by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In the dead of winter - this one in particular - folks are looking for something to do. It’s cold out, there’s ice everywhere, and we’re all going a bit stir crazy. Which is why it’s good thing we can count on Walpole Children’s Theatre (WCT) to put on another wonderfully entertaining production. This time around its Robin Hood, written by Tim Kelly, directed by Anna Hebner, and stage managed by Ava Straccia.
The classic tale of the man in tights that takes from the rich and gives to the poor is brought to life by an accomplished cast of 26 that range in age from nine to seventeen years old. Since auditions in November, they’ve spent months memorizing lines, learning choreography (there are some fantastic sword fights in the show), and, in some cases, getting to know each other. “We’re from all over,” said Maya Cossette Pineo, who plays Robin Hood, when asked if the cast was mostly from Walpole. “There are a lot from Walpole, but also from many other areas.”
Established in 1969 with a group led by an Emerson College student, WCT is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. In fact, according to their website, WalpoleChildrenstheatre.org: “No member of the WCT organization receives payment of any kind for their work. The production crew consists of volunteers who donate their time and talent year-round to give back to the group the wonderful experiences they have had with WCT.”
Not unlike Robin Hood, WCT brings accessibility to live theater by keeping prices incredibly affordable. At $12 for children and seniors and $14 for anyone over the age of 13, you can afford to bring the whole family - a rare treat during a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise!
“I loved the sword fighting,” an eight-year-old audience member said after a recent afternoon performance. “I didn’t know anything about Robin Hood, but it was great. I give it a 10 out of 10.”
You can enjoy your own merry experience at one of these three remaining shows: Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March 1st at 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. All performances take place at Footlighter’s Playhouse on Scout Road in East Walpole. This production is sponsored in part by a grant from the Walpole Cultural Council. Tickets can be purchased online at wct.booktix.com or by calling the box office at 508-921-0542.
