When Arts Live presents its production of "Robin Hood' this weekend, audiences might be surprised to find a different tale than they're used to hearing about the folk hero. Director Natalie Lane, who adapted the script, says she's given the show a few twists to make it unique.
"When I was trying to figure out how to make Robin Hood more fun, I decided to make a parody," says Lane. "And I threw in a lot of allusions to 'Star Wars.' My Maid Marion, like Princess Leia, is not just a lady in distress -- she's going to fight, too. Robin Hood is more of a Han Solo type, and Friar Tuck is like Yoda. I think it's going to be hilarious."
FAQ
‘Robin Hood’
WHEN — 7 p.m. today, 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE — Arts Live Theatre, 818 N. Sang Ave. in Fayetteville
COST —$7-$9
INFO — 521-4932
Lane is also using music in a variety of styles throughout the production.
"There's a part where the Prince is trying to woo Maid Marion, and he and the guards suddenly break into "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye," says Lane with a laugh. "I really like using music to help cue the audience on what kind of show it is."
The show boasts a cast of 19, a result, says Lane, of having more kids at auditions than were expected. Lane says Robin Hood will be fighting with his "merry band of folk" instead of his "merry men" because she wanted to make sure that there were plenty of good roles for girls in the show. After all, she says, the story of Robin Hood is a perennial favorite for kids.
"I think the story owes some of its popularity to the whole 'let's go to the woods and build a fort and tree house' thing," she says. "I think it's the idea of having your own little band of people, and you have mission to fight bad guys and to make it right for the good guys."
-- Lara Hightower
NAN What's Up on 09/22/2017