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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Treasure Island Also see Gil's reviews of Pretty Woman: The Musical, Six and Boeing Boeing
The play follows young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a mysterious treasure map that sets him on a perilous journey across the sea. Joined by a band of sailors, including Long John Silver, Jim embarks on a voyage to find buried treasure. Along the way, he must navigate shifting loyalties, hidden agendas, and the looming threat of mutiny. As the adventure unfolds, Jim grows from an eager boy into a brave and resourceful young man, learning hard lessons about trust and courage. Ken Ludwig brings his signature wit and theatrical flair to this adaptation, streamlining Stevenson's novel into a fairly fast-paced stage show while preserving its sense of adventure. Ludwig has become well known for adapting classic literary works for the stage, including "Murder on the Orient Express," "The Three Musketeers" and a couple of plays based on Sherlock Holmes, and here he balances faithfulness to the Stevenson's novel with accessibility for modern audiences. Like the novel, the play takes a bit of time to fully set the story in motion, carefully establishing characters and stakes. However, once Long John Silver makes his entrance, the production ramps up and rarely slows down. The performances are great. As Jim Hawkins, Christopher Sean Devous captures both the youthful enthusiasm and growing determination of the character, making his journey compelling and relatable. As Long John Silver, Matthew R. Harris is a standout, both charismatic and unpredictable. He brings charm, menace, and a hint of humor to the role, keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions while commanding the stage with ease. Silver serves as Jim's surrogate father on the ship, and Harris also plays the brief part of Jim's real father early in the play. The warmth Harris brings to the relationship makes the bond between Jim and Silver quite moving. In a range of supporting roles, Jim "Doc" Coates, J. Clay Lawson, Jack Pauly, Jacob Shore, Brett Etzel, and Danny Forbes bring plenty of tomfoolery and danger as pirates and stiff upper lips as British citizens; Coates is especially hilarious in the second act as Ben Gunn, a pirate Jim finds on the island who is obsessed with cheese. Emily R. Sussman, Amy Searcy, Danny Forbes, Cam Oakes, and Jacob Anderson round out the cast and all appear to be having an absolute blast. Cheryl Schaar's direction keeps the action moving briskly, ensuring that the sense of adventure, humor, and warmth in the production resonate. Aaron Blanco's fight choreography, while minimal, is well executed, with sword fights and physical confrontations that feel exciting. Schaar's set, Don Bluth's lighting, and the sound design by Schaar and Roger McKay add to the immersive quality of the production, drawing the audience into the world of pirates and treasure hunts. My only quibble is that the set changes all happen while Jim is providing narration and having several people moving about and making noise during those moments is somewhat of a distraction. Ken Ludwig's Treasure Island at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre is an entertaining and energetic theatrical treat. With strong performances, engaging staging, and a story that continues to captivate audiences, it offers a delightful escape into a world of high seas adventure. Treasure Island runs through April 25, 2026, at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, 8989 E. Vía Linda #118, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com or call 480-314-0841. Directed by Cheryl Schaar Cast: |
