Photo courtesy of Fraser Wein ’27
Robin Hood is a story most people are familiar with: a heroic outlaw fights against injustice and tries to help the less fortunate people of England. But in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, the story gets a much more unusual twist. Along with the familiar characters and plot, the play includes random anachronisms, a bowling competition, and plenty of comedy. This year’s Domino Club will be performing this show in early November, with rehearsals already in progress.
Directed by EA’s Performing Arts Chair Dan Clay, this year’s production takes inspiration from Monty Python-style comedy. The show frequently breaks the fourth wall and is meant to be more lighthearted than some of the school’s previous productions. Last year’s shows were Pride and Prejudice, a love story drama based on Jane Austen’s novel, and Little Shop of Horrors, a horror musical about a man-eating plant. These shows were more serious, creating a stark contrast to Robin Hood’s antic, larger-than-life style. “I really wanted to challenge our actors to move out of their comfort zone and be a little more committed, be a little more ridiculous than they have been in the past few shows,” Clay says.
That idea of stepping outside of a comfort zone is something that comes up throughout the production. Fraser Wein ’27, taking on a new challenge this year as the production’s Student Assistant Director, says that students at the school are often used to more serious or sophisticated productions. “This show is meant to be silly, and push kids outside their comfort zones and understand a new kind of level of comedy,” Wein says. After becoming interested in directing through acting class, she approached Clay about the opportunity. During rehearsals, Fraser helps with blocking, warming up the actors, and developing scenes after the basic movement has been established. For Wein, assistant directing is also a chance to learn more about theater from a different perspective.
The actors of the production are also trying new things, and experiencing some of these expected challenges themselves. Charlie Casey ’27 who plays Robin Hood, was excited about the production because he wanted the opportunity to be part of a comedy after working on more serious productions in previous years. Even though Casey enjoys playing funny characters, he says that playing Robin Hood is still something new for him. “I think this role is one that personally, as an actor, is outside of my comfort zone,” Casey says, mentioning that the role will help him grow as an actor, especially by building confidence and becoming more authentic in his performances.
While Casey and the other actors and directors are working onstage, the tech crew is working behind the scenes to make the production come together. Daniel Bennett-Jones ’29, a member of the tech crew, says that the crew is responsible for things such as lighting, costumes, props, and set changes. This work, he notes, is important in making the world of the play feel more real to the audience. One part of the production he is especially looking forward to is the lighting in the black box, which he said will help make the show more immersive.
Although the audience mainly sees the actors, the production depends on all of these individuals and departments working together. From directing and acting to building the set and creating the lighting, each part contributes to the final performance.
With its unusual humor and emphasis on trying something new, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood gives the cast and crew a chance to step outside their usual theater experiences. More than anything, Clay hopes audiences will simply enjoy themselves. “I think whoever goes to see the show will just have fun,” Clay says.