News

Vernon Hills High to present 'Treasure Island'

Posted October 22, 2009 11:00 pm

Daily Herald Staff Report

Joey Marsek, left, and Logan Nelson, both 16 and of Vernon Hills, rehearse for the Vernon Hills High School production of "Treasure Island." Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Vernon Hills High's School Backlight Theatre Company is presenting its fall play, "Treasure Island," adapted by Phil Willmott from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel. Willmott's rendition includes the rousing adventures of pirates (of all genders) searching for treasure at all cost. Filled with swashbuckling fights and hilarious antics, this is a show guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

The play features a talented 20-member cast directed by Kevin Phelan. The technical production crew, directed by Bo Warmbold and Jennifer Phelan, has built a seaworthy set, pirate garb galore and many fun surprises!

Director Kevin Phelan tells us everything you need to know about the play.

Q. Briefly, what is this play about?

A. "Treasure Island" is the classic pirate tale told by Robert Lewis Stevenson. A young boy named Jim finds a pirate treasure map and with the help of Lady Trelawney sails away to seek his fortune. Unfortunately they hire a crew full of pirates dead set on taking the treasure for themselves. Lead by the most famous pirate since Captain Jack, Long John Silver, the pirates mutiny and it is left to young Jim to save the day!

Q. What type of play is it?

A. This is an action-packed adventure for the whole family.

Q. Tell us what you know about the author, and the history behind this play.

A. The play is an adaptation of "Treasure Island" by Phil Willmott, based on the book by Robert Lewis Stevenson.

Q. What's the appeal of doing this play from your point of view?

A. I choose this play to appeal to all the kids and young at heart out there. I have a 6-year-old son and I wanted to do a play that he would really love. So I asked him what he would like to see. After I explained that there would be copywrite issues with SpongeBob the play, doing a play about pirates with sword fighting was the top choice!

Q. What makes this play fabulous?

A. This is a show that is all about the ensemble. The 20 students in the play hardly ever leave the stage. All of these multitalented students sing, dance and sword fight. We have coined the term, "This show is pirate-tastic!"

Q. Without giving too much away, is there a "don't miss" moment, and when does it come?

A. There are two really great sword fights. We brought in a fight choreographer and are very excited to bang some steel together!

Brad Gresik, 17, left, and Philip Hanson, 15, both of Vernon Hills, act out a scene from "Treasure Island" during a dress rehearsal. Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

From left, Joey Marsek, 16, Luke Hanson, 17, and Olivia Candocia, 15, all of Vernon Hills, act out a scene during dress rehearsal for the Vernon Hills High School production of "Treasure Island." Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Vernon Hills High School students go through a dress rehearsal for their production of "Treasure Island." Twenty students make up the cast. Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

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