Arkansas Repertory to Present World Premiere of TREASURE ISLAND

Arkansas Repertory Theatre (The Rep), the state's largest nonprofit professional theatre, will produce the World Premiere of Treasure Island ~ A New Musical, March 8 – March 31, 2013.

Treasure Island ~ A New Musical comes alive with a compelling, contemporary score and daring adventure. Directed and choreographed by Brett Smock, with book by Brett Smock and Carla Vitale and music and lyrics by Corinne Aquilina, this brand new production spins Stevenson's classic tale, reintroducing this timeless story to today's audiences.

Bored by his mundane life tending to patrons at the Admiral Benbow Inn, young Jim Hawkins yearns for adventure and a life beyond his window. When Billy Bones, a drunken, surly old sea captain, becomes a long-term boarder at the Inn, Jim is entranced by his wild tales of life at sea with the infamous Captain Flint. Jim's wish is soon granted when members of Flint's cutthroat crew come to claim "what's theirs" – the coveted treasure map hidden in Bones' mysterious sea chest.

When Bones dies in a struggle for the map, Jim narrowly escapes with his life and Bones' prized possession. Jim seeks advice and protection from the nobleman Squire Trelawney and family doctor David Livesey who decide to outfit a majestic ship – the Hispaniola. With a sturdy crew in place, hired by the duplicitous rogue Long John Silver, and led by the stoic Captain Smollett, the group sets sail in search of their fortunes.

Greed escalates, mutiny divides the crew and loyalties are forever broken. Armed and hungry for treasure, the camps arrive where "X" marks the spot. Will they find the treasure? And if so, at what cost?

In a time when greed has been the catalyst for widespread turmoil, this new musical deconstructs the path often taken and explores the resulting loss of innocence. Through the eyes of its young hero, Treasure Island ~ A New Musical reexamines the essence of heroism, the journey to maturity and the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme conditions. www.therep.org / www.treasureislandthemusical.com

"This thrilling tale introduces us to a young boy caught up in a world not of his making, a world of greed and betrayal," says Robert Hupp, Producing Artistic Director at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. "With a fresh new take on the famous story that defined the idea of adventure, this production shines anew as we all embark on the journey."

Creatives
Book: Brett Smock and Carla Vitale
Music / Lyrics: Corinne Aquilina
Director / Choreographer: Brett Smock
Music Director: Corinne Aquilina
Fight Choreographer: Rick Sordelet
Source Material: Adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Orchestrator/Arranger: Frederick Alden Terry
Agent: Penny Luedtke / The Luedtke Agency / 212-765-9564

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