>> A HILARIOUS PRODUCTION BRINGS US THE SHERWOOD FOREST HERO WE NEVER KNEW

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood

By COLLETTE CAPRARA

Date published: 4/30/2009

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Hear ye! Hear ye! Robin Hood is coming to town this weekend, and his ranks of loyal followers include not only his Merry Men but also a dedicated crew of parents.

They're the moms and dads who devote time and talent to help make Stage Door Production's performance of "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" (debuting tomorrow) a rollicking success.

"One of the best things for me about this show has been all of the parents' support and involvement. It's really the fruition of our goal as a community theater," said Matt Armentrout, who is directing the play.

The play, written by Mary Lynn Dobson, is a slapstick takeoff of the classic Robin Hood tale, packed with pranks and jokes that will bring chuckles and laughs to audiences of all ages.

The characters are transformed into humorous caricatures, none more so than the green-clad egocentric swashbuckler himself who poses dramatically each time he enters a scene to elicit cheers and applause.

Robin's Merry Men pack spoons rather than arrows in their quivers; the equivalent of torture is being forced to listen to Barney songs; and circus music plays as the cast and crew scramble for scene changes.

Ongoing interaction with the audience keeps the energy high. The Merry Men exhort viewers to boo and hiss the entrance of Robin Hood's nemeses, the sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John, who connive to thwart his love for Maid Marian.

A narrator, The Town's Guy, completely demolishes the "fourth wall," entering every scene whether or not there is a role for him, calling out requests to the sound technician, and rescuing the hero from various predicaments via makeshift fadeouts and segues.

"The play will definitely be fun but kids can learn a couple of lessons as well: They'll see that teamwork can go a long way," said Armentrout.

Collette Caprara is a local artist and freelance writer.

What: Stage Door Productions presents "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" When: May 1, 2, 3 and 9 Where: May 1, 2 and 9: 7:30 p.m. performances are at the auditorium of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg. May 2, 3, and 9: 3 p.m. performances are at the Outside Green across from the library (please bring a blanket or chair). Cost: $5 Info: stagedoorproductions .org

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Date published: 4/30/2009