Delta Drama’s fall production is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. Adapted to the stage by Tony-award winning director Mary Zimmerman, the iconic adventure tale will be presented in a unique, interactive way in the Alfred Mueller Theater.
“Some of the audience members will be sitting on the set itself,” said Karen Vance, Associate Professor of Drama. “The cast will interact with them, and they will be a part of the show, singing sea shanties and such.”
The interactive focus on this production comes directly from Vance’s experience working in Chicago theaters. Vance describes this style of performance as “physical theater.”
“I want this to be a unique experience for the audience, to really immerse themselves in the story,” said Vance.
The up-close style of this production provides unique challenges for the actors.
“(Treasure Island) is a mix of scripted and improv, because you’re going to have to react to the crowd in character,” said Aaron Jones, who plays the role of Long John Silver. “It keeps you on your toes.”
There are some challenges to playing on such a different stage, where the audience is a part of the setting..
“This is a pretty exhausting production,” said Axel Tomelloso, who plays the role of Jim Hawkins. “There are parts of the play where I’m literally swinging by a rope, and I have a fear of heights, so that was really challenging for me.”
In telling such a recognizable story, there may be worries that there isn’t anything that makes this version unique. The fun in a story like Treasure Island is adding a unique twist to a well-known story.
“It’s a coming-of-age story that everyone can relate to, even in this pirate setting,” said Vance. “This was blind casted, so multiple types of people’s experiences will be on display.”
“I can personally relate to Jim because even though he and I are different people, I still feel like I have a sort of childish energy,” said Tomelloso. “I feel like I can relate in that way to him, being a child and having a lot of trust in the adults.”
Treasure Island will run Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.