Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this new adaptation of Treasure Island is a breathtaking yarn of piracy on the high seas.
It begins at an inn on the Devon coast of England in 1775 where young Jim Hawkins longs for adventure. Soon he’s searching for a chest full of gold and fighting off the most infamous pirates of all time, including Black Dog, Anne Bonney, and the foulest of them all, Blind Pew. At the center of it all is Long John Silver, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time.
The play enjoyed a star-studded production at The Theatre Royal Haymarket in London starring Keith Allen and won the Best Adaptation AATE Distinguished Play Award.
Recent News and Reviews
Reviews
"Hit Ahoy! Treasure Island is the answer to every adventure-starved child's prayers: a racy, pacy, tough-as-old-boots adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's swashbuckling classic. A Festive Treat to Treasure!"
- London Telegraph
Long John Silver (Jeffrey M. Bender). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Jim Hawkins (Em Grosland). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Jim Hawkins (Em Grosland). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Jim Hawkins (Em Grosland) and Jim’s Mother (Rin Allen). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
"Ken Ludwig's new adaptation of Treasure Island is a meaty, powerfully staged evening aboard the good ship Hispaniola … Nothing here conforms to tradition or expectation …Ludwig invents a new spine to Robert Louis Stevenson's great story of skulduggery and gold-digging on the high seas!"
- What's On Stage
"Five Stars! Ken Ludwig's new version invests a gripping yarn with a genuinely rough-and-ready buccaneering spirit. It flies the flag for good-old fashioned ensemble story-telling...X marks the spot of a bona fide festive treat!"
- London Telegraph
"Ken Ludwig's skillfully filleted account of Robert Louis Stevenson's imperishable adventure...is a delightful surprise."
- The Independent
"Adapted with savvy showmanship by playwright Ken Ludwig ... the show could usefully serve many youngsters as an introduction to the magic of live theater."
- Variety
"[A] streamlined and exciting entertainment for audiences of all ages."
- Variety
"Parents searching high and low for adult-friendly, non-red-and-green kids' theater this holiday season can call off the hunt. Then, dust off the old wooden leg, strap on your most intimidating eye patch and set sail for 'Treasure Island.'"
- ReadExpress.com
"Ken Ludwig's adaptation of this classic novel is an adventure for the entire family...everyone is happy. Even Dad."
- ReadExpress.com
Original Cast and Creative Team
Treasure Island had it's world premiere at the Alley Theatre, Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director, Dean R. Gladden Managing Director, on May 18th, 2007. The Scenic Designer was Eugene Lee, the Costume Designer was Constance Hoffman, the Lighting Designer was Clifton Taylor and the Original Music and Sound Design were by John Gromada. The Stage Managers were Elizabeth M. Berther and Terry Cranshaw.
The production was under the direction of Gregory Boyd with the following cast:
JEMMY RATHBONE—Noble Shropshire; BLACK DOG—Jeffrey Bean; ISRAEL HANDS—John Tyson; EZEKIELHAZARD—Chris Hutchison; JOB O'BRIEN—James Belcher; JUSTICE DEATH—David Rainey; GEORGE MERRY—Mark Shanahan; CAPTAIN FLINT—John Feltch; JIM HAWKINS—Elizabeth Bunch; JIM'S MOTHER—Melissa Pritchett; THE BAILIFF—James Belcher; REVEREND MAINWARING—Noble Shropshire; TOWN DRUNK—James Black; DR. LIVESEY—John Feltch; BOY WITH BARROW—Chris Hutchison; BILLY BONES—Charles Krohn; BLIND PEW—John Tyson; SQUIRE TRELAWNEY—James Belcher; A CUTPURSE—Chris Hutchison; JOSIAH BLAND—Noble Shropshire; LONG JOHN SILVER—James Black; TOM MORGAN—Chris Hutchison; CAPTAIN SMOLLET—Jeffrey Bean; BEN GUNN—Noble Shropshire