Wild Swan presents "Treasure Island"

Wild Swan Theater concludes its 31st season of professional theater for families with a production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate tale, "Treasure Island."

Adapted for the stage by longtime Wild Swan playwright, Jeff Duncan, "Treasure Island" spins a tale of swashbuckling adventure, complete with brawling pirates, buried treasure, and feats of bravery on the high seas. The production will be performed May 12-15 at Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building on Washtenaw Community College’s campus.

The story is told through the eyes of young Jim Hawkins (Jeremy Salvatori), who finds a treasure map amongst the belongings of the recently departed Billy Bones. Bones is staying at a remote, English, seaside inn run by Jim and his mother (Michelle Trame Lanzi) when he meets his death at the hands of another pirate, Mad Dog. In the company of Captain Smollett (Barton Bund) and Dr. Livesey (David Melcher), Jim sets off on a perilous sea adventure aboard the Hispaniola.

Unbeknownst to this trio, the entire crew of the boat are actually pirates, disguised as regular sailors under the command the Long John Silver (Tim Holmes), who is pretending to be the ship’s cook.

Jim overhears the plotting pirates after the ship is under way and shares his dreadful news with the Captain and Dr. Livesey. When land is spotted, the plot thickens as each group tries to outwit the other, find the treasure first, and survive the dangers of the island and the enemy. Other pirates include Sandy Ryder as Blackbeard and American Sign Language interpreters Michele Tocco and Jamie Fidler. The show is recommended for ages 7 and up.

Showtimes are: May 12 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; May 13 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; May 14 at 2 p.m.; and May 15 at 2 p.m.; all performances happen at the Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. Tickets for children and seniors cost $10, while tickets for adults cost $15. To reserve tickets, visit www.wildswantheater.org or call 734-995-0530.

The show will feature an American Sign Language interpreter for audience members who are deaf. Touch tours and audio-description for audience members who are blind is available, as is seating for those using wheel chairs. For more information, call the phone number listed above.