By Tanna M. Friday, For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — For the last eight weeks, Stacy Lowery and the cast of The “Somewhat” True Tale of Robin Hood have been laughing while learning their lines in this hilarious Monty Python version of Robin Hood.
Robin Hood and his Merry Men devising a plan during a performance of The Somewhat True Tale of Robinhood at Trussville’s ACTA Theater. (Photo by Tanna Friday)
The play summarizes that: “It sure is hard to be humble when you’re a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero, but Robin Hood, the gallant guy-in-green trie his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny, Monty Pythonesque retelling of the classic. This time around, the legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (Victory Harbin/Erica Jackson); an ever-scheming sheriff (played by Brian Allison, who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull’s eye; a golf-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe; a good-natured “Town’s Gal” (played by Hailey Lowery) who manages to make her way into every scene, whether she belongs or not. Combine them with a spoon-wielding Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six; and the ever so humble Robin Hood, played by Ian Black, who is the best archer in the land and can “split a pea off a flea’s back a hundred feet away,” you have an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you will not forget.”
Play by Mary Lynn Dobson, ACTA Theatre’s presentation directed by Stacy Lowery and co-directed by Curtis Frost, opened their doors on Thursday, April 21, through Sunday, April 24, filling the theatre hall with piercing screams and chantings of “Boo Hiss” resounding to the ever so evil Prince John, played by Josh McDaniel.
“This has been the most fun I have ever have had as a director,” said Lowery.
Robin’s one and only love, Lady Marian, remains true to her champion as she assists his crusade by wishing the prince and sheriff a rash of various skin afflictions.
This play has it all, Robin Hood, Lady Marian, the king, Sherwood Forest, dungeons, lots of silly, singing Merry Men in tights and green outfits.
Other cast members include the Lady in Waiting (Becky Williams); Friar Tuck (Ichabod Temperance); Will Scarlet (Tucker White); Little John (Sean Frost); Allan Adale (Connor Hart); Fawn Ladies (Hannah Bell, Victory Harbin, Jana Hoffman, Erica Jackson, Julia Levy, and Merelee Robinson); Debbie (Sam Russell); Donald/Guard (John Michael); Mary (Lynn Kalchik); Lord Laughalot/Guard (Andrew Brown); Lenore (Erica Jackson); and Beulah/Mother (Hannah Bell).
Lowery’s crew includes Jana Hoffman, Stage Manager; Assistant to the Assistance Director/Prop Designer, Ichabod Temperance; Set Construction, Shawn Reese; Art Design, Becky Williams; Poster/Program Design, Grace Riley; and Photographer, Steven Ross.
“I hope you will laugh with us throughout the two hours,” Lowery said.
The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” continues this Thursday evening, April 28 – 30 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. in Trussville’s ACTA Theatre located at 225 Parkway Drive. Tickets are $15 for adults, seniors $12, and students $10.
Visit actatheater.com for schedule and ticket information.
