Delaware artist Howard Pyle inspires RSCT's 'Robin Hood'

Howard Pyle is a Delaware native well known for founding the Brandywine School and mentoring painters N.C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover and many others. His influence on the American art scene is enormous. However, his superb novels and stories for young readers have become overlooked. In the late 1800s, he was one of the most popular authors of children’s literature. His books included "Otto of the Silver Hand," "The Wonder Clock" and "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood."

This last novel provides the basis for the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre production of Robin Hood. Playwright and director Steve Seyfried chose Pyle’s version of the familiar classic as the source of his play because of the marvelous sense of adventure and fun conveyed in the novel. Those qualities are reflected in the delightful production that is running along with the three other plays at the theater this summer. There are three more performances of "Robin Hood" on the schedule: Tuesday, July 30, at Epworth United Methodist Church; Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Clear Space Theatre; and Thursday, Aug. 8, at Lewes Presbyterian Church.

"Robin Hood" rotates throughout the summer with "The Wizard of Oz," "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Millie and the Orange Dragon." The schedule includes Sunday evening performances at the Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. On Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, plays are performed at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth Beach. There are three Thursday morning performances in August at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway in Lewes.

The complete summer schedule is online at www.rehobothchildrenstheatre.org. Tickets to all shows are $10. They can be purchased by phone at 302-227-6766 or through the website.