearsals and both casts have excellent actors,” added Rodenbeck. “It’s been fun to see how each actor has brought something different to the parts. And it’s a great reason for people to come see the play twice!”
The leading role of Robin Hood will be played by David Samuelsen (green cast) and Austin Covington (red cast), while Lady Marian is played by Emily Prosser (green cast) and Abby Rodenbeck (red cast). Those four actors have combined to star in 32 Vanity Theater productions.
The villains — Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham — also feature experienced actors. Davis Thompson (green) and Trey Rogers (red) share the role as Prince John, while Steven Samuelsen (green) and Kenny Rusk (red) share the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Emily Cox (green) and Sammie Amidon (red) serve as the play’s narrators (the Town’s Gal), and the Lady in Waiting part is shared by Abbey Sharts (green) and Elizabeth Hutson (red).
The Sugar Creek Youth Players production of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood is produced by Carol Rusk and sponsored by Arni’s. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at 362-7077. The box office is located at 122 South Washington Street, and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The box office also opens one hour before each show.
The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood stars 27 children from Montgomery County, including: David Samuelsen and Austin Covington as Robin Hood (& Rich Man); Emily Prosser and Abby Rodenbeck as Lady Marian (& Poor Lady with Baby); Davis Thompson and Trey Rogers as Prince John (& Guard); Steven Samuelsen and Kenny Rusk as the Sheriff of Nottingham (& Guard); Emily Cox and Sammie Amidon as Town's Gal (& Debbie); Abbey Sharts and Elizabeth Hutson as Lady in Waiting (& Mary); Lee Stockwell and Evan Demaree as Friar Tuck(& Lionel); Ben Mikek and Alex Hughes as Will Scarlet (& Donald); Betsy Rodenbeck and Melissa Sering as Little John(& Lady Laughalot); Skylar VanScoyoc and Lanie Rogers as Allan Adale(& Beulah of Bellowsbank); Becca Adams, Josie Beach, Vyctoria Gardner, and Betsy Swift as Fawning Ladies; Lindsey Riggen and Marilla Samuelsen as the Sign Holders; and Katie Evans as the Basket Lady.
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