Chicago Stage Review

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.

The Ghosts of Treasure Island

This rollicking new musical follows young cabin boy Jim Hawkins as he fights to survive while shipwrecked on a mysterious island. Accompanied by the singing shenanigans of a raucous band of pirate ghosts, Jim races to find notorious Captain Flint’s fabled treasure before mutinous shipmates steal the fortune for themselves. Faced with danger at every turn, Jim persists on his quest armed with nothing but an old treasure map and an endless supply of courage. Sail the high seas with the crew of The Hispaniola in this rowdy adventure recommended for ages 8 and up.

Read review here: The Ghosts of Treasure Island –REVIEW - Chicago Stage Review

Previews: Apr 8 - Apr 9, 2010

Regular Run: Apr 10 - May 20, 2010

@ Adventure Stage Chicago

1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago

Show Type: Childrens

Box Office: 773-342-4141

Adventure Stage Chicago

Gossamer

This fanciful and poignant play based on Lois Lowry’s novel explores the power of dreams and the magical creatures that create them. An eager new Dream-Giver known only as Littlest One struggles to heal the hearts of an angry young boy, his grieving caregiver and his estranged mother before the haunting memories each of them carry become more than they can bear. But are the dreams Littlest One weaves strong enough to fortify and protect the fragile humans in her care? Beautifully staged using colorful masks and enchanting puppetry, GOSSAMER is recommended for ages 8 and older.

Thru - Dec 17, 2009

@ Adventure Stage Chicago

1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago

Show Type: Childrens

Box Office: 773-342-4141

Adventure Stage Chicago

By Robert Andersen

Children’s Theatre may take many forms, and in Chicago the options are almost endless. The gamut may take you from the parent’s guild in a church basement, to a high school/college workshop, to a full on stage production. It is important, however, to maintain the distinction between “Children’s Theatre” and “Theatre for Young Adults.” Adventure Stage Chicago’s latest production, Katrina: The Girl Who Wanted Her Name Back, is definitely in the latter category. The story involves life choices, conflict resolution, alliances and self-awareness.

The action takes place in New Orleans before and during the landfall of hurricane Katrina. Our heroine, Katrina, is upset to share her name with the storm destined to bring widespread destruction. On the orders of her father, Katrina sets off on her own to help her Aunt Beulah and cantankerous neighbor Mr. Thibeaux get to the safety of a church. Lost and whipped by the storm, the threesome seeks refuge in Perseverance Hall, an old music venue long since closed but haunted by ghosts and the spirits of New Orleans. Through the course of the storm which separates them, Katrina and her father, “Big Daddy”, are aided in their turmoil by unlikely companions.

My 10-year-old daughter pegged the show as “Fantastic, a little sad and a little scary all at the same time!”

The role of Katrina is wonderfully performed by Shakira Lavonne Carter. (so much so that in the after show discussion a question on everyone’s mind was what her real age might be) The ensemble as a whole does an excellent job of bringing the story and the feel of the event across to the audience. My daughter had no problem following the action or character connections.

Director Tom Arvetis assembles an exceptional cast, many born and raised in Chicago, and a combination of accomplished musicians who also play integral parts in the story adding to the wonderful atmosphere and mystique. There is no better way to express the feeling of New Orleans, during a parade or a storm, than with the sound that is unmistakable to this musical location. Colby Beserra, Music Director/Composer, and Co-Music Director Mikhail Eiksel create a score that, as one audience member put it, “reminds you that music can speak as easily as words.”

Being an old stage hand, I cannot fail to mention the functionally simplistic set design of Courtney O’Neil. Her use of multiple levels and depths make excellent use of the stage and keep your attention drawn to the entire picture. The talent of Lighting Designer Jesse Klug is also well displayed. The storm sequence and the appearances of the apparition gave both my daughter and me chills!

This is a story with real world relativity that older adults will enjoy as much as younger adults. It encompasses so much more than the moniker of “Children’s Theatre” normally covers. The unique combination of acting with musicianship demonstrates the unlimited experiences allowed in the world of theatre. This is not only a show to shared as a family but I would highly recommend it to school groups from 5th grade and up.

Adventure Stage Chicago’s world premiere of Katrina: The Girl Who Wanted Her Name Back is an entertaining triumph. This is the perfect show to expose young people to the collaborative world that is theatre.

4 STARS

(”Katrina: The Girl Who Wanted Her Name Back” runs through May 21 at Vittum Theater, 1012 North Noble Street. 773-342-4141.)

Adventure Stage Chicago

ADVENTURE STAGE CHICAGO PRESENTS

WORLD PREMIERE OF JASON TREMBLAY’S 

KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK

*

 
CHICAGO - Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) proudly announces the final production in its 2008-2009 season: the world premiere of Jason Tremblay’s award-winning play KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK, directed by Tom Arvetis (ASC Producing Artistic Director).
 
This exuberant new work featuring a live, six-piece jazz band follows Katrina, a young girl from New Orleans forced to face the powerful hurricane that shares her name. Separated from her beloved father during the storm, Katrina must journey to safety with only ghosts, sweet N’awlins music and her own bravery as companions. Despite enormous obstacles, Katrina is determined to reclaim her name and recover the magic and fire that lie within the city and herself. With musicians serving as both bystanders to catastrophe and heralds of hope, KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK celebrates the indomitable spirit of one of America’s most historical cities. 
 
KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK has already received three major honors. It was one of only seven plays from around the world selected as part of the 2008 New Visions/New Voices festival at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Tremblay also received the 2008 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Playwriting for Young Audiences Award. Lastly, KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK received an Access to Artistic Excellence grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK is recommended for ages 8 and up (4th thru 8th grades), and all performances include a brief post-show Curtain Conversation with the cast.
 
KATRINA PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Previews: 10:30am April 3 & 2:00pm April 4.
Weekends: 2:00pm April 5, 11, 18, 19, 25*, 26 & May 2, 3, 9.
Weekdays: 10:30am April 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 & May 1, 5, 7, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21. 
(Weekday shows are primarily performed for school groups, but public tickets are also available for purchase.)
Special Evening Performance: Friday, April 10, 7:00pm.
 
*The Saturday, April 25 showing of KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK is part of an ASC benefit entitled Spring Fling: A Celebration of New Orleans. The performance is followed by food from Dixie Kitchen; live music by Jazz Links, the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s youth performers; a silent auction; and numerous kids’ activities. Tickets for this benefit are $50 adults, $25 kids 14 and under.
 
KATRINA: THE GIRL WHO WANTED HER NAME BACK tickets are $17.00 for adults, $12.00 for children aged 14 and under, $10.00 for previews and $8.00 for school groups. Other group discounts, including birthday party packages, are also available. For tickets or more information, call (773) 342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org.

Adventure Stage Chicago

By Robert Andersen

In an entertainment era, such that we are currently in, where what once was old is new again, Adventure Stage Chicago has met a reversal of opportunity. They endeavor to take a book that became a movie and turn it into a stage play. This is not a question of should it be done but rather has it been done well? Once again I rely on my best source of insight in these matters, my daughter Emma. Although she is a master of the one word answer, it was difficult to stifle her enthusiasm during our post show debriefing.

The story tells of a boy wrongfully convicted of a crime. He blames his bad luck on his cursed good-for-nothing great-great-grandfather. Sent off to camp Green Lake the tables turn on his ideas of fate and destiny.

Emma was very impressed at how well the play stayed close to the movie. The action and dialogue move effortlessly as do the very adaptable scenery. There is only one distraction from this near flawless visage. Why did the characters of Stanley and Zero have one of their most poignant moments at the back of the theatre? I’m old; I fear change, so I asked Emma, “What did you think about the scene at the back of the theatre?”

“It was kind of dumb, the mountain they were climbing was over there (a flat stage left) and it made everyone twist around in their seats. I couldn’t see them really good or hear what they were saying. They should have stayed on the stage.” Is it any wonder why I value her opinion so highly?

The cast is excellent.  Their portrayal of the many ensemble parts of the story is perfect. As with many shows there are some actors who stand out however. Emma and I both agree that Allison Latta, “the Warden”, is our favorite.  Emma enjoyed the little bit of action where she got pulled off stage at the end. I enjoyed her Sigourney Weaver-esque sassiness.

Other members of note are Ty Golde, as “Magnet”, and James Zoccoli, as “Mr. Sir”.  Both men seem to have found the center of their characters and are able to have a lot of fun with them. In the overall picture, the boys all give the impression that they had been “locked up together” for some time, and the rest of the ensemble feeds off their tight sense of kinship.

Let us not forget however that this story is written, both the book and the stage adaptation by Louis Sachar, for young people and brings many truths to bear during its course. To their credit, the Adventure Stage Chicago has made theater their focus for the young and they put forth a strong effort to make going to a play more of an experience in and of itself. There is a brief introduction to the main moral of the story beforehand and immediately following the performance there is a question and answer discussion with the entire cast engaging the audience about the lessons learned.  I found this to be a great benefit to my daughter who sometimes misses the hidden meanings of things.

All in all Adventure Stage Chicago productions of HOLES is a well-done performance on a well-designed set in a beautiful space. It’s not so much an adaptation of a movie or a book, but more so a way for kids to learn life’s important lessons, fall in love with theater and have a great time.

3 ½ STARS

(”HOLES” runs through December 18 at Vittum Theater, 1012 North Noble Street. 773-342-4141.)

Adventure Stage Chicago

HOLES production photos by Johnny Knight.