Sunday, May 4, 2008

Theater review: Treasure Island: The Musical Adventure

By Rick A. Elina of North Dallas Gazette

Photo not provided by Word of Mouth Productions

Treasured classics perpetually pay off. That’s why they’re classics. They are the timeless works that will forever speak to us regardless of our age or current station in life. Certain archetypal stories will resonate with a familiarity reminiscent of an old friend. Treasure Island By Robert Louis Stevenson is and will always be such a classic.

Word of Mouth Productions presents its musical interpretation of the classic tale of a young boy on a quest for buried treasure who, along the way, finds something much more valuable.

The story is told through the eyes of Tom Morgan, a sailor newly arrived in port at Bristol, England. Tom is capably played by veteran actor Tom McWhorter, who speaks and sings with a believable British accent. While lodging at the Admiral Benbow Inn, he convinces the widowed innkeeper Mrs. Hawkins, played by Stephanie Wulfe Epstein, to allow her young son, Jim Hawkins, played by J. Anthony Sterrett, Jr. to accompany him on his next voyage. A sudden change in course takes place when the death of fellow lodger, Billy Bones, played by Ruben Natera, a first time actor and father of Director Teresa Andrion, leads to the discovery of a treasure map.

The journey undertaken by young Jim in his quest to find the elusive treasure is of course a metaphor for the young man’s journey into manhood. The spyglass given to Jim by the affable Tom, at the beginning if the play is more than just a gift, it’s the symbolic device for looking ahead. And Jim will need it. Along the way, the 15 year old must deal with loss of all that is familiar and far from the cozy confines of the Inn. While on board, Jim befriends a lovable one-legged rogue, Long John Silver, who is played by Miles Brennan. Mr. Brennan’s portrayal of the morally conflicted buccaneer is dead on. Ulterior motives soon become apparent and Jim must make a crucial choice, culminating in a well choreographed fight scene.

The most colorful and memorable character does not appear until the second act. Ben Gunn, played by Kinsley Dominguez, is a sailor marooned on the island for the last three years. Mr. Dominguez is one of the strongest actors of the entire cast. He gives Ben Gunn a comedic depth and charm that is noticeably broad and appealing, without going overboard. No pun intended. One of the better singers in the cast, his rendition of "Cheese! Cheese!" will keep you humming the song long after the curtain falls.

All musical numbers were accompanied by musicians Rebecca Cordes and Mike Terrill. Mr. Terrill also served as Musical Director for the production. The music would often give the action a melodramatic flavor that added to the fun. On only a few occasions was the music was a little too loud, making it difficult to hear the performers. The costumes, provided by Custom Costume Creations, were flawless. Set design by Melinda Whitten was well thought out and seamless through the several scene changes, and each was complemented nicely by the scenic art. Though lighting was at times uneven, for the most part it worked well with the actors who often made their way into the audience. Also be advised that strobe lights and fog machines are used.

Run time for the show is a little over 2 hours with intermission. Treasure Island: The Musical Adventure, runs weekends through May 10th. Contact Word of Mouth Productions for details. www.womproductions.com

Pegasus News content partner - North Dallas Gazette

Rick A. Elina is a playwright based in Plano, Texas and Theatre Critic for The North Dallas Gazette.

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