Jr. Performing Arts Academy students rehearse on May 21 for the uproarious staging of two ‘Robin Hood universe’ inspired shows. Opens May 27.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
Stepping “into the Robinverse,” Dover Bay Secondary students present two fast-paced, family-friendly productions. Comedy, fairy-tale mashups, and audience participation abound.
The drama program presents The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood and Little Red Robin Hood, both of which reimagine Robin Hood in playful, unpredictable ways.
“The second one is kind of everything mixed up,” explained Grade 8 student Kalli Guild, who plays Little Red Robin Hood. “It mixes lots of different fairy tales together.”
The productions feature familiar characters in new situations. In Little Red Robin Hood, Little Red and Marion face an empress raising taxes, mischievous stepsisters, and a chaotic kingdom, culminating in a heartwarming ending.
Grade 9 student Elba Ortiz Duato, an international student from Spain, plays the Empress and said one of her favourite moments comes near the end of the show.
“There’s a part where I’m really mad with everyone, and I’m screaming, ‘Put them in the dungeons!’” she said. “It’s really fun.”
Guild said audiences can expect interactive, participatory moments during the performances.
“One audience member may get to run up with an arrow and stick it on the target,” she said.
While filled with humour and adventure, students say that working behind the scenes has also been highly collaborative, with cast members helping with sets, costumes, posters, and marketing.
“All of the posters are student-made,” said Guild. “A lot of our cast has been helping to build the set and do costumes too.”
The show uses multiple student-built backdrops, including a large castle made with help from peer tutors and younger students. Student musicians add live piano music to the show.
Students said rehearsals have required focus and repetition, but the cast has remained enthusiastic as opening night approaches.
For Guild, who has been acting since she was five years old, the production marks her first high school show.
“I’m really excited to keep going,” she said.
Ortiz Duato, who regularly participates in musical theatre back home in Spain, said stepping into character has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
“I just take my time to focus on what I need to do and really become the character,” she said.
As opening night nears, students say the productions aim to provide a fun, memorable experience for all ages, filled with laughter, adventure, and a bit of chaos.
“I hope they leave laughing and really happy after seeing the show,” said Ortiz Duato.
Guild agreed, adding that she hopes audiences walk away feeling connected to the characters and the students behind them.
“I want them to feel connected to us,” she said. “Like they’ve known us forever.”
The show opens May 27 with a 7 p.m. curtain time. Evening performances continue until May 29th, followed by a matinee show at noon on May 30. Tickets $10 at the door.