A Note From the Director
I was sitting in a guest artist cabin late at night on the campus of the Okoboji Summer Theatre when I received a Facebook message from a fellow theatre director. He urgently wanted to tell me that there was a need for a director for the 9th Grade Play at Waukee, and he told me I should apply right away. I began drafting the email to the principal immediately in anticipation of sending it first thing in the morning! I was hired on August 13th, and on August 30th we held auditions to our whirlwind journey to opening night! I was so excited that an opportunity like this could come my way.
You see, even as an outsider, I understood what it meant to be a part of the Waukee Theatre Arts program. Whether it is the facilities, the directors, or the passionate students, this program is the envy of not only of other educational theatres but the many community theatres of the metro as well. The reputation preceded the program.
And, the reputation did not disappoint. As you will see tonight, these students have pushed themselves beyond their age. I have seen moments with these actors that are as brilliant as any seasoned performer I've worked with. And, while you read this, all you have to do is look up to see a scenic design that any local theatre company would love to have. These students have been asked to design lights, sounds, costumes, props, posters, and programs with amazing results. They are trained in industry standard expectations, and I can assure you, that is not normal in our state. The opportunities at Waukee are training these students to lead their theatre community. They should be incredibly proud of the work they have done throughout this process!
Perhaps I should talk about pirates! Now, I didn't read Treasure Island as a child, and perhaps you didn't either, but I did not realize how much Robert Louis Stevenson's novel has defined how our culture views pirates. Published in 1883, this novel gave the world the romanticized image of swaggering pirates, treasure chests, and secret maps leading to islands full of riches. Even famous titles like Pirates of the Caribbean use the mark of death known as the black spot. Long John Silver, the most famous pirate name of all, is so widely known in our society that we even name fast food chains after him. In the next few weeks, people will go to Halloween stores to find their peg leg, bandana, and cutlass so they can look like Billy Bones. Over 134 years later, we can thank Robert Louis Stevenson for giving the world his imagination in Treasure Island.
There have been many adaptations of Treasure Island, including multiple films, plays, and even other novels. Our adaptation, written by playwright Ken Ludwig, departs from the usual stage adaptation of this story. Where other play versions tell this story as an epic drama, Ludwig decides to tell it with humor and heart. Ludwig himself says Robert Louis Stevenson created "Flamboyantly larger than life" characters, and they should "glitter with the gold of their inner lights." This overly animated version of the story was perfect for our energetic cast. When the actors asked me which movie version is closest to our show, my reply was Muppets Treasure Island!
A mentor of mine once told me that a director should always fall in love with the story they are telling. Not only have I fallen in love with our story, but I also find myself wanting to jump onstage to set the rigging on the ship or to fight in the giant island battle of pirates and sailors! Our story draws you in and makes you want to join in the journey. In Treasure Island, Jim Hawkins must leave behind his adolescence as he journeys to adulthood. However, as I watch Jim grow up, the exact opposite happens to me. I am taken back to a mind of youthful imagination, and I hope everyone who comes to our production will also find their inner adventurous child for the evening!
Jonathan Brugioni