COTTONWOOD, AZ — This autumn, the stage at Mingus Union High School will transform into the windswept decks of the Hispaniola as the school’s acclaimed drama department, A Troupe Of Ridiculous Thespians (ATORT), prepares to launch its highly anticipated fall production of Treasure Island.
Based on the legendary 1883 adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this production utilizes the celebrated 2014 stage adaptation by British playwright Bryony Lavery. Originally commissioned by the National Theatre in London, Lavery’s adaptation breathes fresh, contemporary life into the classic tale, introducing a modern sensibility while preserving the dark, swashbuckling atmosphere of Stevenson’s original work.
Under the direction of James Ball, the student-led production promises to deliver a thrilling, high-energy theatrical experience complete with elaborate set designs, intricate stage combat, and a nuanced exploration of morality, loyalty, and growing up. The production is scheduled to run for two consecutive weekends, beginning Saturday, September 26, and concluding Sunday, October 4.
Main Facts: A Bold Reimagining of a Literary Classic
The upcoming production of Treasure Island brings a legendary adventure story to the Verde Valley community, but with a distinctively modern twist. Bryony Lavery’s 2014 adaptation is highly regarded in the theatrical world for its bold decision to gender-flip several key characters—most notably the protagonist, Jim Hawkins.
In Stevenson’s original novel, the narrative is almost exclusively male-dominated. Lavery’s adaptation addresses this historical imbalance by casting Jim as a young girl who must navigate the treacherous, male-dominated world of high-seas piracy. At Mingus Union High School, this pivotal role is portrayed by Sabine Briggs, whose performance anchors the emotional and physical arc of the play.
Cast and Creative Team
The production features a talented ensemble of student actors who have spent weeks developing their characters and mastering the physical demands of nineteenth-century maritime life. The principal cast includes:
- Jim Hawkins: Sabine Briggs
- Long John Silver: Jayce Lawler
- Billy Bones: Ultan Green
- Squire Trelawney: Caleb Thompson
- Doctor Livesey: Ajna Masters
- Blind Pew: Cole Castro
- Grandma Hawkins: Sophia Hall
The narrative begins at the Admiral Benbow Inn, where young Jim Hawkins lives a quiet, predictable life with her grandmother, Grandma Hawkins (Sophia Hall). The arrival of the haunted, rum-soaked seafarer Billy Bones (Ultan Green) shatters this tranquility. When Bones dies under mysterious circumstances, Jim discovers a map in his sea chest detailing the location of the infamous pirate Captain Flint’s buried gold.
Determined to secure the fortune, Jim joins forces with the wealthy, if somewhat naive, Squire Trelawney (Caleb Thompson) and the practical Doctor Livesey (Ajna Masters). Together, they commission the Hispaniola and assemble a crew. However, among the hired hands is the charismatic, one-legged ship’s cook, Long John Silver (Jayce Lawler), a scheming figure who harbors his own mutinous designs on the treasure.
Chronology: From First Read-Through to Opening Night
The journey to bring Treasure Island to the Mingus Union High School stage began months ago, requiring a synchronized effort between the acting troupe and the technical theatre department.
[Late Spring / Early Summer] -> Play selection and licensing of Bryony Lavery's script.
[Late August] -> Auditions and casting; initial read-throughs begin.
[Early September] -> Intensive rehearsals; choreography of stage combat.
[September 17] -> Technical dress rehearsal (documented by Larson Newspapers).
[September 26] -> Opening Night at Mingus Union High School.
[October 4] -> Final curtain call and closing performance.Summer Planning and Early Rehearsals
Director James Ball selected the play in late spring, recognizing that Lavery’s adaptation would offer challenging roles for both male and female actors while giving the technical stagecraft students an ambitious project to sink their teeth into. Auditions were held in late August, immediately following the return of students for the fall semester.
By early September, the cast had transitioned from table reads to active blocking. Because Treasure Island features extensive physical action, a significant portion of the rehearsal schedule was dedicated to stage combat training. Under careful supervision, actors learned the discipline of theatrical swordplay, ensuring that the cutlass duels between characters—such as the dramatic confrontation between Long John Silver (Lawler) and Squire Trelawney (Thompson)—are both visually spectacular and physically safe.
Technical Milestones
On Thursday, September 17, the production reached a critical milestone with its first full-dress technical rehearsal. Photographed by David Jolkovski of Larson Newspapers, this rehearsal allowed the cast to perform in full costume and interact with the newly completed set.
The stagecraft students spent the first half of September constructing the Hispaniola, building a multi-level wooden ship structure capable of supporting high-intensity action sequences, including mutinous brawls and daring escapes.
The production will run according to the following performance schedule:
- Opening Weekend: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27
- Closing Weekend: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4
Supporting Data: Ticketing, Logistics, and Production Ratings
To ensure the production is accessible to the entire Cottonwood and Verde Valley community, ATORT has established an affordable pricing structure and online purchasing incentives.
| Ticket Category | Online Pre-Purchase Price | At-the-Door Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $13.00 | $16.00 |
| Students | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Children | $8.00 | $11.00 |
Promotional Discounts and Online Sales
To encourage patrons to secure their seats in advance, ATORT is offering a special 20% discount on tickets purchased online. Customers can apply the discount code "SILVER" during the checkout process on the school’s official ticketing portal at atort.ludus.com/index.php.
Purchasing tickets online not only guarantees seating for what is expected to be a high-demand run, but it also allows families to bypass the $3-per-ticket surcharge applied to transactions at the door.
Content Advisory and Rating
The production has been officially rated PG by the department. While Treasure Island is a classic family adventure, the play contains mature themes inherent to pirate lore. Spectators can expect:
- Stylized stage violence and physical combat.
- Depictions of character deaths (including the demise of Billy Bones).
- Themes of mutiny, betrayal, and greed.
The director and faculty advisors assure patrons that the violence is highly choreographed and artistic rather than graphic, making the show appropriate for elementary-school-aged children and older.
Official Responses: Directorial Vision and Creative Execution
The faculty and student leadership at Mingus Union High School view this production as a showcase of collaborative education. Director James Ball expressed immense pride in how the students have risen to the unique challenges of this demanding script.
"This classic adventure is such a joy to work on with these students," said ATORT director James Ball. "They are creating characters that even Robert Louis Stevenson would be proud to see on stage. The stagecraft students have gone above and beyond creating the Hispaniola. Truly a fun adventure for the whole family."
Reimagining the Characters
Student actors have also spoken about the depth of their roles. Jayce Lawler, who plays the iconic Long John Silver, noted the complexity of portraying a character who is simultaneously a villain and a mentor to young Jim.
"Silver isn’t just a bad guy with a peg leg," Lawler observed during rehearsals. "He’s charismatic, smart, and genuinely cares for Jim, even when they are on opposite sides of a battle. Finding that balance between his charm and his ruthlessness has been an incredible acting challenge."
Sabine Briggs highlighted the empowerment of playing a female Jim Hawkins:
"In this version, Jim doesn’t have to pretend to be a boy to have an adventure. She’s just a girl who is brave, clever, and determined to survive. It changes the dynamic of the whole show in a way that feels really modern and exciting."
Implications: The Vital Role of Theatre in Secondary Education
The staging of a production as complex as Treasure Island highlights the broader value of performing arts programs within public high schools. Beyond the entertainment value provided to local residents, ATORT’s work fosters critical developmental skills in its student participants.
[High School Theatre Experience]
|
+----------------+----------------+
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[On-Stage Skills] [Technical Skills]
- Public Speaking - Carpentry & Construction
- Physical Discipline - Sound & Light Engineering
- Emotional Intelligence - Project ManagementEducational and Social Benefits
Participating in theatrical productions has been shown to improve academic performance, boost self-esteem, and build strong cooperative skills among teenagers. For the actors in Treasure Island, the physical demands of stage combat require a high level of trust and focus, directly translating to enhanced physical coordination and teamwork.
On the technical side, the stagecraft program provides students with practical, hands-on experience in carpentry, engineering, lighting design, and sound management. Building a seaworthy-looking vessel like the Hispaniola on a high school stage requires rigorous problem-solving, mathematical calculations, and manual labor—skills that prepare students for careers both within and outside the entertainment industry.
Community Engagement
Furthermore, productions like Treasure Island serve as vital cultural touchstones for the Cottonwood community. By offering high-quality, affordable live theatre, Mingus Union High School enriches the local cultural landscape, bringing families, educators, and students together in a shared appreciation of the arts.
As the opening night of September 26 approaches, the students of ATORT are ready to prove that the true treasure of this production lies not in the gold buried on Flint’s island, but in the dedication, creativity, and passion poured into the performance.
