MADISON – For the first time, actors at Rainbow Elementary School will perform on the stage of Zompa Auditorium at Bob Jones High School when they present “The Somewhat True Story of Robin Hood.”

“These are elementary students that have done school plays at Rainbow in the past, but they are doing their first-ever performance at Zompa Auditorium,” parent volunteer Alice Lessmann said.

Students in “The Somewhat True Story of Robin Hood” are part of the “Adopt a School” program offered by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. “The drama program at Rainbow has grown tremendously since its inception four years ago,” Lessmann said. Fantasy Playhouse’s program “has just blossomed” since its start with Rainbow shows for the past three years.

Written by Mary Lou Dobson, the comedy “The Somewhat True Story of Robin Hood” depicts the forest hero as an over-the-top personality who needs a dose of humility. The re-telling of the classic tale uses an irreverent tone, resembling a Monty Python show. Robin Hood meets a pretty maiden (although plagued by acne), an unsavory sheriff and a nosy guy from town. Sherwood Forest will never be the same.

The Adopt-A-School program encourages students to use their imaginations in a fun, safe environment and build confidence as they learn the process of staging a play. Students focus on script composition, characterization, the creative process and acting techniques. (FantasyPlayhouse.com)

Rainbow will present performances of “The Somewhat True Story of Robin Hood” at Bob Jones on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Students should arrive at Zompa Auditorium on Jan. 26 by 4 p.m. and on Jan. 27 by noon.

For more information, call Candice Cooper, Education Director for Fantasy Playhouse, at 256-539-6829 or email Candice.Cooper@FantasyPlayhouse.com.