Northwest Children’s Theater is bringing Robin Hood back to the stage this summer as its fourth annual Alumni Show.
The production runs July 18 through August 2 on The Schnitzer Stage at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts in downtown Portland. The Alumni Show has become a special part of NWCT’s season because every member of the creative team, cast, and crew is a former NWCT student.
This year’s production brings together alumni from across generations, including recent graduates and artists with more than 30 years of history with the theater. Each summer, they return to NWCT to create a show together.
NWCT Managing Director Nick Fenster directs the production. Fenster began taking theater classes at NWCT in 1993, the company’s founding year. Since then, he has worked as a teacher, administrator, playwright, and now Managing Director. Outside of NWCT, he has written and directed for Action/Adventure Theatre and the Working Theatre Collective.
Robin Hood marks his first time directing for NWCT.
The comedic version of Robin Hood was originally commissioned and produced by NWCT in 2011. It was written by longtime NWCT artistic community member James Moore, who also wrote the 2012 musical farce Rapunzel Uncut. This will be the third time NWCT has produced the play.
Families can expect a fast-paced comedy packed with over-the-top heists, sword fights, slapstick humor, and audience interaction. The story follows Robin, Maid Marian, and their merry band as they try to outsmart the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham and wicked Prince John.
Henry Martin stars as Robin Hood. Martin is a longtime NWCT performer who most recently appeared as Pete in the two-time sold-out run of Pete the Cat. Tia Lempert joins the cast as Maid Marian in her second Alumni Show appearance and fifth Mainstage production overall.
Performances run Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm. An ASL-interpreted performance will be offered July 26 at 2 pm.
Tickets are $20 to $25. NWCT also offers $5 Arts for All tickets for Oregon Trail/SNAP card holders.
Robin Hood is most enjoyed by ages 5 and up.
The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts is located at 1000 SW Broadway, Suite T-100, Portland, OR 97205. For tickets and more information, visit nwcts.org or call 503-222-2190.
