Tallahatchie River Players Youth to present Robin Hood

Hi! Ho! Join Robin and his merry band for the Tallahatchie River Players Youth Production of Robin Hood, written by Tim Kelly. Robin, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, leads a merry life with his band of followers. Anyone who is hungry or has no place to live is welcome in the greenwood. The citizens of the forest oppose the wicked Prince John who has taken the place of King Richard the Lion-Hearted, who has gone to the Holy Land on a crusade.

One day a caravan containing Robin’s childhood sweetheart, Maid Marian, cuts through the wood. Maid Marian is the ward of King Richard and in his absence has been put in the seemingly capable hands of Lady Merle of Cornwall. Alas, the evil Lady Merle has other plans, plans that include forcing Maid Marian to marry Prince John hoping to make him more acceptable to the people of England. It’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the nasty sheriff and secure Nottingham for the true king’s return. Done in a rousing fashion with live sword fights and a live archery contest, the TRP Youth will bring to life a swashbuckling adventure that you won’t want to miss.

As a youth production, the actors in this play range from fourth grade to tenth grade with a couple of extra special guest actors. These amazing thespians from all over Union and surrounding counties portray their roles with skills demonstrated well beyond their years. The production also allows the actors to step outside themselves and for a few hours become someone completely different. Parker Reid (Robin Hood) said recently, “The hardest part of any play is trying to be a different person for your character than who you really are. I’m kind of a quiet guy and Robin is very charismatic. Learning to be him was a challenge at times.” Jake Moore (The Sheriff of Nottingham) added, “When I’m in plays I get to make new friends. It’s a lot of fun, and I think it brings out the best in me. I am able to express myself through different characters.”

The production would not be possible without the many hours of hard work and patience given by Director Renee Reid and Assistant Director Christy Grant. Working along-side them are Student Directors Ishmon Foster, Shelby Grant, and Ellie Fitts. The student directors were added this year to provide a chance for former TRP child actors to learn directorial responsibilities before graduating from high school. Each student was responsible for blocking, staging, and stage direction for a scene. They also played an integral part in developing costumes, identifying necessary props, and designing the set scheme.

Additionally, several community volunteers offered their expertise to give the scenes authenticity. Lynn Harrison helped with props and other logistics. Thanos Kalimeris from the Mid-South Kung-Fu Arnis Academy choreographed all the fight scenes and taught the boys how to fight in a safe environment. He also assisted in identifying authentic replica weapons for the actors to use. Trey Humphreys, East Union Archery Coach, taught Robin and Kaspar how to shoot a bow and arrow so the archery contest could take place live on stage and create an air of great excitement for the audience. Clint Reid, Director of the Union County plays, loaned the castle backdrop for the third scene.

Come join the fun as Robin Hood faces off against the Sheriff of Nottingham and Lady Merle. The production will be performed at the Cine Theater in Downtown New Albany, MS on July 30, 31, and August 1 beginning at 7 pm. To reserve tickets call 662-534-3438.

Robin Hood is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services, Inc. Englewood, Colorado.