Carousel Theatre Company
Treasure Island

Dates: 2 - 24 April 2004
Venue: Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island

Reviewer: Alex Farolan

Nick Harrison & Jeremiah Kennedy

A rum-fiending pirate by the name of Billy Bones (Derek Metz) leaves behind a treasure chest and a map after dying in the Hawkins-owned pub.

Jim Hawkins (Jeremiah Kennedy) is a young son who leaves his mother (Deborah Williams) to take on a dangerous treasure-finding quest with a quirky ship crew. Before the crew anchors the ship to land, young Hawkins finds out the cook (Nick Harrison) is really a pirate and the 'cook's' three-member-crew only wanted the treasure for themselves. Hawkins then tells Captain Smollet (Robin Richardson) and Squire Trelawney about what he had learned of the betrayers they had befriended. Though Hawkins was scared for his life (literally) and had doubts, he kept his word of friendship to Long John (Harrison)—and vice versa.

Treasure Island is filled with weak sword fighting and embarrasing props (the cardboard wave with the black cloth to cover Kennedy's feet encouraged giggles from the audience), but a strong lesson — for children in particular — I call it 'survival of the ethics'. The director's notes of Chris McGregor explain it perfectly: "Jim makes quick, smart choices in order to survive in this adult world and he prevails when he sticks to these choices and honors his word."

Jeremiah Kennedy is the young and talented star of Treasure Island; His tap-dancing scene before intermission was probably one of the best parts of the show. Treasure Island is filled with music fit for pirates and corny comedy. One thing that had me slapping my knees, though, was Ben Gunn's (Josh Drebit) love for cheese. I give real props to him!

Michael O'Brien adapted Treasure Island from the original novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson.

© 2004, Alex Farolan

home