‘Treasure Island’ as musical

Press, 7 May 1984, Page 29

‘Treasure Island’ as musical

Robert Louis Stevenson’s ever-popular “Treasure Island” is brought to the stage for the third time by the Canterbury Children’s Theatre. This production is of special interest, however, as it is the premiere in New Zealand of the musical version by Lord Bernard Miles, of the Mermaid Theatre, London. This hit London musical is being staged at the Repertory Theatre, Kilmore Street, from May 5 to 19, with matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m., and week-night performances at 7 p.m. The production is directed by Penny Giddens, music direction is by Malcolm Jones, and the choreographer is George Williams. Penny Giddens also designed the set. Jim Hawkins is played alternately by Christopher Crompton and Simon Jones, and the adult cast includes such well-known actors as Maitland Gardiner as Captain Smollett, Barrie Cheyne as Israel Hands, Murray Richards as Squire Trelawney and Peter Brown as Dr Livesey. Allan Collins is the villainous George Merry, and Mervyn Glue is Long John Silver. Ben Gunn (David Yates) is discovered on Treasure

Island longing for a piece of cheese, and sings longingly, with his singing goats, of “Cheese.” Jim dreams of England in his song, “Far Away From England,” and the show also includes rousing sea shanties. Since Stevenson wrote the novel 100 years ago, it has captured children’s and adults’ imaginations, has become compulsory school reading, and been produced in many forms — on stage, radio, film and television. It was probably Walt Disney’s film version which brought the story to many people who may otherwise never have heard of it. And it is because of this that many characters and incidents — one-legged Long

John Silver, scruffy Blind Pew, Jim Hawkins in the apple barrel, and the dreaded Black Spot — have become almost legendary. “Treasure Island” is a musical for all the family. The prices are kept deliberately low for family audiences, with children’s tickets at $4. Pictured (from left) are the villainous pirates, Morgan (Pan Manning), Israel Hands (Barrie Cheyne), George Merry (Allan Collins) and Dick (Glenn Taitoko).