Casting has been announced for Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of the new Douglas Carter Beane-Lewis Flinn musical Hood, which will play Florida's Mertz Theatre June 3–26 with an official opening June 11.
Directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Ellenore Scott, the cast will be led by Anthony Chatmon II (Hadestown, Be More Chill) and Savy Jackson (Once On This Island national tour) as Robin and Marian, respectively.
The two will be joined by Billie Aken-Tyers as Much, Caitlin Humphreys as Lady Ann, Erin Kei as Lady Jane, Aury Krebs as Meg, Daniel Lopez as Troubadour, Jamen Nanthakumar as Friar Tuck, Luke Antony Neville as Will Scarlet, Nick Rehberger as Sheriff of Nottingham, Zachary Francis Stewart as Little John, and Imani Youngblood as Gamble Gold. The understudies are Jordan Sam Rich, Mikhail Roberts, Darius Vines, Danielle Vivcharenko, and Taylor Erin Wade.
Hood tells the story of the nobleman forced out of his home and into the wilderness, who seeks revenge not only for himself but against an unjust system. And as he sets out on a mission to rescue the damsel he left behind, he discovers that this particular damsel doesn’t need any rescuing.
The production will also have scenic and costume design by Adam Rigg, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Elisabeth Weidner, puppet design by Nick Lehane, hair, wig, and makeup design by Michelle Hart, orchestrations by Flinn and Justin Goldner, music direction by Brad Simmons, and fight direction by Jacob Grigolia-Rosenbaum.
“I feel very lucky at this point in time to have the opportunity to work on this piece of material with this gifted group of people,” director Brokaw says. “The piece touches on so many of the issues we’re all currently struggling with and that threaten to consume us, but it does it through laughter, generosity, and kindness—all things the world desperately needs right now. This musical offers a road map to joy.”
“The legend of Robin Hood has been passed down for more than 800 years, revisited and adapted by hundreds of troubadours, storytellers, writers in theatre, and recently in TV and film,” adds Flinn. “Not only is it a David versus Goliath tale, but it is about individuals—everyday people—making choices to stand up rather than be complacent, to not accept the status quo, and to fight for what they believe in. But also, and perhaps more importantly, it’s larger than life and fun, with adventure and love and a big heart."
Hood is presented by arrangement with Hunter Arnold and Tom Kirdahy.
