The church and the crown tried a number of different times in the 14-1600s to ban Robin Hood festivals around England and Scotland. They were too rowdy. The characters in these stories were too uncivil. Robin was a thief and a murderer who regularly humiliated Bishops and Lords. Maid Marian was a bawdy gender-norm defying shepherdess. Friar Tuck was a drunkard. The plays and ballads were corrupting the youth and promoting anarchy.
The same prim disapproving spirit reigned during the Victorian era when novelists and playwrights re-imagined Robin as a nobleman in disguise, secretly loyal to the true king, Richard, and in love not with a shepherdess but a virginal noblewoman. It was the Victorian version of Robin Hood that Hollywood ran with from Errol Flynn to Kevin Costner forever softening the anarchic energy of the old tales.
But you can’t tame the original outlaw. To this day the idea of a group of people living outside the norms of their society, off the welfare of the land, and building an insurrection by stealing from the rich to give to the poor has obvious relevance and enduring appeal.
I knew I wanted to adapt the Robin Hood story a long time ago, but it has been my experience as a participant and organizer in protest movements from Occupy to Standing Rock to the Black Lives Matter Uprising of 2020 that helped me understand who these characters would be in our moment. There’s nothing like watching your friends’ tents get smashed while you try to clear the tear gas from your eyes to help you understand why the Sheriff of Nottingham has resonated as a villain for centuries.
I’ve had the privilege of performing and directing for Torchsong Entertainment before and was inspired by their ambition for writing and producing original musicals with characters and settings ranging from pirates to vampires to hair metal bands to a group of table top roleplaying nerds. I knew Torchsong would be the right home for this show and Ken Bussell would be the collaborator who could help me nail the folk-punk stylings for the songs. I hope after you leave here that you’re singing them for a week straight. If you enjoy the harmonies then it’s due to the incredible musical direction of Ginna Kayser who could have been winning every barbershop competition in the world, but came instead to help these performers sound pretty. You can’t tell a Robin Hood story without some action, so thank goodness John Armour knew how to make these fight scenes really hit hard. And as for this cast, I can hardly type anything about them without getting emotional, I’m just going to say that the core of this show is incredibly earnest, and it’s their sincerity that will make you believe the legends are true: we really can steal a life of dignity for all.
Our Robin is an unhoused queer woman of color committed to radical liberation. Our Marian is a young professional unwittingly participating in the gentrification of the neighborhood. Our oppressive barons are the landlords and developers who profit off of the misery of others. The story is the same as it was 700 years ago. When they enclose the land, steal our wages, and make it impossible to live, then some people will turn outlaw - and it isn’t hard to see why those outlaws often get remembered as heroes.
-Aric Clark
Aric Clark
Hanne Laure'l as Robin
is thrilled to be a part of Ballad of the Merry Folx as their first ever show at Torchsong! They moved from Tacoma, WA to Portland in 2024 after graduating from Pacific Lutheran University with both an Acting/Directing BFA and a Design/Tech BFA in Theatre, as well as a minor in Studio Art. Hanne was last seen performing during the 2025 Fertile Ground Festival as Olivia in “VIRAL”, but a few of their other credits include Francis Flute/Bard Boy in Sherwood Foundation of the Arts’ “Something Rotten”, Red in “Late: A Cowboy Song” at PLU, and Dennis Shepard and others in “The Laramie Project” at PLU. They would like to thank the entire cast and crew for such a wonderful experience, but a big thanks especially to fight choreographer John Armour and choreographer/castmate Amanda Eichsteadt for all of the fun staff fighting sessions (with only minimal bruising). Also, shout out to their partner Adaline and two cats Teddy and Winter for nursing those small bruises afterwards. ANARCHY!
Sara has been acting and directing in the Portland theater community for more years than she cares to admit. She’s excited to be a part of this brand new musical; and grateful to work with this amazing company. Always thankful for the support of her family and friends for their support of her craft, Sara wants to you to be brave, bold, and try something new. Finding joy is a form of protest.
Amanda Eichsteadt as Marian
​​Amanda is so excited to be back working with the Torchsong crew on Ballad of the Merry Folx! You may have seen her on this stage previously as Alexa in "Guilds of Manzoa" 2022 or as the narrator in "Ripper: Song of the Knife" in 2023. Some of her other favorite recent credits include Dorine in "Tartuffe", Olive in "25th…Spelling Bee", and Bianca in "Taming of the Shrew." Amanda is so grateful to Aric for trusting her to be a part of this incredible project, to Matt for jumping into the community theater deep end alongside her, and to Gaga Robin for taking great care of her grandkid so mom and dad can play pretend.
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Parker Brown as Little John
Parker is an actor and director based in Vancouver, WA, whose recent credits include Frank from Native Gardens, Malcolm from Macbeth, and direction of Ken Ludwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood. He would like to thank his parents and family for their love and support, the cast for creating such a wonderful community, and Aric for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!
Shane Ruyle as Much
Shane (he/him) is so excited to be apart of the Merry Folx this summer! He is a University of Portland student, organizer, and counselor at a youth shelter. Recent credits include Darcy in Pride and Prejudice at UP, Life Agent with Fertile Ground Festival of New Works, and Max in Bright Star at Hillsboro Artists Regional. Shane is very grateful to be playing his first openly trans role! Enjoy the show!
Amy Andrews as Leslie
Amy is thrilled to be a part of her second show with Torchsong Theater Company. A lifelong performer, she has had singing engagements at local favorites such as Wilfs and Arrivederci Wine & Jazz. Torchsong audiences would remember her from her recent performance in Something Wicked. Other theatrical credits include Hello Dolly, Some Sweet Day, Adrian: The Alternative Pantomime, and Murder Mystery at Gray Gables Estates: You Only Die Twice. Amy would like to thank her awesome kids and husband for their patience, love, and support in all of her theatrical endeavors. She also thanks the cast and crew of Ballad for pouring so much of their heart and talent into this production. It’s an honor and a joy to perform with this group!
Paul Abeyta as Norman Baron​
Paul is a proud Colorado transplant who’s just a few years shy of celebrating a decade in Oregon. His passion for theatre and performance began back in second grade when he was placed in a performance class—and he's been on stage ever since. A seasoned improv comedian and storyteller, Paul brings both heart and humor to every role. This marks Paul’s debut with Torchsong, and he’s thrilled to join the cast after being an enthusiastic audience member at many of their past productions. Offstage, you’ll find him running tabletop games at local conventions, chatting about movies with anyone who’ll listen, or biking the trails of Hillsboro and Portland. Paul extends his heartfelt thanks to the director for taking a chance on him, and to the entire cast for their support, camaraderie, and creative energy.
Maddy Gourlay as Tuck
Maddy Gourlay (they/them) is thrilled to be involved in what they are sure will be the first of many productions of Ballad of the Merry Folx. This production is their most recent addition to over 18 years of theatrical experience. Not only is the tale of Robin Hood close to Maddy's heart, but so is the message in this modern retelling. Maddy has performed in several Torchsong shows prior, including as Captain Red Molly Robinson in The Jolly Riot (2023) and as the disco-dancing prince in Ripper: Song of the Knife (2023). Currently, Maddy can also be seen improvising with Deep End Theatre. When they're not performing onstage, Maddy plays the role of 2nd grade teacher in the Tigard-Tualatin school district.
Koby McConnell as The Sheriff
Koby has been performing in one form or another since childhood. He spent several summers participating and performing with Northwest Children's Theatre and made numerous amateur sci-fi films with friends. Though involved in the drama program throughout highschool, he eschewed stage plays to pursue extreme vocals and music, eventually fronting black metal band, Curien, and folk-metal project, Anonymia, for several years. Tabletop role-playing games filled the dramatic void until recently, when Koby joined the cast of Torchsong's "Ballad of the Merry Folx" as the Sheriff. He currently sings (as well as throat-singing and screaming) with mycologically focused polyphonic three-piece, Hyphae. Outside of music and the magical mayhem of the gaming table, Koby enjoys writing, reading, horror films, and getting lost in the majestic woods & wilds of the Pacific Northwest.
Gabby Bosso as Alain
Gabby has been doing theater since freshman year of high school. It’s her passion and her love. She’s been so excited to work on this show ever since Aric mentioned he was writing it in a passing conversation. The robinhood story was a formative narrative for her since childhood and it’s an incredibly relevant and pervasive tale. She can’t wait to bring this modern reimagining of the story to life.
Alex Weingarten as Bishop Hereford
​Alex is very excited to return to the stage after a 5 year hiatus. With a Bachelor's degree in music, focusing on vocal performance, he has accepted multiple roles in the premiere of "Ballad of the Merry Folx". Alex will also be a part of the upcoming Torchsong show, "Guilds of Manzoa"!
Matt Eichsteadt as Guy Gisborne
Matt is excited for his stage debut with torchsong. Some of you may recognize him from his last show, a performance of The wizard of Oz he did in middle school. A huge thank you to Robin, Kelly, and Hal for watching for babysitting and letting him scream at people he barely knows
Khalila Abozeeter as Ensemble Member
Khalila rekindled her love of theater a few years ago after over a decade off by performing in Torchsong's Ripper: Song of the Knife as an ensemble member. Since then she has performed and worked on shows for various theater companies in the area. She is thrilled to be back at Torchsong for The Ballad of the Merry Folx and excited to continue her growth as a performer in future productions.
KD Sweaney as Dale
Rory Pierce Mazel as Ensemble
Rory Pierce Mazel (they/them) is an actor, musician, writer, improviser, and drag king based here in the beautiful PNW. They’ve been a life-long lover of the stage and all things creative. Last year, they spent a memorable summer training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Recently here in Portland, they were seen in ‘Live, In Living Color!’ (Trans Voices Cabaret PDX), ‘Fezziwig’s Fortune’ (Twilight Theater Company), and ‘The Stapler’ (Sunstone Theatre). Rory is thrilled to now be joining the Torchsong family. In their spare time, they can be found spending time with their dog, stress baking, or hightailing it up the mountain with a pair of cross-country skis. Rory would like to thank the cast and crew for making this show so awesome!
Sara McNaughton as Ensemble
Sara has been acting and directing in the Portland theater community for more years than she cares to admit. She’s excited to be a part of this brand new musical; and grateful to work with this amazing company. Always thankful for the support of her family and friends for their support of her craft, Sara wants to you to be brave, bold, and try something new. Finding joy is a form of protest.
Ginna Kayser, Music Director
While Ginna is new to Torchsong, this rainbow rascal is no stranger to the stage nor showbiz. Having appeared as Ms. Darbus in High School Musical and Blanche Morton in Brighton Beach Memoirs, she has a passion for everything theatrical and musical. Recently, she was a member of the award-winning Emerald Valley Chorus and 2024 regional champion Equilibrium Quartet with Sweet Adelines International, but is taking a break from the barbershop world to pursue other forms of performing.
