ROBIN HOOD

The timeless story of Robin Hood and his swashbuckling bravery will be presented as a children's play this week by the Limestone College theater program.

Children and audience members will become merry friends of Sherwood Forest in the play "Robin Hood" on June 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. at Limestone College's Fullerton Auditorium. A matinee performance will be presented June 20 at 3 p.m.

This version of the popular English folklore comes from children's playwright Kathryn Schultz Miller. In the play, Robin Hood will teach a couple of children to use a bow and arrow, play archers in a high stakes tournament and take Robin's pledge of loyalty to always do good.

The fun-filled adventure was exactly what Limestone theater students Melissa Scott and Evan Goetz were seeking when they began looking at a summer production for children. Scott and Goetz are the play directors.

Scott became interested in "Robin Hood" while watching a popular version of the story on BBC, England's public television station. After reading Miller's play, the Limestone College senior theater major felt the favorite children's play could be brought to life in a new way.

Robin Hood (Tim Leftwich) courts the hand of Maid Marian (Holly Weiss) in this scene from the Limestone College theater production on June 19-20. In above photo, William Scoggins (Little John) gets the better of Robin Hood.

"I have always loved the story of Robin Hood. This play is so funny and kids will really enjoy it," Scott said. "Robin Hood is a man of many disguises. He plays a beggar and a court jester. This is a participation play where audience members will be selected to take part in different scenes."

The fight scenes in "Robin Hood" were choreographed by recent Limestone College graduate Tim Leftwich. Leftwich has attended stage combat workshops at Louisiana Tech and will appear in Robin Hood as the main character.

Leftwich is joined in the cast by Limestone students William Scoggins (Little John) Aaron Watkins (Friar Tuck and Sheriff of Nottingham), Holly Weiss (Maid Marian) Matthew Ferguson (Prince John), Troy Massie (King Richard) and Joey Mayberry (narcoleptic guard.)

Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students. Limestone faculty, staff and students are free.

The "Robin Hood" play is a fundraiser as the Limestone theater department works to move into its new home across from the college campus.

Limestone College recently acquired the old Limestone Elementary building from the school district. The college plans to use the elementary school as additional space for its athletic and fine arts programs.