SRSS presents Robin Hood

A tale of swash-buckling adventure will come to life on the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) stage next week, and Shari Werner, producer and one of the directors of the play said they’re excited to share Robin Hood with the public.

“We wanted something with swashbuckling adventure and humour, but we also wanted something that had deeper meaning, and at its heart Robin Hood is about justice and loyalty and family,” she said.

The audience will have the opportunity to step into the heart of Sherwood Forest in Tim Kelly’s adaptation of Robin Hood.

The fast-paced, family-friendly retelling brings to life the legendary outlaw (Brady Wiebe Zacharias) and his band of merry men as they outwit the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham (Davin Elias), champion the poor and fight for justice with wit, courage and a touch of romance.

Werner said it’s been great to see the students come together.

“In theatre, the students are a family,” she said. “The cast and crew all become a community and a family together.”

SRSS alternates between doing a musical and a play every year. Last year they presented the musical Elf.

This year’s production of Robin Hood resonates with the students as well.

“We love the idea that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest choice, but it’s always the bravest,” she said. “It’s a fun play and it does have a deeper meaning, but it also has a little bit of everything, and it’s also very family friendly, which we liked.”

With a cast of more than 25 in auditioned roles, students have had their scripts since summer, and work began in September.

Developing their characters is something with directorial input, but also with other students.

“For every student it’s very different,” Werner said. “One of the things we love is how the students work together to make it a process and give each other tips and ideas.”

She said the entire school community gets behind their annual production, with all departments helping where they can, and all feeling pride and ownership of the result.

“This is why I love being part of this school,” she said. “It’s a whole school play.”

Robin Hood hits the SRSS stage on Dec. 3-5 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and are only available at the SRSS library on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cannot be reserved by phone.

Werner urges people to act fast, as numbers of remaining tickets are dwindling fast.