Robin Hood Fun Page
Steve Seyfried's two actor version of Robin Hood premiered at the Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre in 1992. Steve's partner in the show was David Jadico. In1993 Steve and David recorded a special audio version of the show. The cassette (yes, cassette, 1993!) became very popular with audiences young and old. This delightful 50 minute production can now be enjoyed by a new gerneration online!
CLICK THE CASSETTE TO START THE FUN!
THE PLAYERS
David Jadico
Narrator, Robin, Little John, Will Scarlett, The Deputy, Clem the Archer,
Steve Seyfried
Narrator, The Greedy Merchant of Doncaster, The Sheriff of Nottingham,
The Cobbler, Alan-a-Dale, Giles Costas
THE STORY
Robin Hood and Merry Men serve the poor of England by returning the money that the greedy noblemen, Including the Sheriff of Nottingham, have stolen. To lure Robin away from his hideout in Sherwood Forest, the Sheriff stages an archery tournament. Robin, disguised as a beggar, wins the tournament and escapes, pursued by the Sheriff’s bumbling deputy.
On his way back to Sherwood Forest, Robin tricks a wealthy merchant into giving him a bag of gold coins. He then gives the coins and the fancy cloak of the merchant to a lowly cobbler.
The Sheriff tries to trick Robin by disguising himself as a wizard at the county fair. But Robin cleverly escapes again, and the chase is on! Eventually, Robin and the Sheriff meet in a final confrontation, sword against quarterstaff. Robin disarms the Sheriff and sends him back to Nottingham. He then returns with his men to the safety of Sherwood Forest for a happy ending!
THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD
The stories of a kind-hearted outlaw who served the poor were first told in England over 800 years ago. As with many legends, it is likely that they began with a real person or occurrence. Through, the years, however, the story would change and develop as it was told over and over. Some historians claim the source of the legend was Robin of Loxley, a Saxon yeoman or Robert the Earl of Huntingdon, a noble who sympathized with the Saxons’ troubles.
The legend grew out of the conflict between the Saxon peasants and the Norman nobles who came from France with William the Conqueror in 1066. The Saxons had been farmers and tradespeople and often encountered harsh treatment by the invading Frenchmen.
VOCABULARY
Yeoman – Usually a free farmer or craftsman serving a nobleman or lord
Quarterstaff – A long wooden staff used as a weapon. It was held with one hand in the middle and one hand one quarter of the way from the end.
Lute – A stringed instrument, usually pear shaped with a fretted fingerboard. It first appeared in the 15th Century
Minstrel - A medieval European singer whose lyrics told stories of distant places and existing or imaginary historical events.
Nottingham – The town in central England that grew up around Nottingham Castle which was built in the 12th century.
Major Oak – This tree, between 800 and 1000 years old, sits in the middle of Sherwood Forest. It is the legendary meeting place of Robin Hood and his Merry Men
HOWARD PYLE, AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR
Through the years many writers have created their own version of the tale. The version on which the Family Stages script is based is The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Delaware artist Howard Pyle. In addition to telling the story, Mr. Pyle also provided a series of marvelous illustrations. His book was first published in 1883 and was a huge success. It remained popular for over fifty years.
Mr. Pyle followed Robin Hood with more adventure books for young readers including The Story of King Arthur and His Knights and Otto of the Silver Hand. He also wrote original fairy tales for younger children which were included in a collection titled Salt and Pepper, Seasoning for Young Folk.
While Howard Pyle was well regarded as an author, he is even better known for establishing the Brandywine School, a major American artist colony in the Chadds Ford, PA area where as a teacher he helped develop painters such as N.C. Wyeth and subsequently Andrew Wyeth (Christina’s World) and Jamie Wyeth (Portrait of a Pig, Island of Roses) as well.
ROBIN HOOD ON FILM
It didn’t take long for the movies to latch onto the adventures of Robin Hood. The first was a silent film that appeared in 1908. A legend in his own right, Douglas Fairbanks starred in the 1922 silent movie. The film that is considered the gold standard of Robin Hood movies is the 1938 version starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Disney produced a live action Robin Hood in 1952. Disney’s animated version in 1973 features an all-star cast with the voices of Brian Bedford, Peter Ustinov, Terry-Thomas, Phil Harris, Andy Devine and Roger Miller as the minstrel. Kevin Costner starred in a later version and Mel Brooks lent his comic talents to a parody, Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
familystages@gmail.com 215-886-9341
Celebrating Imagination!
1) Terrific Traveling Show - Booking September 2024 through May 2025!
2) Onstage at the Ambler Theater - July 17!
In a cloud castle high in the sky, a grumpy ogre pesters the villagers below with loud music from his enchanted harp and showers of non-golden eggs from his magic hen. The brave young Jack climbs a mysterious beanstalk to stop the Ogre’s antics. The quick-witted lad grabs the harp, the hen and a bag of silver coins, escaping down the beanstalk. When the Ogre tries to follow there is a delightfully surprising happy ending for all! Two actors play all the characters in this energetic, imaginative forty-five minute production designed for family audiences of all ages!
Enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk in the beautifully restored Ambler Theater
Tickets $12, Group Rates From $7.00
Wednesday, July 17, 11:00 AM
In your home or ours, the joy and energy of live theatre is ready for you.
Call or email for booking information.
215-740-2156 familystages@gmail.com
SUPER SUMMER SHOWS!
Whether you’re joining us for a family outing or a summer camp field trip, these sparkling, hilarious plays are guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. The fun is multiplied by two as a pair of multi-talented actors brings each story to life. Enjoy the unique, imaginative world of Family Stages!
TICKETS: $12, Seniors & Grandparents $10, Under 3 Free!
Generous groups rates!
To reserve or purchase tickets contact us at 215-886-9341 or familystages@gmail.com. Click HERE to purchase tickets on line.
AMBLER THEATER, 108 E. Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA MAP
NEWTOWN THEATER, 120 N. State Street, Newtown, PA MAP
AMBLER THEATER
Thursday June 28, 11:00 AM
Tuesday, August 7, 11:00 AM - Sold Out!
Thursday, August 9, 11:00 AM - Sold Out!
Poor jack sells the family cow for magic "quick growing" bean seeds. The seeds do quickly produce a stalk that leads to a castle in the clouds. When Jack climbs to the castle he finds three treasures: a bag of silver coins, a hen that lays golden eggs and a singing harp - and a grumpy giant! When Jack grabs the treasures and returns home, his clever granny has a new way to solve the giant issue.
AMBLER THEATER
Thursday, July 19, 11:00 AM
NEWTOWN THEATER
Tuesday, August 14, 11:00 AM
Baloo and the friendly animals of the Indian jungle rally around the lost boy, Mowgli, to protect him from the prowling tiger, Shere Khan. The stage is filled with Rudyard Kipling's fanciful characters, Bagheera the Panther, Kaa the Snake, Tabaki the Hyena and Bandar the Monkey. There's great fun here for audiences of all ages. Two actors bring the story to life in this spirited one hour production!
Celebrating Imagination (2)
1) Onstage at the Ambler Theater
2) Terrific Traveling Show - Booking November to April
Peter and Tinkerbell lead Wendy, Michael and John, off to Neverland. There they join The Lost Boys and Tiger Lily in youthful adventures with Captain Hook and the pirates. Two actors play all the characters in a whirlwind of hilarious activity - a delightful show for all ages!
Enjoy Peter Pan in the beautifully restored Ambler Theater
PURCHASE TICKETS
Saturday, December 16, 11:00 AM & Thursday, December 28, 11:00 AM
Monday, January 15, 11:00 AM & Monday, February 19, 11:00 AM
School Days Shows - Fantastic Field Trips!
Wednesday, February 21, 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 13, 10:30 AM
Tickets $12, Generous Group Rates Available
We can also bring the joy and energy of live theatre to you. Call or email for booking information.
215-527-6109 familystages@gmail.com
Summer 2024!
On Tour June 18-August 23 - Ambler Theater Field Trip July 17
The Family Stages version of this classic tale is filled with magic and fun! Jack, Granny, The Cow and the Giant are all brought to life by two actors in a fast-pace, high-spirited production!
Call or email for booking information.
LIBRARY TOURING SHOWS
FAST-PACED ACTION AND A LIVELY SENSE OF HUMOR ARE THE HALLMARKS OF OUR TWO-ACTOR ADAPTATIONS OF THESE CLASSIC STORIES!
Stories that leap from your shelves!
On Tour Through December 2020!
Summer Reading Theme:
A Universe of Stories
Anansi, the clever spider of African folklore, must accomplish four impossible deeds before the Sky God will return all the stories he has taken from the earth. With the assistance of a loyal caterpillar, Anansi captures the hungry python, the nest of stinging hornets, the leopard with razor teeth and the uncatchable fairy!
Two actors play all the characters in our spirited, 50 minute productions designed for all family members ages 3 and up!
For fees and booking information contact Steve at
familystages@gmail.com or 215-886-9341
FAMILY STAGES HAS PERFORMED RECENTLY IN THESE LIBRARIES:
PENNSYLVANIA
Upper Merion, Royersford, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, All 17 branches of the Lancaster County LIbrary
NEW JERSEY
Metuchen, Monroe Township, Moorestown, Hunterdon County, Lambertville, Cape May City, Wildwood Crest, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Cape May Court House, Stone Harbor, Woodbine
DELAWARE
Wilmington, Millsboro, Harrington, Bridgeville, Milton, Smyrna, Delmar, Lewes, Selbyville, Milford, Laurel, Frankford, Georgetown, Corbit-Calloway, Seaford, Rehoboth Beach, Greenwood, Dover, Kent County, South Coastal
MARYLAND
Wicomico County, Princess Anne, Crisfield
SOCIAL MEDIA
PURCHASE TICKETS
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
TO SHOWS AT THE AMBLER THEATER
