Treaure Island

Ensemble Cast

Toby Hulse’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island is a real treasure. Extended through June 9, 2019, this refreshing female-centric view of an age-old swashbuckling pirate classic has been set to music and is appearing on the Arden Acadia Stage, 40 N. 2^nd. Street, Old City. Emily, a young girl who loves everything pirates, imagines herself on a pirate adventure.  When confronted with a pirate character that she doesn’t understand, she is asked, “What do you think she is saying?” Over-and-over the point is driven home to the children in the audience that the story is make-believe and  everything  is happening in Emily’s imagination. The songs are wonderfully high spirited and comically enhance the plot. The six member ensemble cast accompany themselves on the violin, guitar, accordion, mandolin, castanets and tambourine. My ten year old granddaughter is a fairly sophisticated theatre-goer and she was captivated. Cast members play multiple roles. In the second act, Emily’s character (Jim) is told to yell “Halloo” so that an ambush can occur on the pirates. To make up for a deficit in numbers, the audience is supplied with tools to help, much to the delight of the youngsters. This is a wonderful production for all ages. It is a new look at a familiar tale for some adults, a first peep at a classic for others, and a fascinating experience for the younger audience members. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit ardentheatre.org.