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The music of pirates and treasure

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Ashleigh Martens

Pirates in search of gold are invading Isabelle Reader Theatre this weekend.

Four Season’s Musical Theatre is launching its rendition of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale, Treasure Island.

“It’s going to be a huge amount of fun if you like pirates and swords,” said director Terry Rowsell.

After children discover a treasure map, they take a voyage to Skeleton Island, but pirates, including Long John Silver, are also on the hunt.

“People should come to see the show because it is a really fun show ... live theatre is way cool compared to sitting in a movie theatre,” said Sam Ogden, 12, from Langford, who plays the lead role of Jim Hawkins. This is Ogden’s second performance with Four Seasons after playing Charlie in Willy Wonka last season.

“My favourite parts of the show are the big choreographed songs and dances,” he said.

A multi-generational cast of 35 perform in this full-length musical.

“When you go on stage you’re no longer Ashleigh Martens, you’re Meg the barmaid,” said Ashleigh Martens, 14, from Saanich and a Four Seasons veteran. “Keeping in character is tricky sometimes, especially during a funny moment, but you know you can’t laugh.”

Treasure Island is the Four Seasons’ third full-length musical. About a year ago the company started lengthening its plays and broadening its demographics. Previously the plays ran about 45 minutes and were geared towards preschoolers.

Treasure Island, purchased from Musical Theatre International, has a running time of an hour and a half and was written to entertain adults and children, Rowsell said.

“Previously the shows were for little, little kids, but we had to get a new audience every five years,” he said. “Now it’s not just children's theatre. You can do an exciting show and an engaging show and you are not going to lose the kids at all.”

Evening performances are March 18 and 25, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are March 19, 20, 26 and 27, at 2 p.m.

All shows are at Isabelle Reader Theatre, 1026 Goldstream Ave.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children under 12, available at the door and on-line

For more information or purchase tickets go to www.fourseasonsmusicaltheatre.com

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com