Theatre of the Big Bend opened its 59th season on Friday, July 5, with Ken Ludwig’s “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre. The play, based on the 14th and 15th-century English ballads, offers a comic take on the classic story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
“I think one of the reasons the Robin Hood story has resonated with audiences and readers for so long is that everyone wants corrupt leaders called to account,” said Director and Associate Professor of Communication Bret Scott. “Robin Hood is an outlaw with a moral code and a sense of humor. And this show highlights that. There are laughs, romance, surprise twists and plenty of sword fights and archery, all under the stars in the Kokernot Outdoor Theater. We’ve got a super-talented, super-fun cast and a fast and funny script. I’m so excited for audiences to see this show. It’s a great way for the whole family to relax and enjoy a cool night outside together.”
The production features a cast of both professional actors and alumni, including Mason Forringer as Robin Hood, Justin Hinton as Prince John, Cameron Owens as Little John, Olivia Pertuso as Maid Marian Fitzwalter, Yasmin Ranz-Lind as Deorwynn, Jenna Reyes in the Ensemble, Garrison Rutledge as Guy of Gisbourne, Cristian Sanchez as Sheriff of Nottingham, Emma Stevens in the Ensemble, and Joel Trinidad as Friar Tuck. Bret Scott directs the show, with fight and intimacy direction by Carlo Aceytuno, scenic and lighting design by Ross Fleming, costume design by Carolyn Barrientes, and production by Marjie Scott.
Marjie Scott, Theatre of the Big Bend producer and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts at Sul Ross State University, remarked on the theatre’s new model introduced in 2022. “We bring in professional actors and alums to work alongside our current theatre students. This provides our students with guidance and a professional model to follow as well as the opportunity to collaborate with working actors in the field. Our goal is to consistently produce high-quality theatrical experiences in the Big Bend, and our audience members come out here from all over the country.”
“Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” was originally produced by The Old Globe Theatre at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in San Diego.
The production runs Thursday through Sunday, July 5-28, at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre. All performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Admission is free for U.S. veterans. To purchase tickets online, visit www.bit.ly/sulross-theatre. For more information, call 432-837-8218 or visit www.theatrebigbend.org.
Image Credit Sul Ross News Release: Mason Forringer (right), who stars as Robin Hood, and Cristian Sanchez, in the role of Master Blade, at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre.
