Audiences of all ages will get a fresh look at an age-old favorite when the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) and more than 50 local students present Robin Hood on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Conceived and adapted by Michael McGill, the musical play tells the story of our hero Robin Hood, and his Merry Band of colorful characters who seek the help of the Foresters, manage to waylay the Aristocrats and set out to rescue Maid Marion and Marion's Maid. Prince John tries to stay calm as his Sheriff, guards and horsemen botch Robin's arrest thanks to the aromatic Skunks. Wacky humor and an original score add to this fresh new look at a legendary outlaw in a legendary time.

Playing the title character, Robin Hood, is local student Katie Thore. Other featured performers include MacKenzie Krips as Maid Marion, Morgan Richey as Marion's Maid, Shawn Baker as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Zach Emerson as Prince John. The Merry Band is made up of Lynsey Dancy, Dalton Griffith, Garrett Griffith, Chad Jensen, Caitlin Miller, Katie Orr, Emily Poteat, Callie Powell, Sydney Powell, Anna Robertson and Meghan Vannoy. Cheyenne Brewer, Brooke Galloway, Jade Hannewald, Mahala Land, Lindsey McGinnis, Mary Morgan, Skyler Morrin, Anna Vannoy will play the Guards.

Appearing as the Aristocrats are Hannah Howell, Taylor Krips and Skyler Taracido. Katie Krips, Rebecca Medrano, Jamie Richey and Ariel Worrell will play the Horsemen. Hannah Anderson, David Brown, Josie Cooper, Anna Corley, Josh Martin, Denja Norman, Alexis Tonker, Maddison Warner make up the Foresters. Savannah Anderson, Allison Brown, Sarah Corley, Camden Current, Thomas Galloway, Faith Hooper, Nathan Howell, Emily Huskins, Lydia King, Paige Lewis, Caelon McNeill, Faith Moretz, Delia Rhodes and Zachary Weaver will perform the roles of the Skunks. Alex Katz, Ryan Lewis and Molly Dawes will serve as Assistant Directors throughout the week.

Missoula is the nation's largest touring children's theatre, has been touring extensively for more than 30 years and will visit nearly 1,100 communities this year. All MCT shows are original adaptations of classic children's stories and fairytales, a twist on the classic stories that you know and love. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project. Missoula's mission is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.

Robin Hood will be presented at the Ashe Civic Center. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available at Ashe Arts Center and will be available at the door.

The Missoula Children's Theatre residency is presented locally by Ashe County Little Theatre, Ashe Civic Center and Ashe County Arts Council.

For more information please call the Arts Council at (336) 846-2787.