All-Star Cast Brings ROBIN GOODFELLOW Back to Nashville Children's Theatre, Closes 5/15

David Compton returns to a role he first played almost a quarter-century ago and Rona Carter plays a man who is transformed into an ass in Nashville Children's Theatre's upcoming production of Robin Goodfellow, playwright Aurand Harris' unique take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream. Opening on Tuesday, April 19, Robin Goodfellow runs at NCT through May 15.

Harris, who is probably the most respected U.S. playwright specializing in theater for younger audiences, based Robin Goodfellow on A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, focusing on the battle of wills and wit between King Oberon and Queen Titania, lifting the character of Puck from Shakespeare's work and renaming his "Robin Goodfellow."

Peter Vann plays the mischievous sprite who assists Oberon (played by Compton in a grand scheme against the queen, but he also plays his own pranks on a troop of actors. Through Robin's tricks, an actor named Bottom (Carter) is transformed into an ass-headed man, and a spell placed on Queen Titania (Jamie Farmer) causes her to fall in love with this peculiarity.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most imaginative and playful pieces of theatre," says Vann. "I've always loved the play and the character of Robin Goodfellow, aka Puck. The concepts and inspirations driving the artistic team for this show are truly exciting, and I'm greatly looking forward to the rehearsal process and to working with the other phenomenal actors in this cast. When all is said and done, it will be a recipe for some eye-popping, jaw-droppingly remarkable theater."

In addition to Vann, Compton, Carter and Farmer, the all-star cast of NCT favorites also includes Henry Haggard as Peter Quince and Patrick Waller as Cobweb. Compton, one of the busiest professional actors in Nashville theater, returns to the role of King Oberon, a role he first played in the NCT production of Robin Goodfellow during NCT's 1986-87 season.

Scot Copeland, NCT producing director, will direct the production, which features set and lighting design by Scott Leathers and costume design is by Patricia Taber. Dan Brewer joins Copeland in creating the production's sound design.

Particular dates of interest during the run of Robin Goodfellow at NCT include:

• Saturday, April 30, is NCT's free After-words event, when the audience can stay after the performance to learn some production secrets behind the play from members of the cast.

• Saturday, May 7 at 11 am is NCT's Access Performance. While NCT welcomes all kids and families to any performance, at this particular showing the company invites families who have children with special needs to enjoy this performance as a community.

Best for children ages six and up, Robin Goodfellow opens Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. and weekend performances are scheduled throughout the production. Tickets for the April 19 opening night performance are specially priced at $5 per child and $10 per adult.

For further information, visit the website at www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

Pictured: Peter Vann and Rona Carter