Treasure Island

Cries of "Shiver Me Timbers" will be emanating from Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre for the next month as the theater hosts the Midwest premier of "Treasure Island."

The production is a musical take on the adventure tale. The story's central character is young Jim, a boy on the cusp of manhood. The show opens with the death of his father, after which his life quickly takes a turn from the ordinary. Soon he finds himself sailing the seas in search of treasure with a ship full of mutinous crew members.

The show, based on the classic novel, was written by Curt Dale Clark, who also stars in the production, and Marc Robin, who directs.
The musical seems to be struggling to be both a whimsical story of pirates and a serious tale or morality and friendship. Though at times the show's emotional songs feel forced, it hits a solid note with other cheerful ballads.

The infamous Long John Silver is played by Jamie Jackson. He gives the nefarious captain a sweet side not normally associated with Silver.

Eddie Curry takes on three roles throughout the show, the strongest of which is old Ben Gunn. The former pirate was marooned on Skeleton Island and now, seven years later, he's staved for company and has an penchant for cheese.

The family-friendly pirate show is perfect for kids with winter-induced cabin fever who are longing for a bit of adventure. With summer just around the corner they can whet their appetites with a couple hours of songs and scallywags.

Don't Miss the Show

Performances: The show runs until May 17. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m.
For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $34 to $57 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet.

TOP: Jim Hawkins, played by Rick Desloge, left, talks with castaway Ben Gunn (Eddie Curry as Ben Gunn in Treasure Island: A Musical Adventure.
BOTTOM: Jamie Jackson as Long John Silver