To say Olympic Theatre Arts’ latest show — “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” — is funny might be an understatement according to some cast members.
“This interpretation is hilarious; it’s pure comedy,” said 15-year-old Brianna Palenik, who portrays Lady Marion.
Fourteen-year-old Donovan Rynearson, who plays Robin Hood, concurs.
“I don’t think I have a single line that isn’t a joke,” he said.
Described as a mesh of Monty Python-meets-Mel Brooks for all ages, “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” by Mary Lynn Dobson and directed by Taylor Dowley plays for two weekends at OTA at 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 4-13.
The age-old tale of Robin Hood stealing from the privileged to help those in need is re-imagined with humor, from spoon-wielding merry men to dance moves in a dungeon.
Palenik said she’s been busting up laughing during rehearsals and feels this is the best play she’s ever been a part of.
Thirteen-year-old Ivana Miller joins OTA’s stage for the first time and said that being the villain (Prince John) has been great.
Miller’s favorite part? “Bringing out those mean parts of me and I get to be arrogant and rude, which I’m not.”
Miller said that joining OTA initially was a little daunting, but other actors have been great and she’s gaining confidence at each rehearsal.
With the show featuring a cast of all ages, including Bill Stone as Friar Tuck and Michael Curran as the interactive narrator “Town’s Guy,” Palenik said younger actors get a chance to learn from stage veterans and it’s been blending well.
“I like seeing how everyone interacts,” Palenik said. “Older actors have been taking younger actors under their wing.”
Rynearson, who takes his first lead role in his third OTA show, said he loves seeing everyone’s growth from day one.
“It shows you where it was and what goes on stage,” he said. “You remember what went into it and how it improved.”
Rynearson added that this show is a good introduction to theater for anyone.
“You can see what it’s all about and if interested then come to the more dramatic plays,” he said.
Along with a cast of all ages, the Merry Band — led by Rebecca Bullard during the primary show’s intermission — features children of ages 4-10 singing three songs and telling jokes about Robin Hood.
For more about Olympic Theatre Arts, visit olympictheatrearts.org.
‘The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood’
Where: Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
When: 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 4-13
Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students
More info: olympictheatrearts.org or 360-683-7326 (from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday)
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ The Merry Band will perform three songs and share jokes about Robin Hood during intermission of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” at Olympic Theatre Arts.
Photo by Emily Matthiessen / Donovan Rynearson, as a disguised Robin Hood, Michael Curran as Town’s Guy and Brianna Palenik as Maid Marion plot for righteousness to rule the kingdom of England in OTA’s upcoming play, “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.”
Photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sofia Rather as Will Scarlet, center, backed by the Merry Men, makes some suggestions to Prince John, left (Ivana Miller), and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Phillip McIntyre) that Bill Stone as Friar Tuck (background) considers, in OTA’s upcoming play “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.”
Photo by Emily Matthiessen Prince John, center, played by Ivana Miller, is pampered by his fawning ladies, from left to right: Sequoia Mitchell, Sasha Larson, Madison Bell, Trinity Devlin, Christina Parker and Rain Nelson in OTA’s upcoming production of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.”
