Little John meets the Merry Band. From left is Ryan Saunders, Reia Cooper, Meadow Davis, Jax Cooper, Cameron Toney, Emily Jo Shepherd, Jennifer Rutherford, Ellie Yeatman and Bryan Pro. Photo courtesy of Winters Theatre Company

WINTERS, CA (MPG) - The members of the Winters Theatre Company will celebrate the holiday season with their production of “Robin Hood the Musical.” 

The current presentation is a live and expanded version of the company’s 2020 virtual play.  An opening night Gala performance on Friday, Nov. 22, will begin a two weekend, six-performance presentation schedule at the Winters Opera House. 

The legendary exploits of Robin Hood, once the Saxon Earl of Loxley, and his band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest have been the subject of folktales, literary ballads, novels and more recent films and TV productions. 

Swashbuckling actors such as Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Sean Connery and Kevin Costner have portrayed the chivalrous Robin Hood. And then, of course, we can’t forget the Mel Brooks parody film “Robin Hood in Men in Tights.” Each story features Robin Hood and his famous band of followers including Maid Marian, Alan Adale, Little John and Friar Tuck.

The current production includes original dialogue and numerous familiar musical numbers with parody lyrics depicting life of the outlaw band who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. The script and music are inspired by a former 1974 version by the Bad Actors or Davis, performed at the original Palms Playhouse. 

The well-known villains such as Prince John, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy Gisbourne contribute to the plot with their schemes to make regent Prince John the actual King of England and depose his brother King Richard the Lionheart, who is returning from the Crusades.

The usual time setting of the Robin Hood legends is the late 12th century, when Norman aristocrats and fighting men were the powers in England, and the conquered Saxons were second class citizens. It is these deposed Saxons that Robin Hood and his Band champion in their efforts to regain influence in a divided England.

The Winters Theatre Company members invite their friends and patrons to join them for an evening of music, merriment and laughter in Sherwood Forest. 

The performances are on Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 at 2:30. The Opening Night Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30. 

For tickets and more information, go to www.winterstheatre.org or call 530-795-4014.