A thrilling new musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island has opened at Aurora Fox with plenty of swashbuckling action for the entire family. Billed as “A New Musical for a New Generation,” this production does not disappoint. The tale is familiar, yet this new version is wildly successful in providing a fresh take on the beloved story that Stevenson penned 140 years ago.
With a mixture of pirates and a treasure map, we are led through the high seas with great characters and wonderful music. This terrific book is by Carla Vitale and Brett Smock and gives the audience a supremely understandable and winning adaptation of the classic tale. Exciting music and lyrics by Corinne Aquilina highlight the journey from start to finish.
This production will appeal to all ages as a fast-moving adaptation that remains true to the original masterpiece. The story centers around our hero, young Jim Hawkins (Nathan Petit) in pursuit of buried treasure. Along the way, Jim is caught tangling with the iconic, one-legged villain Long John Silver (Erik Sandvold). What follows is a rousing ensemble of pirates, mutiny on the high seas, and everything in between. The action is swift and exciting with magnificently staged sword fights choreographed by fight director Andre Rodriguez.
The entire cast is notable! Starting with Nathan Petit as Jim, the actor delivers a heartfelt performance filled with both awe and courage. His mother, played by Noelia Antweiler, offers up a sweet concoction of both a concerned parent and a loving mother. Along with the entire company they sing “Prologue” to Treasure Island, marvelously capturing the essence of Jim’s soon-to-be journey.
Erik Sandvold is perfectly cast as the crusty, treasure-seeking Long John Silver. He is deliciously conniving and an appropriate foil for Jim. Silver and Jim finish the second act with a rousing duet called “Never Seen Good.” Sandvold is a favorite at Aurora, Fox having recently played Scrooge in Twist Your Dickens.
Early in the story, we are introduced to Squire Trelawney played by Brett Ambler, and Doctor Livesey played by Liam Broadhurst as they assist Jim in pursuit of his treasure-seeking dream. Playing wonderfully off each other, both offer solid characterizations and are delightful in the musical number “Soon to Be Rich.”
Jordan Leigh plays the crazy cheese-seeking Ben Gunn with total abandon. He immediately stirs the pot with his appropriate over-the-top antics and provides key elements advancing the plot through the conclusion of the story. His rendition of the musical number “Ben Gunn” nearly stops the show dead in its tracks. Scott McLean does double duty as Billy Bones and Captain Smollett. Both characters are strong and completely different from each other, displaying McLean’s versatility as an actor.
Rounding out the cast are Mike Martinkus, Gabe Morales, Alexander Watson and Tim Grant. Playing a variety of characters, they are all strong performers with excellent singing voices and are equally well-suited for the physicality of their roles.
Director Nick Sugar has captured the magic of Treasure Island. His storytelling is impeccable and filled with all the key elements necessary for a successful musical production. Starting with the actors, Sugar has assembled a top-notch cast and uses each and every one to their utmost. He incorporates the musical numbers seamlessly into the performance while advancing the storyline with each song. It is no wonder that Sugar’s work has been recognized many times over the past 20 years.
Without question, the music is one of the highlights of this production. Music director Donna Debreceni leads a magnificent group of musicians featuring Bob Rebholz, Sean Case, Zach Stailey and Eli Acosta. Along with improved sound equipment, the musical accompaniment is exquisite making this a truly spectacular musical event.
The scenery designed by Brandon Philip Case and the costumes designed by Linda Morken both heighten the action of the story. The set has a versatile component allowing it to be both the ship’s deck and the island where the treasure is buried. Both the lighting designed by Jen Orf and the sound designed by Curt Behm add special elements to the production.
Presented by Aurora Fox, Treasure Island is one of the finest productions of the current theatre season and is not to be missed.
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