This fall, Children’s Theatre Company unfurled the sails on an unforgettable production of “Treasure Island,” which began Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 19.
Directed by the company’s new artistic director, Rick Dildine, this swashbuckling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic takes families on a high-seas adventure with pirates, live music and theatrical magic.
The role of young adventurer Jim Hawkins is shared by Truman Bednar and Mason Yang, each bringing a spark of curiosity and courage. The result is a warm, exhilarating show that entertains children and adults alike with its creativity and heart.
Transformative set design sets sail on adventure
The scenic design by identical twins Christopher and Justin Swader is transformative. The stage becomes a shape-shifting storyteller – evoking both a creaky pirate ship and a cozy book-filled inn.
Shelves lined with old books curve around the set like the hull of a ship, creating a whimsical library even as a ship’s wheel and rigging transport the audience aboard the Hispaniola. The design carries viewers from the warmth of the tavern to the rolling waves of the sea, then to a jungle island and a pirate fort showdown.
Just when it seems the set has revealed all its tricks, a few last surprises appear – even in the final moments – prompting gasps from the crowd. It’s stagecraft filled with whimsy and ingenuity, rivaling big-budget Broadway productions right here in Minneapolis.
Interactive pirate fun before the show
At Children’s Theatre Company, the adventure begins before the curtain rises.
The lobby opens an hour before showtime with a trove of pirate-themed fun. Kids – and kids at heart – can visit a make-believe “Tattoo Parlor,” tie sailors’ knots to take home or spin a giant ship’s wheel for silly photo ops. A Sea Shanty Mad Lib station invites families to fill in the blanks for wacky sea songs.
These playful activities had children giggling and parents snapping photos, setting a festive, inclusive tone. Pirate costumes are encouraged – though toy swords are not, as the theater reminds. By the time the show begins, the audience is already in the swashbuckling spirit.
Live music and sea shanties fill the air
Inside the theater, ears are in for a treat. “Treasure Island” features live music throughout – no pre-recorded shanties or pirate tunes. About half of the 12-member cast double as musicians, moving seamlessly from fiddles and bass to piano and drums. The effect is enchantingly immersive.
Traditional shanties like “Dead Man’s Chest” mix with new music inspired by Irish singer-songwriter Darren Kiely. His ballad “Sunrise” underscores the opening scene, setting a heartfelt tone as Jim Hawkins dreams of adventure at the ocean’s edge.
Because the songs are performed live, they carry an immediacy that deepens the story – from foot-tapping sailor choruses to wistful melodies echoing Jim’s hopes and fears. The opening and closing numbers are highlights, bookending the show with rousing spirit and surprising emotion.
Lively choreography and visual storytelling
This production is as much a feast for the eyes as for the ears. Dildine stages the story in a movement-driven way that keeps even the wiggliest kids transfixed.
Scene changes happen in a blink – a tavern becomes a storm-tossed ship through clever props and the cast’s physicality. In one inventive bit, a rowboat is conjured from barrels and rope, the audience asked to complete the picture with imagination.
The ensemble drives the storytelling, often forming living set pieces or even becoming crashing waves. Sword fights abound, staged for just the right balance of safety and excitement. Clashing blades and daring duels draw cheers and “oohs” from the crowd.
Amid the mayhem, the show never loses heart. Every choreographed moment serves the narrative, from pirates wobbling on deck to Jim facing Long John Silver. It’s physical theater at its best – playful, poetic and bursting with life.
Imaginative costumes and lighting spark wonder
The visual splendor continues with costumes and lighting that make each scene feel like stepping into a storybook. Costume designer Alexa Behm outfits the cast in period attire tailored to each character.
Instead of generic pirate garb, there are specific touches. The blind buccaneer Pew stumbles onstage in a tattered coat, while Long John Silver cuts a dashing figure in a refined frock coat – perhaps plundered from an aristocrat. These details balance humor and menace without ever frightening younger viewers.
Jeff Behm’s lighting adds to the magic with color and shadow. Golden light warms the inn before giving way to eerie moonlight and lantern hues in the island jungle and Ben Gunn’s caves. During a storm, flashes and rolling darkness mimic the surge of waves. In quiet moments, soft spotlights and cool blues draw focus to Jim’s journey.
Together, the set, costumes and lights create a storybook world where young imaginations can roam free.
A welcoming, inclusive theater atmosphere
Perhaps the most wonderful treasure at Children’s Theatre Company is its atmosphere of warmth and inclusion. From the moment you walk in, the theater makes everyone feel at home.
This is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theater for young people, serving a multigenerational audience with productions that inspire and educate. At “Treasure Island,” that welcoming vibe is everywhere – cheerful staff greet families, kids dive into activities, and parents relax knowing a little chatter or an “Arrr!” is perfectly OK.
The company goes the extra mile with booster seats, a quiet room for breaks and ASL-interpreted or sensory-friendly performances on select dates. The crowd reflects that inclusivity, a lively mix of toddlers on parents’ laps and grandparents laughing along.
In the end, “Treasure Island” is more than a play – it’s a shared adventure and a celebration of community. With its ingenious set, spirited music, pirate merriment and message of courage and friendship, the production fires on all cylinders.
As the final song fades and applause fills the theater, you may find yourself transformed too – reminded of the joy of story and make-believe. For families seeking a grand escapade, “Treasure Island” is pure gold. All hands on deck – this local show truly shines.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.
