A comical group of dim-witted pirates take a young boy on the ride of his life in How I Became a Pirate, a musical based on a book of the same title by author Melinda Long. The show is being produced by First Stage Children's Theater, Milwaukee's largest and best-known children's theater company.
After hoisting the Jolly Roger, the pirates display their own jolly talents, which include singing, dancing and playing an impressive variety of musical instruments. The show goes full-throttle as the pirates teach young Jeremy the basics of their life.
Pirate is an appealing treat from start to finish. The buccaneers are a huge hit with the younger kids, particularly in Act II. Unable to read a treasure map, the pirates cavort in the aisles at the captain's request. He then instructs them to do the tango, moon walk and modern dance movements as he "reads" the map. One should have guessed by now that these pirates are about as scary as Santa Claus. The delighted Jeremy almost forgets to remind the pirates that he has to be home in time for soccer practice.
The "Arrrgh" cast of young actors was seen during a recent performance (the children's parts are always double-cast at First Stage, and all the children in this cast participate in the theater's training academy, which is the largest of its kind in the U.S.). Austin Zdziarski shows amazing aplomb as the young Jeremy. The adults, too, give it their all. (Many of them are members of Actor's Equity Association.) Todd Denning is a hoot as the hip-shaking captain, accompanied by Lee Becker as the one-eyed Sharktooth and Bo Johnson as pirate who carries a stuffed parrot on his shoulder.
While all the actors have a chance to shine, of particular note is James Valcq as Pierre, the French chef.
The play is set on a gorgeous "wood" galleon, beautifully outfitted with lighted lanterns, realistic rigging and other top-notch features. The show is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.
