Trio of Sorensens In “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood”

Caden, Camerick, and Marleah Sorensen of Donalds are appearing in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” at Electric City Playhouse (ECP) in Anderson.

Last seen on the ECP stage in A Christmas Carol – Radio Play (2018), the siblings are enjoying entertaining audiences in Mary Lynn Dobson’s family-friendly take on the legends of Robin Hood. Caden is playing Prince John, Camerick is Allan Adale, and Marleah is a Fawning Lady.

As audiences to ECP’s A Christmas Carol may recall, Caden, Camerick, and Marleah are part of a theatre-loving family. Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen performed in high school productions and have followed their interests into performing in community theatre and for special events. As the three “…Robin Hood” performers (with help from their dad, Eric) explains:

“Even when little, all of us children performed in skits and sang for church groups, nursing homes and the like. Almost ten years ago, the Abbeville Opera House performed “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Mom and Dad, knowing what a good experience and challenge live theatre can be, thought what better opportunity for a family of seven children to audition? With most of the Sorensen children serving in the ranks of the dozen and Dad playing a small role as a doctor, the entire family found themselves bitten by the community theatre bug. Since that time, all of the Sorensen family, from Mom and Dad down to the youngest, have been on stage at one time or another--sometimes in a main role and sometimes in a supporting one, but always viewing participation in the local community theatre as a special privilege and a chance to grow.”

“Cheaper by the Dozen” is notable to Camerick as it was his first role on stage, while Caden counts his Abbeville Opera House performance as Augustus Gloop in “Willy Wonka” as one of his favorites, noting that it was “literally a treat because after ‘falling’ into the Chocolate River I was supposed to rub chocolate syrup all over my face show after show.” Marleah’s role as Lucille in “Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook” at Greenwood Community Theatre was a particular joy to her, “because I was actually encouraged to throw tantrums on stage.”

The three agree that the potential for fun in performing “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood”, plus their positive prior experience at the Playhouse, drew them to ECP for the auditions. The audition process was a memorable one for the young actors. Reflects Caden, “It was amusing to sit in the lobby listening to people audition by screaming at the Director. Then I had to do it too.” Naturally, the vociferous action carried over to rehearsals. “When we rehearsed outdoors at the Carolina Wren Park”, Marleah recalls, “I was a little concerned to be screaming in front of passing strangers. I was afraid someone might call the cops.”

Audiences need not be alarmed. “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” is delightfully silly and the high-energy cast is having a great time. The Sorensens invite audiences to the show. As Caden, clearly reveling in his on-stage “bad guy” status, says, “Who wouldn’t want to see Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham in a titanic clash against Robin Hood and his Merry Men?! Prince John rules!” Taking the other side, Camerick thinks the show is worth seeing because it is “a funny show with a good moral at its core.” For Marleah, the show’s selling points are escapism and perspective: “Considering the ridiculous issues and silly problems the characters in the story have, maybe people will feel better about themselves and their lives after watching the show.”

“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” is performed Fridays through Sundays through August 25, 2019. Performances are at 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 3pm on Sundays. Tickets are $12 each. For tickets and information, visit https://ecplayhouse.com or call 864.224.4248.

“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” is directed by Drew Kenyon, with Sharon Schultz and Anne Spake producing. In addition to the Sorensens, the cast is: Tish Crittendon; Kimberly Gibson; Lynne Gibson; DeAnna Gregory; Jimmy Harper; Austin Kueper; Aaron Miller; Jessica
Wayland. "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Continuing its “Season of Gratitude”, ECP selected Upstate Forever (www.upstateforever.org) as the featured local non-profit for this production. Just like Robin’s real Sherwood Forest in England, the Upstate’s green space and woods are at risk. Audiences to the “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” can learn more about Upstate Forever’s work to keep the region beautiful, plus have a chance to win Upstate Forever gift bags (while supplies last).

Electric City Playhouse is a Non-Profit Theatre located at 514 North Murray Avenue, Anderson, SC 29625. ECP is proud to participate in the 2019 Anderson Theatre Festival (https://www.andersontheatrefes...). For upcoming show details, audition announcements, and
tickets, visit https://ecplayhouse.com or call 864.224.4248. Find ECP on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter.