By SALINA POST
Salina Central Mustangs Theatre Troupe 639 is gearing up for their fall production of "The Heart of Robin Hood", a unique take on the legendary outlaw. Performances will take place on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 6, at 2:30 p.m.
The production, directed by Barbara Hilt, promises to be a dynamic blend of adventure, humor, and heart, with a twist on the familiar Robin Hood story.
Unlike traditional portrayals of Robin Hood, in this version by David Farr, Robin and his band of outlaws do not steal from the rich to give to the poor. Instead, they keep the spoils for themselves, creating fear among those who travel through Sherwood Forest.
The real hero of the story is Marion, who steps forward to protect the poor from the oppressive taxes of Prince John. As chaos ensues, Marion works to convince Robin to follow his heart and stand up for the people if the country is to be saved.
Director Barbara Hilt describes the production as “a spectacularly good time” that blends elements of British Pantomime and American Melodrama.
“There is joy and humor, and also touching moments within this production that will appeal to a wide audience. It’s a very fun show to perform and watch,” Hilt said.
The show features thrilling stage combat, with students working alongside professional stuntman and fight choreographer Sean Gestl, a Salina native now based in Wichita. Gestl has been training the students to safely handle stage weaponry and perform choreographed fights, adding an extra level of realism and excitement to the production.
The performance will also include technical effects, such as haze, fog, flashing lights, and one simulated gunshot, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, available at the Central High School Auditorium box office (south entrance) an hour before each show or online at https://our.show/chstroupe639/robinhood.
Cast
Robin Hood...........................................................................Andrew Graber*
Marion...................................................................................Lillian Crow*
Pierre....................................................................................Hudson Duff*
Prince John...................................................................................Will Howe
Alice...................................................................................Camille Graber
Guy of Gisbourne/Soldier/The Boar...................................................................................Mac Sheforgen*
Makepeace.........................................................Gabriel Freeland*
Plug....................................................................Oscar Sheforgen
Will.........................................................................Wyatt Angell*
Much....................................................... .........Kort Comeau*
Little John.................................... ............Keaton Myers*
Margaret LeBrun......................................Vix Rasmussen*
George LeBrun....................................... .....Alyx Parker*
Lady Falconbury/Townsperson................Anna Kraft*
Lord Falconbury/Gisbourne’s Henchman............Avery Jeakins*
Friar/Townsperson.............................. .Marcos Lira*
Green Woman/Soldier.........................Ellie Riekhof*
Robert Summers/Soldier...........................Zayden Pierce
Rebecca Summers/Priest/Soldier/Servant..………....Addilyn Jagodzinske*
Sarah Summers.........................Ava Weaverling*
Jethro Summers.......................................Ayden Flener
Priest/Townsperson............................................................Aerith Cox*
Duke of York/Gisbourne’s Henchman.............................Carson Ablard*
Peasant/Soldier/Bishop....................................Sarah Rosario
Citizen of Castleton/Soldier...................................Roselyn Nienke
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy………………………………Tru Lawson*
Townsperson/Fairy……………………………………………………Ashton Tollison*
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy/Servant……………….Alyxandria Aldrich*
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy……………………………Toby Villanueva
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy………………………….Evelyn Rose
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy………………………………Isabella Olund
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy………………………Jocelyn Hill
Townsperson/Soldier/Fairy……………………Kayla Amaro
Crew
Director……………………………………….………….Barbara Hilt
Technical Director……………………………….Bill Weaver
Stage Manager………………………………..Brynn Shaft*
Assistant Stage Manager…………………………………………….Anastasia Corl*
Running Crew/ Rails………………………………………………Ella Searcy, Will Griffiths
Lighting Design………..…….Andrew Graber*, Wyatt Angell*, Barbara Hilt
Light Board Operator……………………………………………………….Jack Jarvis
Sound Board Operator………………………………………………………Sarah Day
Sound Effects…………………………………………………………....Atticus Crow
Costumes…………………………………….Addilyn Jagodzinske* & Lillian Crow*
Special Thanks Costumes (borrowed items)………………………………Robyn Hilt
Properties……………..……………………………………Andrew Graber*
Props Crew………………Gabriel Freeland*, Camille Graber, Lillian Crow*
Boar on Spit Prop………………………………Mandi Graber
Publicity………………………….Carson Ablard*
Poster Design……………………..……...Gabriel Freeland*
Shop Foremen.………………………Gavin Schneider, Keaton Myers*
Photography…………………………..…….Matea Gregg
House Managers……………………………….....……Katie Morgan*
Ushers………………………………..…………...Ensemble Cast Members
Scenic Design………….…………………………………..…Bill Weaver
Scenic Construction/Painting…………Gavin Schneider, Keaton Myers*, Montana Morgan, Lillian Crow*, Kale Shafer, Jayden Kitchen, Anastasia Corl*, Alyxandria Aldrich*, Keaton Myers*, Collin McMichael, Andrew Graber*, Seth Lepping, Keaton Myers*, Janae Mikesell, Elias Moncada, Natalie Wilson, Ella Searcy, William O’Neal, Mars Schultz, Toby Villanueva, Atticus Crow, Mac Sheforgen*, Carson Ablard*, Will Howe, Will Griffiths, Gabriel Freeland*, Dominic Freeland, Katie Morgan*, Anna Kraft*, Wyatt Angell*, Camille Graber, William Howe, Hudson Duff, Marcos Lira*, Vix Rasmussen*, Ashton Tollison*, Ava Weaverling*, Ayden Flener, Oscar Sheforgen, Aerith Cox*, Kort Comeau*, Alyx Parker*, Ellie Riekhof*, Madison Berndt*, Zayden Pierce, Sarah Rosario, Roselyn Nienke, Tru Lawson*, Jocelyn Hill, Kayla Amaro, Isabella Olund
* indicates Thespian
BOLD names indicate Crew Chief