Photo Flash: Ahoy! SCERA's Theatre for Young Audiences Presents HOW I BECAME A PIRATE!

When SCERA Center for the Arts first staged "How I Became a Pirate" for its Theatre for Young Audiences program seven years ago, it became one of their most popular shows for families. At just one hour long, the musical is the perfect way to introduce children to the magic of live theatre.

"It's been long enough that we have a new generation of children who have never seen it, and it is a charming show full of fun songs and good humor that even adults will love," explains Shawn M. Mortensen, director and choreographer.

In addition to sold out school matinees for school field trips, "How I Became A Pirate" offers six public shows, Oct. 15,19,22,26,29 and Nov. 2 @ 7:00pm in Showhouse II at SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem. Seating is reserved, and tickets at $6 for adults and $4 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older are available at scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, in person from 10am-6pm weekdays at the main office at SCERA Center, or at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.

The witty show takes audiences on a swashbuckling adventure with young Jeremy Jacob, a boy who is recruited to be part of a pirate crew looking for a place to hide their buried treasure. The boy builds excellent sand castles and the pirates want him for his expert digging skills. Jeremy embarks on a lively adventure but also comes to realize that love and home are treasures you can't find on any map.

The buccaneer adventure with books, lyrics and music by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman appeals to Mortensen because of the way it sparks the imagination. He used his own imagination in choosing a cast where most of the pirates are female.

"When they are called 'men', the women will cough and clear their throats; when it mentions hairy chests and the men proceed to open their shirts, the ladies must strongly declare 'no, no.' With a cast of women, we must play the lines differently, which is fun."

Eric Smith who plays head pirate Braid Beard, has performed in several SCERA productions, including last year's "Captain Louie" and with lead roles at SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre as the Cat in "Seussical The Musical" and as Scuttle in "The Little Mermaid." Smith is ideal for the role, Mortensen says, because "he maintains a perfect balance between being goofy and silly as well as stern."

Most roles are filled by adults, but two children will double as Jeremy Jacob. Traedan Harper and Tyson Kemp will share the role, which helps them avoid missing too much school. TJ Thomas is Shark Tooth, Paige Erickson is Pierre, Cookie Fox is Max, Jessie Stephenson is Seymour Braunschwagger, Brittney Wallace is Swill, and Rachael Gibson is Scurvy Dog.

Chad Mortensen had designed a grand pirate ship as a major element of the stage design. Chase Elison will serve as lighting designer and Kelsey Seaver as costume designer, who has given each colorful pirate a unique look and personality.

Photos Credit: Rachael Gibson

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