'Robin Hood' opens Friday at Kokernot Outdoor Theatre

Theatre of the Big Bend’s 59th season opens with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” by Ken Ludwig Friday, July 5, at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre in Alpine.

Based on the English ballads of the 14th and 15th centuries, this comic version of the classic story shows how Robin Hood becomes the famous vigilante and leader of the Merry Men. The play includes other classic characters like Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Little John.

“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,” Director and Associate Professor of Communication Bret Scott said in a news release. “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.”

“Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” was originally produced by The Old Globe Theatre at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in San Diego.

“Our theatre transitioned to a new model in 2022, and in 2024 we’re continuing that,” Marjie Scott, Theatre of the Big Bend producer and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts at Sul Ross State University, said in the release. “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” features Mason Forringer (Robin Hood), Justin Hinton (Prince John), Cameron Owens (Little John), Olivia Pertuso (Maid Marian Fitzwalter), Yasmin Ranz-Lind (Deorwynn), Jenna Reyes (Ensemble), Garrison Rutledge (Guy of Gisbourne), Cristian Sanchez (Sheriff of Nottingham), Emma Stevens (Ensemble) and Joel Trinidad (Friar Tuck). The show is directed by Bret Scott 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.

Theatre of the Big Bend’s 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.