Stage Door News
Stage Door News
A map from a dead man’s chest, a sinister one-legged seafarer, a deserted island and a talking parrot! They’re all here in Nicolas Billon’s new adaptation of Treasure Island, directed by Mitchell Cushman. The beloved family classic, reimagined for a contemporary audience, begins previews this Saturday, April 22, at the Avon Theatre.
Based on the adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is a coming-of-age tale that follows young Jim Hawkins into a fantastical world of treasure hunts and exhilarating escapades, where he meets the infamous Long John Silver and his crew of swashbuckling scoundrels.
“Pirates and parrots and plunder aside, Treasure Island has endured, I think, because of its deft encapsulation of how it feels to ‘grow up,’ says Mr. Cushman. “Throughout the adventure, Jim sees and hears things that the adults around him don’t; he is frequently underestimated, by friends and foes alike. And, just like all people of a certain age, he comes to realize that the adults in his life are far from perfect – that they may let you down, that they can disappear, and that sometimes you need to take your fate into your own hands. I wanted to give a new generation of treasure-hunters the chance to seize hold of this story.”
And seize hold they will! A master of immersive theatre, Mr. Cushman has infused the production with countless tricks and surprises that put the audience in the centre of the action.
Mr. Billon’s thrilling adaptation was commissioned by the Festival and is one of several children’s plays being developed in Stratford’s Laboratory.
“The Festival takes enormous pride in introducing young audiences to the magic of theatre,” says Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. “Treasure Island is a story that thrives on the limitless imagination of a child and we are so lucky to have at its helm Mitchell Cushman and Nicolas Billon, two of the most imaginative minds in Canadian theatre.”
The cast features Thomas Mitchell Barnet as Jim Hawkins and Juan Chioran as Long John Silver, with Sarah Dodd as Dr. Diana Livesey and Randy Hughson as Squire Trelawney.
The creative team includes Set Designer Douglas Paraschuk, Costume Designer Charlotte Dean, Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser, Composer and Sound Designer Debashis Sinha, Projection Designer Nick Bottomley, Fight Director John Stead and Movement Director Brad Cook.
Treasure Island officially opens on Saturday, June 3, and runs until October 22.
The production is dedicated to the memory of composer Alan Laing.
Treasure Island is a Schulich Children’s Plays presentation.
Support for the 2017 season of the Avon Theatre is generously provided by the Birmingham family.
Treasure Island Forum highlights
The Forum is a series of events, such as exclusive showcases, guest speakers, special meals, music and family fun, that offer theatregoers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the ideas and issues raised by the 2017 playbill. Themes related to Treasure Island will be explored through several Forum events, including:
June 18 – July 23
Join us for adventure-filled lunches that launch before selected performances of Treasure Island. Get your packed lunch in the Paul D. Fleck Marquee at the Festival Theatre. Then, following a clue-filled map, plunder your way through downtown Stratford, gathering your booty as you make your way to the Avon Theatre in time for the matinée.
[ • A Pirate’s Life
June 24 – August 9
This interactive, fun-filled workshop about buccaneers and buried gold introduces participants to the world, the story, characters and themes of Treasure Island.
The Stratford Festival’s 2017 season runs until October 29, featuring Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Timon of Athens, Guys and Dolls, HMS Pinafore, Treasure Island, The School for Scandal, The Changeling, Bakkhai, Tartuffe, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Komagata Maru Incident, The Virgin Trial and The Breathing Hole. For tickets and more information, visit stratfordfestival.ca or call 1.800.567.1600.
2017 Season | April through October
Twelfth Night | Romeo and Juliet | Timon of Athens | Guys and Dolls | HMS Pinafore
Treasure Island | The School for Scandal | The Changeling | Bakkhai | Tartuffe
The Madwoman of Chaillot | The Komagata Maru Incident | The Virgin Trial | The Breathing Hole
Photo: Juan Chioran as Long John Silver and Thomas Mitchell Barnet as Jim Hawkins. © 2016 Lynda Churilla.
2017-04-22
Stratford: "Treasure Island" adapted by Nicolas Billon begins previews at the Stratford Festival