Way Out West brings Robin Hood to Sidney

Way Out West Community Theater's new show "Robin Hood and his Merry Men" is "not your typical Robin Hood story," Director Tyler Bailey said.

"You have Robin, Marian, King Richard, Little John, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff," Bailey said. "But we add some characters in there, some things you wouldn't expect in this show."

The participatory show, written by Richard Gremel, not only involves the audience, but Sidney itself.

"It gives you insight into why certain things are done in the show," Bailey said. "This show, we've got girls playing guy parts, and they hit on it during the show why, being in a small town, we don't always get guys to try out, so there are times when we have to fill in with females."

Bailey brings to the show his minimalistic style.

"Every director has their way of doing things," he said. "I like to keep things quick, easy set-up and tear-down. You've got directors who are gung-ho, huge full shows with moving parts. You get a variety of different shows we done."

Readying "Robin Hood" and its young cast has "been a blast."

"Every show has its challenges," Bailey said. "Being the end of the school year, all the kids were wanting to kick into summer mood and I'm trying to keep them on task at practice. Overall, I think they did a good job. I've been trying to keep it fun so they can stay focused."

The show stars Grant Campbell as Robin Hood and Felicity Beyer as Maid Marian.

Cast member Tia Pritchard, featured as Merry Man No. 2, said the show is "so much fun."

"Just acting in it is fun," Pritchard said. "I can only imagine what it's going to be like being an audience member."

Way Out West has been a part of the Sidney community for more than 30 years, Bailey said.

"I've been a part of it all my life," he said. "I've done kids shows and adult shows, and run tech for the group for years. We're just trying to bring some shows to town."

In addition to the hard work of its cast and crew, "Robin Hood" has too many surprises to be missed, Bailey said.

"The kids have worked their backsides off more so than I could have asked them to get lines down, blocking, just seeing some of the comic relief in this one," he said. "We're using props that wouldn't normally be used in a Robin Hood show."

He added, "It should keep you on the edge of your seat."

"Robin Hood and His Merry Men" will be performed at Sidney High School Auditorium Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, and $8 on Sunday for seniors.