The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood

Two of my children were involved in a theater production this spring.  Tryouts were in January.  This is the same theater group that Rebecca was a part of last spring with Charlotte's Web.  It was again a fabulous experience.  I'm thankful for the things that God has taught me from being a part of this group.  Who would think that a child's extra-curricular activity would be a faith builder?  God used this group to teach me last year - and again this year.  He is so good that way!

There were over 40 homeschooled students in the play.  They had 4 performances scheduled over one week-end in April.  Rebecca played Lady Marian and Joshua was one of the Merry Men.

 It was fun watching Rebecca blossom and grow into her role.  She did a fabulous job!  (And as I biased Mom, I do have to say that she is quite beautiful and talented.)

This was Joshua's first performance.  He learned his part quickly and had a lot of fun in the process and is looking forward to doing another play!  He did a great job too!  It was fun watching him in this too!  This was a perfect role for him too!

 King John, Lady Marian and the Sheriff.  We had some of our old friends in the play (from last year's production as well as friends from our FIAR group) and made lots of new friends too!

 Joshua is the Merry Man with the blue feather.

 Joshua with one of his best buddies Joe.

 Rebecca with her "bouquet" after the first night's performance.  (The vase was also filled with small chocolates.  Yum.)

 After two performances on Friday night, we headed back on Saturday for the final two performances.  We hadn't yet gotten a group photo, so prior to the first show, we took group shots.  The first one is of the characters from "the woods".  Most of these are Robin Hood and his Merry Man.  There is also a "poor woman" and a "rich man".

 The next group is the "castle group" - guards, Sheriff, Prince John, Ladies in Wating, Lady Marian and Fauning Ladies.

The whole group.

 I also wanted to get some candid shots.  Rebecca with Friar Tuck and Will.

 This entire production was put on by students and Moms.  It is truly amazing the talent from directing to sets, from costumes to decorations and more!  I love seeing everyone sharing their gifts.  Here are some of the signs leading up to the play.

 The entrance to the theater.

Marion and Robin Hood meet for the first time.

The "fauning ladies".  Aren't they cute?

 More of the Merry Men.  (Joshua is in the center.)

 The Sheriff, Robin Hood and Town's Guy.

 A scene with Lady Marion and the Ladies in Waiting.

 Lady Marion and Robin Hood.

 The first three performances went beautifully!  We had a break between the 3rd and 4th plays.  At this point, I left with a couple of friends to pick up some sandwiches.  I remember remarking when we walked outside the the air/sky seemed unusual.  While we were in Subway, the sky opened up and the lights started flickering.  We were hoping they stayed on long enough to get our lunch.  Little did we realize what was happening around us.

We rushed out to the car in the pouring rain!  We made it back to the church and found it was dark.  Power was gone.  As we went up to the second floor in the dark, we found everyone in the auditorium.  We were soon taken downstairs to wait in an enclosed hallway.  Away from doors and windows.  Tornadoes were going through our area at that time.

We all wondered if power would return.  We wondered and hoped that we would be able to do the last show.  We looked to our amazing leader, Shannan, to guide us.  As the children sat huddled in the hallway, they were lead in an activity that they had been doing now for months.  Praying.  They took turns praying and praising and thanking God.  Praising Him in the midst of the storm.  What a sweet privilege to be a part of.

When they finished praying, they each took turns sharing their favorite moments and lines from the play.  There was much laughter even as our hopes were strained as we sat in the dim light.  A decision had to be made as we would soon lose the emergency back-up lights.  With no power, unfortunately, the show was not able to go on.  It was very disappointing.

It is hard to know the whys sometimes on this side of heaven.  I do know that even in the midst of our disappointments, that God is there.  He is in control and He is good.  I'm thankful for the heart of our director who kept pointing the children toward His goodness even when things don't go as planned.  It was a good lesson for me too.

Being a part of this production was a blessing.  I'm thankful for the opportunity!  For more pictures, check out Rebecca's post on the play too!

Blessings

Leslie