Tired of school already? Vital Children’s Theatre offers a swashbuckling antidote in Uncle Pirate. Vital’s production of Uncle Pirate has a lot more going for it than the usual children’s play. Ben H. Winters' energetic adaptation of Douglas Rees’original Uncle Pirate animates the scope of the book, and the music and lyrics by Drew Fornarola are excitingly crafted and delightfully unpredictable.
The reputation of pirates in general has been so tarnished lately that it’s refreshing to see the creative team rehab their image in this eye-popping hour that succeeds in every way.
Avast, Mates! Children Love this Show
The entertainment began before the show as various characters visited with the audience to help everyone get used to pirates, who, we learned, were going to be friendly. During this performance, the audience was evenly split between boys and girls, and the actors confirmed it: “Girls can be pirates, too!”
Another good thing is that these pirates were going to care about people. They would take from the rich and give to the poor. Robin Hood, take note!
Not Just Another School Bully Play
The play introduced young Wilson, played with the right amount of endearing wimp factor by Kevin Hoffman, a well-behaved school boy who was easy prey for the school bully, Carla, who has found her true interpreter in comic book perfect Alison Schmidt. This talented actress played other roles, including Wilson’s mother, with so much versatility that she might have a twin.
Josh Houghton gave new meaning to the School Principal stereotype as Purvis, whille deploying other traits within his varied character portfolio. As the sparkling school secretary, Miss Quern, Quinn Shadko offered a gifted take on school reform.
A Sea of Commotion and School Reform
While it looked like the ordinary school and home set, the world of the play took a seaworthy turn with the surprising arrival of Wilson’s long lost Uncle Pirate, accompanied by his talking, singing, and dancing penguin, Captain Jack. Pep Speed and Hannah Owens, as pirate and penguin, were game-changers for the shy Wilson, and their singing, dancing, and acting talents elevate the play beyond the usual children’s matinee. The dreams of these two characters propelled the play to many surprising and delightfully musical places as they explored the diverse concerns of children.
I won’t spoil the plot for those who haven’t read the book, but I will tell you that the International Pirate Code is one that could benefit all of us. It seemed to work even better than No Child Left Behind to help children learn what’s really important.
Pirate Comedy Values
Director Marshall Pailet has an adventurous vision of children’s theater, and his creative team delivered artistically satisfying results. Dramatic lighting by Josh Bradford, a flexible set that transformed smoothly from land to sea environments with some charming cartoon-style humor; and colorful, savvy costumes by Amanda Jenks all complement the outstanding musical direction by Jesse Kissel and the grinning, animated choreography by Kyle Mullins. The complex and rousing dance numbers brought a number of children to their feet, and Fornarola’s humorous rhymes created many unexpected chuckles for the adults.
Set Sail with Uncle Pirate
You won’t find too many plays that make boys and girls say, “Aaargh!” with this much enchantment. In the Vital Children’s Theatre tradition, the cast offers autographs and post-show smiles. So don’t be scared--It’s a fantastic voyage, and nobody gets wet!...Good news for special fans of the Captain Jack; according to his website, author Douglas Rees is working on a prequel about the penguin.
Join the Conversation