Harwood Union Theatre presents ‘Treasure Island’ Nov. 7-9

October 30, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Kai Haddock as Long John Silver and Zoe Blackman as Jim rehearse 'Treasure Island.' Courtesy photos

They promise “this isn’t your grandparents’ ‘Treasure Island’” in announcing the fall production by Harwood Union Theatre. 

With three shows scheduled at 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 7-9, the Harwood student production promises a modern spin on the play adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic tale of “murder, money and mutiny.” 

Its announcement sets the scene: “It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in—and her dangerous voyage begins.”

This interpretation features some new twists. Casting is one. Director Scott Weigand says in this production, “many characters have been gender-swapped to give it a more modern feel.”

Also, for this presentation, the school theater club has opted for an unconventional layout for the audience. Seating will be on the stage itself with just 100 seats per performance.

Kai Haddock as Long John Silver rehearses with Maddy Abair and a parrot in 'Treasure Island.' Courtesy photo

Weigand said the configuration provides an opportunity for the students to experience a different kind of performance setting. “Also, there is a chance that pirates may be involving the audience,” he added. 

The cast is led by seniors Zoe Blackman as Jim, and Kai Haddock as Long John Silver. Senior Theo Ritter and junior Casey Klus portray Squire Trelawny and Doctor Livesy; sophomore Mar Greene is Ben Gunn.  

The cast is filled out by seniors Seneca Whittingham and Mia Grasso, juniors Maddie Stephens and Max Maylin, sophomores Soph Hammer, Maddy Abair, Tarin Askew, Lex Merlos, and Julia Wulff, and freshmen Robin Weigand, Clara Schwartz, Nyx Gilson, Violet Ames and Katie Conyers. 

Junior Grady Hagenbuch and sophomore Cali Neville are the stage managers; Kenrick Fischer designed the lighting. 

Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for students at the door.  

And on the horizon: the comedy “Anything Goes” for the spring musical production in April.

Cast photo for Harwood Union Theatre's fall production of 'Treasure Island.' Courtesy photo