BWW JR: The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told!

I love those stories theatre folk swap around about people calling out in the middle of the show. The old lady who announced a bit too loudly "Oh, she's very good" during a dramatic pause or that couple in the front row explaining the plot to each other as the show goes along. As annoying and distracting as it can be for the actors, you have to admit it's funny when it happens. In children's theatre, loud commentary is part of the package.

We had our own little moment last weekend at the Snapple Theater where my five year old son and I caught "The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told", an adventure show for kids under eight that relies heavily on audience participation and improvisation.

THE GREATEST PIRATE STORY NEVER TOLD! is a madcap, musical adventure that revolves around Captain Henry Martin and his stalwart crew, who have been flung in to the future by a befuddled sea witch to perform the greatest pirate epic ever seen on stage. But with their script torn asunder, these pirates-turned-players are forced to improvise their show as it unfolds, based upon the audience's suggestions."

When two of the pirates locked lips for a moment and the rest of the cast froze in rehearsed, comic horror, my little guy's tiny voice rose out of the seats with surprising resonance: "Awkward Silence". Priceless.

GET TO THE POINT, MOM!

• -A partially improvised, somehwhat musical, pirate adventure that relies heavily on audience particiaption and requires the cast of comic pirates to think on their feet.
• -Now playing at the Snapple Theateron Thursdays at 8:00PM and Saturdays at 11:00AM.
• -Best for kids ages 3 through 8.
• -For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the show's website.

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