Brandon Twp.- Jon Dean loved the Disney animated classic ‘Robin Hood? as a kid. Now the 17-year-old will bring the outlaw character to life.
The Brandon High School junior will act in his first role ever and be the star of ‘Robin Hood,? with performances at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13, 14, and 15 on stage at BHS Performing Arts Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
Play director Jeff Malicke chose ‘Robin Hood? from a desire to give this year’s students a chance to shine, in a production that has just over 20 cast members.
‘I guess it came down to incorporating the talent coming to me,? he said. ‘It’s difficult to find a play with a lot of parts… So far my favorite part is that for certain actors, this is their first time in a play and this is giving students an opportunity to be seen in a different light. Jon Dean is a first-time actor and he is the best audition I’ve ever had.?
Dean said he has wanted to do drama since receiving encouragement from a middle school teacher, but didn’t have the means to get to practices. When things came together for him this year, he tried out for ‘Robin Hood? just hoping to get any part. He feels lucky to have landed the lead and said people have told him he’s a character much like the one he plays? hyper, animated, and talkative.
‘I like his charisma,? said Dean of Robin Hood. ‘He’s witty, sarcastic, and snarky, true to me as a person. Plus, he’s an overall good guy and everyone likes the good guy.?
‘Robin Hood? follows Malicke’s penchant for fantasy? the BHS teacher has also directed past productions of ‘Alice in Wonderland? and ‘Charlotte’s Web.? He likes that it is family-friendly and appeals to a wide age-range.
‘These are the stories you grew up with as a kid,? said Malicke. ‘It’s hard not to like Robin stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, especially in these economic times.?
He notes the play is comedic in the style of ‘Monty Python? and also has action and a good love story. Robin Hood’s love interest, Maid Marian, is played by BHS senior Miranda Cheers, in her fifth production.
‘I couldn’t think of a better way to end my senior year,? said Cheers. ‘I wanted this role’she has such a strong part in a very male-dominated play and is a strong female character. Robin Hood is obnoxious and she definitely keeps him in check… She can hold her own.?
Cheers said audiences will enjoy the very funny production? a true comedy.
‘I think this is the best play Brandon has put on in a long time. It’s family friendly and will be a lot of fun.?
Tickets for ‘Robin Hood? are $5 general admission and available at the door at each evening’s performance.