2022: Treasure Island
North Theatre presented six sold-out performances of Tony Award-winning playwright Mary Zimmerman’s critically acclaimed play, “Treasure Island,” May 5-8.
Zimmerman’s adaptation of the famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story of young Jim Hawkins, who is swept up with Long John Silver and his pirate band as they head out to find buried treasure on a distant island. Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers a dreaded Black Spot to an aging sea captain, plunging an innkeeper’s son into a desperate race for buried treasure armed with only his wits against a dastardly crew of cutthroat pirates.
North’s production featured a large cast, an original score by British composer Jay Chakravorty, eye-popping costumes and lighting, and a set that included a 24-foot ship’s deck that rocked like it was on the ocean. Audience members were seated directly upon the stage in a “studio environment” to make them part of the action and storytelling.
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“‘Treasure Island’ is the iconic adventure tale and contains some of the most memorable and iconic characters ever written,” Parker said. “Mary’s adaptation stays true to Stevenson’s novel while also bringing a fresh theatrical perspective.”
This is Zimmerman’s first adaptation of a work of standard fiction as opposed to her previous retellings of classic myths and folktales. Zimmerman brings to this timeless romance her usual brilliant mix of ingenious stagecraft, song, abundant humor, and engaging theatricality. The Chicago Sun-Times called it “nothing short of sublime.”
“Treasure Island” is the latest in a series of the playwright’s works presented by North Theatre, including “Metamorphoses,” “Arabian Nights,” “The Odyssey,” “Secret in the Wings,” “Argonautika,” “Journey to the West,” and “The White Snake.” North Theatre educator and director Ron Parker said, “We are very committed to Mary’s work. She’s an amazing playwright and theatre artist. In the past she has granted us permission to produce works even before they have been published! Twice she has honored us with attending our performances. It is a great honor to have this renowned, world-famous artist aware and supportive of this little high school in northeastern Wisconsin!”
