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Health & Fitness

Robin Hood: Its Many Hearts

Putting heart into art on stage: "Robin Hood"

 

As the family production "Robin Hood: The Musical" gets ready to open this Saturday at , where it plays at 11 a.m. each Saturday through July, a few thoughts came to mind during rehearsal this evening.

An important aspect of the rehearsal process is Artistic Director Jesse Cline's ability to instruct while he directs the piece. The cast, made up mostly of students but with a few adult actors in the mix to provide balance, not only gets to have a great time doing the show but also has an educational experience in doing so. The educational aspect is good for everyone of us involved in the musical as actors should always maintain their craft.

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It occurred to me that not only are the youth actors, ages 8 and up, gaining experience and knowledge but those of us who are experienced performers are also able to gain insight--from both Jesse and the young student actors. You see, adult actors sometimes get into 'tricks' they have become habitual with over the years. Working with the youth, however, you are held to a high degree of honestly dealing with what is happening in front of you, no 'tricks' allowed!  You think to yourself: "Self, if a teenager out there knows his lines I sure ought to know mine (even though I can barely remember my phone number)" and "Self, if a little 10 year old can belt out those notes like there's no tomorrow, well then so can I (even though my way-too-heavy lunch did not agree with me!)"

The 'tricks' of the craft don't play when no one else is using them. It's all about the truth, the honest effort, and the ability to stand tall when you feel like you need to sit down.

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This is what creates the beating heart of a show. So many hearts, young and--well, not as young as young once was--, putting forth their finest effort to create one large living and breathing life force on the stage known as "Robin Hood: The Musical."

Forget a line? It's not the thing to do, but if you do the Stage Manager is there to assist. Another heart. Singing incorrect notes? Not the thing to do, but the Music Director is there to assist. Another heart.

Then there is the basic heart of the storyline of "Robin Hood: The Musical." Two people falling in love and good winning out over evil. Simple, but who doesn't wish for that type of thing in life?

It's the basic principle of giving it your all that counts. It's the fact that you 'put your heart into it.' Robin Hood stands for doing what's right, helping others, and righting what he perceives as wrongs...So, too, should we find it in our own hearts to do the same and to teach our youth those values. And, also, perhaps there are times when we need to allow the youth to remind us of a thing or two...

So many hearts. One show: "Robin Hood: The Musical" at The Media Theatre. Allow it to touch your heart and see what you have been missing.

 

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