Paddock production of Robin Hood to open this week

What do a thief, a sheriff, some spies, and a maiden of the forest all have in common?

They are all characters in Stuart R. Paddock School’s upcoming musical, “Robin Hood Tales of Ye Merry Wood,” which will be performed twice—Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27—at 7 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium. Tickets are $4 and may be purchased at the door.

In this far-fetched tale, Robin Hood, who’s portrayed by sixth grader Branden Townes, gallantly plays the thieving do-gooder.  Other characters in the colorful cast include a cunning Prince, a Bishop, the Sheriff of Nottingham, a group of evil royalty, Maid Marion, Friar Tuck and mandolin playing narrators played by 5th graders, Grace Koshy and Zoe Hannon - all of which are part of a cast of more than 67 total members.

Melanie Madsen, Paddock’s music teacher and the show’s music director, and Andre Zielinski, the school’s art teacher and musical’s artistic director, are both impressed by the passion and energy the kids have been putting on stage and by the amazing reception the musical is receiving from the school’s community for a second year.

“We are so excited that the kids have this outlet to shine and truly show their talents,” said Mrs. Madsen.

Mr. Zielinski recalled how the musical started.

“When Mrs. Madsen approached me over two years ago with the idea to do a musical at Paddock, I was very excited,” he said. “And after the success of our production of “Jack and the Giant” last year, I was thrilled to bring another great show to grace the stage at Paddock.”

Seems Mr. Zielinski wasn’t the only one.

All proceeds from the musical will go directly toward renovating the theater’s lighting systems, and last years show funded a new sound system.  Funds for the new lighting system this year were actually donated well over a month before opening night. Several Palatine businesses also donated money and merchandise toward the cause.

“I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of volunteers who are giving their time, talents, and money towards our cause,” Mrs. Madsen said. “We have received several donations from individual parents, the PTA, teachers, and the administration. I feel honored and humbled to work in such a wonderful school.”