Orefield Middle School theater students kicked off their version of the classic tale "Robin Hood" Oct. 23 in the middle school auditorium.

This one-act play set in the Middle Ages tellls the story of Robin Hood of the Sherwood Forest and his band of merry men as they become outlaws, rob from the rich to give to the poor, and defeat King John, much to the dismay of the sheriff of Nottingham.

This play adapted by Larry Blaime is based on the 1883 novel "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood of Great Renown in Nottinghamshire" written by Howard Pyle.

Alex Atiyeh portrays Robin Hood. Reese Diaz plays Will Gamwell.

"My character is kind and cocky but he is a great person and helps the poor," Atiyeh said. "He is very brave and outgoing and will do anything to help the poor."

Atiyeh, who said he is nothing like Robin Hood, enjoys playing the character because he is brave.

"It is nice being the hero, someone different than myself," Atiyeh said. "I am really happy we are doing 'Robin Hood' this year, it is fun.

"We have a great group of kids and we all get along."

Diaz said his character is really goofy.

"When in a serious situation, Will Gamwell still goofs around," Diaz said.

Diaz said he enjoys playing his character because he always acts funny and also dies.

"I really love this show because there is a lot of fighting, action and there are a lot of funny things in the show," Diaz said.

Kayleigh Scott, who portrays Marian Harper, and Michaela Cohick who plays Queen Eleanor, commented on their roles.

Scott said her character is very tough and outgoing.

"She isn't like any ordinary girl," Scott said. "She isn't girly. She is just very rough and tough.

"I like how Marian doesn't take anything from anyone and she is just very tough."

Cohick said her character is the well-loved queen in the show.

"She loves everyone but her son King John," Cohick said. "Queen Eleanor is smart and nice and she is friends with Marian Harper."

"Queen Eleanor is super fun to play. She is nice, but she has a son who doesn't like her and argues with her a lot."

Cohick said she loves the show because everyone has a great personality and it makes her look forward to rehearsals.

"It is a fun show with a castle and a bright and colorful forest," Cohick said.

Christian Kinsley, who plays King John, and Max Hakim, who portrays The Sheriff of Nottingham, also commented on their roles in the play.

Kinsley said King John is a very cowardly king who raises taxes instead of getting involved in the town.

"I like playing my character. It is a fun role to play because he is very sarcastic and rude with a temper," Kinsley said.

Hakim said the sheriff is a very evil person and will kill anyone who gets in his way.

"I think he is very lonely because he kidnaps a girl and forces her to marry him," Hakim said. "I like playing my character because he can fight and he fights throughout the show with swords and I really like doing that.

"Also the sheriff is an evil character and I find that he is a very different character than I have played before."

Hakim said he likes the play because Robin Hood is a fun show.

He also enjoys working with the cast members and director and choreographer Jon Lynch.

Lynch said Robin Hood has always been a classic tale and a favorite of his ever since he was a child.

"I knew this would be a great show for the students and community," Lynch said. "The show is full of adventure as Robin and his merry band steal from the rich to give to the poor.

"This is a fun family show that shouldn't be missed."

The theater students will perform "Robin Hood" 8 p.m. Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Orefield Middle School auditorium.

Tickets for the show are $5 and will be available at the door.

Auditorium doors open 30 minutes prior to the show. There is no assigned seating.

For more information about the play, go to JLynchProductions.org.