Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood



Just in time for spring which may yet emerge from this confused winter season with its thunder sleets and ice pellet storms, comes this hilarious junior class production:
The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. 

 This imaginative look into “medieval England” during the reign of the unfortunately-absent King Richard; the nefarious rule of his brother, Prince John; and the rebellion of a well-loved outlaw, Robin of Sherwood Forest is a spoof--replete with flashbacks, fade-outs, and anachronisms. The actors are superb. They shatter stereotypes and break the glass-wall with pithy advice to the audience. Here's the introduction to the play and a few one-liners that introduce the cast of characters. For the sake of privacy, I've left off the real names of the actors, but if you hail from these parts, you'll recognize their faces.
 

Town’s Guy , a local yokel with one foot in the past and the other in the future, sets scenes and advises characters of both Nottingham and the home of outlaws—Sherwood Forest.  


 















The most famous inhabitant of Sherwood, Robin Hood, reclaims money from the wealthy and restores it to the poor. 


Will Scarlet, Alan A-dale, and Little John, are merry outlaws who share in Robin’s vocation, and, unhappily, his dangerous lifestyle. 



Jane of Locksley, Robin’s sister and right-hand confidant, lives in the forest also, and manages the wildlife found there. 







 













The merry men’s comrade in arms, the good Friar Tuck serves as an adviser as well as a friend to them all. 






 

 If one were to leave the safety of the forest, and venture into the town of Nottingham, one would encounter other dangerous creatures: Namely

The conniving Prince John who sits uneasily on a throne not rightfully his and plots to make it so. 
His cooperative cohort the Sheriff of Nottingham is frequently found at the palace, where he helps initiate schemes--nefarious and nasty.  

Of course where the rich and famous congregate, we find fawning ladies.

Lady Gillian Laughalot and Lady Mary Ellen fawn over the royalty, which includes the unfortunate
Maid Marian, King Richard’s daughter, who is caught by the rising ambitions of her
 Uncle Prince John.




Thankfully, she is not alone in her misery. Her lady in waiting, the incomparable Millicent Heavenscent shares her every danger. 
If you live near Western Oklahoma, I suggest you come out on Friday night, to buy yourself  a five dollar ticket to see The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.


Here are a few more pictures from dress rehearsal!