By Robert Andersen

The Ghosts of Treasure Island - A Pirate Musical

Adventure Stage presents its latest book adaptation for younger audiences.  This season’s opener is an adaptation of the 1883 classic by Robert Louis Stevenson cleverly written by Eric Schmiedl of Cleveland, Ohio.  Mr. Schmiedl created this work for the Oregon Children’s Theatre, in collaboration with the pirate rock band Captain Bogg and Salty, where it debuted in April of 2008.

The best way I can start this review is with the first questions from my 11 year old daughter, “I thought they said this was a musical.  Why weren’t there any ghosts?”  I then had to try and defend the concept of the director and playwright.  My first response was that “not all musicals are about the actors singing and dancing.”  “But then what makes this a musical?” she asked.  I replied, “Well, there was the band that sang and interacted a little with the actor’s and the singer kind of danced around.”

The lack of ghosts was a little more involved.  During the post show “curtain conversation” Glenn Stanton, who played George Merry, offered that the “ghosts” were the men of Captain Flint’s original crew who were killed in order to keep secret the location of the treasure.  He went on to explain that there were men in the performance who died and then came back to life to portray the “spirits” that haunt those who seek the treasure.  The young girl who asked the question didn’t buy it either.

Once you get past the initial “HUH?” the show has some strong production points.  The technical aspects apart from the band, which was more of a heavy metal interruption than the rock-and-roll style that they were shooting for, are cleverly conceived and work well for the many location areas.  I particularly like the disappearing mast and use of actual sails.  The costumes are adequately creative and the peg leg of John Silver is exceptional.  Firght Choreographer Matt Hawkins does an excellent job of having eight swords slashing simultaneously.  The actors roll and tumble, slash and parry, and exit seamlessly after dying.  He even throws in some enjoyable slow motion movement timed well with the music.  The actors all carry their accents well with their personal characterizations.  Of note in their “characterizations” are Adam Verner as Ben Gunn, his movement and third person conversations are spot on; James Zoccoli as Long John Silver really sells the leg and Silver’s conniving disposition; and Reginald Kent Robinson Jr. who portrays Squire Trelawney with perfect the pomp and arrogance.

Overall the show is entertaining.  Director Amanda Delheimer presents a very good interpretation of the script.  However, don’t call this a musical because there is a band on stage singing songs about pirates and if anyone is supposed to be a ghost, “raucous” or not, make them look like a ghost.

Jim Hawkins learns that sometimes your dreams and ambitions are not all you thought they would be, enough said.

2 ½ STARS

(“The Ghosts of Treasure Island” runs through May 20 at Adventure Stage Chicago, 1012 N. Noble Street. 773-342-4141)

Adventure Stage Chicago

The Ghosts of Treasure Island production photos by Johnny Knight.

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