Complete with stage swords made by cast member

By PAIGE CARR

Staff writer

With the classic story of “Robin Hood” comes a promise of a plethora of nail-biting fight scenes, which will be on full display when Hillsboro Middle/High School presents one of the many variations of the play scripted by Larry Blamire on Friday and Saturday in the school auditorium.

“We wanted to do a show people would have some name recognition of,” director Leah Rose said. “This play has built a lot of skills sets for the kids as it has a lot of stage combat. They had to learn and be trained for these scenes. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun, too.”

A cast of 20 returnees and greenhorns will keep audiences engrossed after practicing during the evenings and after school for nearly two and a half months.

Among the cast are seniors Dakota Klein as Robin Hood, Jaden Priest, and Dylan Wiens. Joined by junior Jenna Hinerman, all appearing in lead roles.

Priest, who depicts Little John, is experiencing his first theatre production.

“After my third concussion in football, I couldn’t play sports anymore and needed something to replace them,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

While Dylan Wiens, appearing as the Sheriff, is a veteran performer, this year the excitement went beyond stage lights, as he created stage swords for the crew for an art management class project.

“I wanted fight scenes and I got many of them; I’m very pleased,” he said. “I’ve helped with a lot of the stage combat scenes too, that’s been a lot of fun.”

Samantha Moss and Abby Fryhover are on lights and sounds.

Assistant director Trish Williamson, with the help of some of the cast, built the set.

“This is the first year we were able to cast the whole show without anybody playing more than one role,” Williamson said. “I love theatre and I love the kids I’m working with.”

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5 for general admission and are available at the door or by emailing playticketsales@usd410.net.