Swiss folk legend William Tell is said to have shot an apple off his son’s head with a crossbow bolt on November 18, 1307. (That’s what it says on Wikipedia anyway.) Centuries later, legends would tell of Robin Hood, who has become known for similar marksmanship and defiance in the face of tyranny. Centuries after that, Rossini would write an overture that would celebrate the legend of the man over half a millennium after that shot. A whole generation of Americans associates that song with the Lone Ranger. So Tell is in pretty esteemed company.
The Swiss folk hero gets another tribute this month as Waukesha Civic Theatre presents the musical comedy The Legend of William Tell. Patty Chones directs the show runs for one weekend only in an intimate studio theater. The tale of William Tell and his son runs April 16-19 at the Ralph North Studio Theatre. For ticket reservations, visit waukeshacivictheatre.org.
