Review: HOW I BECAME A PIRATE at the Growing Stage is a Fun-Filled Appealing Musical

"Keep your friends close and your treasure closer."

-How I Became a Pirate

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey tops off their successful season with a real hit, How I Became a Pirate onstage from Stage May 13th to May 22nd. The music and lyrics are by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman. The show based on the book by the same name written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. The Growing Stage production features superb direction by Danny Campos, delightful musical direction by Stephen Fox and lively choreography by Jillian Petrie. Wonderfully performed, it is sure to please children and adults alike. We attended a student matinee and the audience was absolutely captivated. Get your tickets now for this theatrical treat.

In How I Became a Pirate, 10 year-old Jeremy Jacob is an avid soccer player and an imaginative youth. While playing on the beach, he meets a colorful band of pirates that invite him to join their troupe. As they travel together, the group survives a storm and plans their capers. Jeremy has exciting adventures and learns a lot about life on the high seas but also teaches the pirates a few things too.

The cast is absolutely charming in their roles. Chris Morrissey plays the role of young Jeremy Jacob. The buccaneers include Christopher Tefft as Captain Braid Beard; Izzy Figueroa as Sharktooth; Casey Low as Swill; Kyle Bergslien as Pierre; Jeffry Foote as Max. The parent's voices are Yolanda T. Vega as Mom and Steve Larson as Dad.

The musical score works perfectly to convey the story. Outstanding musical numbers performed by the talented company include "How I Became A Pirate," "Soccer By The Rules," "Where Do We Bury The Treasure?" and "It's Good To Be Home."

The Design Team has brought a true sense of pirate life to the stage with costume coordination by Lori B. Lawrence; lighting design, set construction and scenic painting by S.L Fredericks and Cara Ganski is the Stage Manager.

How I Became a Pirate is an incredibly appealing, fun-filled new musical delightfully presented by The Growing Stage. Area audiences will relish the opportunity to see this marvelous production.

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong. How I Became A Pirate runs May 13th through May 22nd with performances on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM. For more information call (973) 347-4946 or visit www.growingstage.com.

Photo Credit: J. Petrie

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