REVIEW: St. Louis Shakespeare Close Their 2009 Season with TREASURE ISLAND at the Missouri History Museum

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson's narrative coming-of-age adventure about sea-faring scalawags and buried treasure, is a touchstone for all things pirate. All the standard iconography that we associate with these vicious buccaneers is present in his text including: one-legged seamen who have pet parrots, maps with 'X's' on them, and tropical islands where booty has been stashed. This is a story that, while certainly enjoyed by adults, is mainly read by young children, sometimes as part of their exposure to the wonderful world of literature. St. Louis Shakespeare is currently presenting a well mounted production of this tale on the stage at the Missouri History Museum.

Aging seadog Billy Bones has taken plucky youngster Jim Hawkins under his wing, revealing that he's in possession of his former Captain Flint's sea chest containing items that the rest of his motley crew would like to wrap their grimy mitts around. The appearances of Black Dog and Blind Pew signal the end for Bones, who's physically unable to mount much of a fight. Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesy, friends of Jim's mother, examine the map and decide to charter a ship to find the location of Flint's cache of money and jewels. But, the schooner Hispaniola needs men to sail, and unfortunately peg-legged Long John Silver has ingratiated himself into Trelawney's favor, providing the Squire with Flint's old crew. Naturally, events take a nasty turn, and as they approach their destination the crew takes young Jim hostage as they head out to find their fortune.

Tom Kopp is gloriously over the top as Long John Silver, and though this is really Jim's story, his presence dominates the action. Kopp seems to be having a blast playing this character, relishing each unsavory bit of business that occurs. Emily Jackoway is equally up to task as Jim, bringing boundless energy and enthusiasm to the role. Charlie Heuvelman is dense and naïve as the misguided, and all too trusting, Squire Trelawney. Todd Pieper is quite good as Doctor Livesey, whose voice of reason arrives a little too late. Paul Devine is strong as the gruff and surly Billy Bones. Ben Ritchie is properly stalwart as Captain Smollet, who has his own suspicions about the crew proved correct when they try to spark a mutiny.

Tyler Vickers (Black Dog), Aaron Orion Baker (Blind Pew and Ben Gunn) and Roger Erb (Israel Hands) stand out among a solid supporting cast.

Director Jerry Vogel keeps the action moving at a crisp pace, and the characterizations of each of the actors is clearly delineated. Cristie Johnston's scenic design is well conceived, and the vessel Hispaniola is brought to life in fine fashion. Sean Savoie's lighting sets the mood effectively. Michele Friedman Siler's costumes recreate this swashbuckling period with considerable style.

This adaptation is fairly faithful to Stevenson's book (the playwright isn't listed in the program. so I'm thinking this might be Stevenson's own version, which would certainly explain its faithfulness), but it could still stand to have a bit more rousing action to maintain interest throughout. It may actually be too literate and dry, appealing more to adults than children.

St. Louis Shakespeare's production of Treasure Island continues at the Missouri History Museum through November 15, 2009.

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