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Review Roundup: Round Town’s Treasure Island Contains Hidden Gems

by Danielle Filas

In some ways, Round Town Players’ production of Treasure Island shows the typical earmarks of most small town theatre offerings: it’s low on production value, but overflows with a sense of the community’s love and commitment to the play. Sometimes, though, these sort of family run theatres serve as breeding grounds for raw talent. And director Tahrea Maynard certainly unearths some diamond-in-the-rough young actors who make this play watchable, in spite of some pacing problems (Wednesday’s dress rehearsal clocked in at 160 minutes) and occasional lapses in focus from some of the youngest pirates. (And in defense of those cute young pirates with itchy knees and a case of the onstage yawns, the audience will most certainly forgive them!)

Proof that great actors can shine in even the smallest parts, young Faith Arni stands out in her scenes, even though she plays extra roles (a guest at the inn and a nameless pirate) that have no dialogue. Her characters’ inner thoughts and desires still come through crystal clear, thanks to Arni’s unshaken focus and active listening. Other small speaking roles showcase even more young talent. Jessica Rippetoe commands the stage as the cantankerous blind bully, Blind Pew. Kayla Theis dives into her pirate character, the ironically named George Merry, creating a dynamic and cruel foil to lead Flynn Shannon’s likeable character, young Jim.

Not all of the talent comes in the form of pre-teens, however. Ben Gunn, played by a lovable and energetic Tracy Kawasaki, breathes laughs and life into the top of the second act, enjoying a welcome return to put a tuneful cap on the end of the show. The few adult actors, in fact, dive into the play with a childlike enthusiasm that no doubt infects the child actors who dominate the cast.

Brandon Richardson’s Long John Silver, however, sparkles brightest in this Circleville treasure chest. When I first saw the infamous one-legged pirate lurch on stage , I thought Maynard had found a one-legged actor. In fact, Maynard told me, she had planned to fashion a fake wooden leg for Richardson, but the young 19 year old actor laughed, flipped his leg back, and asked, “Why don’t I just do this?” You really must see his physical performance to believe it, as Richardson leads his minions, fends off attacks, and even bounds up stairs. In addition to his acrobatics, he does a fine job of portraying a lovable bad guy character more than twice his age. Tri-cornered hats off to this young man! We will see him again, to be sure.

All in all, this imperfect but warm and radiant production will no doubt entertain and enchant Circleville audiences. Directors and casting directors from the region, however, may also want to attend in order to find fresh faces for future productions at larger venues. Aarrr! Thar be real talent in that thar town!

Round Town Players: Treasure Island
Performances: March 27, 28 April 3, 4 at 7:30pm
Sunday March 29 and April 5 at 2:30pm
Round Town Players Memorial Hall
165 E. Main Street
Circleville, OH 43113
for tickets, call: 1-740-474-5856
Adults…$8.00
Students…$5.00