Hale Centre Theatre: HCT’s “TREASURE ISLAND” A NEW FAST-PACED ADAPTATION OF THE PIRATE CLASSIC

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (April 13, 2009) — Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s premier family theatre, will present the new dramatic adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic tale, “Treasure Island,” April 27-June 6, 2009. The play, authored in 2007 by Tony-Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig, moves deftly through the familiar story of pirates and buried treasure with multiple fight scenes, character exploration and the morality of virtue versus greed.

To bring the pirate tale to life, HCT hired structural engineers to retrofit the stage to accommodate more than 12,000 gallons of water between a waterfall and two pools—one 12-feet deep that pirates will fall into during fight scenes. Manufactured rain, mist and wind will create an ocean storm, and actors will swing from ropes suspended on a 20-foot tall aluminum ship mast. To complete the set, a 22-foot-long gangplank extends from the stage to the upper auxiliary platform.

According to HCT director John Adams, the physicality and fast-paced movement required of the scenes was part of the challenge of performing Ludwig’s version. “The story has to include realistic fight scenes, action and intrigue to be believable. The actors also need to be in top physical condition to negotiate the fight choreography, rope climbs and water dives, and rehearse them enough to get them right in one take every night. They’re having the time of their lives doing it.”

The costumes were specially designed and created to be realistic to the period and the Chinese, Spanish, English, Moroccan and Caribbean cultures the characters will represent. Of particular note is the one-legged Long John Silver, who must strap his calf to his thigh in a special harness for the entire show under a full pant while acting, fighting and climbing. Action-packed fight scenes will incorporate various swords, guns and other weaponry used by the swashbucklers in the mid-1700s.

Ludwig’s “Treasure Island” is an efficient adaptation of the novel featuring well-known pirate characters like Billy Bones, Israel Hands, Anne Bonney, Blind Pew and central character Long John Silver in their search for buried treasure. Along the way, they encounter a boy, Jim Hawkins, whose thirst for adventure lands him on the pirate ship. As Long John forms a pseudo-paternal relationship with the boy, Hawkins experiences firsthand the cunning of pirates, the evil influence of money and power and grows in his own personal character exploration as he journeys to manhood.

The script is written by Ludwig, who also wrote “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Moon Over Buffalo,” and “Crazy for You.” “Treasure Island” premiered in Houston’s Ally Theatre in May 2007 and recently completed a run on London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in December 2008. Ludwig is the recipient of the Laurence Olivier Award and Helen Hayes Award.

HCT’s “Treasure Island” is directed by Adams and stars Skyler Holman and Kooper Campbell as Jim Hawkins; and Josh Richardson and Garrick Dean as Long John Silver. The technical director, prop master and set designer is Kacey Udy; technical engineering manager is Rob Kinmont; fight choreographer is Brad Schroeder; head costume designer is Peggy Willis; lighting designer is Spencer Brown; and the sound designer is Mike Williams.

Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinees each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and occasional weekdays at 4 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 10:30 a.m. Ticket prices are Monday through Thursday evenings and matinees, adult $22, child (5-11 years) $15; Friday and Saturday evening shows, adult $26, child (5-11 years) $16. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

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Treasure Island - A Pirate Classic