Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 30, 1990 TAG: 9004280270
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: ABINGDON LENGTH: Medium
Today, kids are more likely to have seen a televised adaptation of the novel, if they've seen it at all. Even then, some will confuse it with "Robinson Crusoe" or "Swiss Family Robinson."
But the Barter Theatre is doing its best to restore the story to its rightful place, presenting an original stage adaptation in weekday matinees for students and public performances on Fridays and Saturdays. The theater is even providing a study guide, written by promotions director Lori Hamm, for follow-up use by teachers.
The production will also be a lesson for audiences in stage versatility, with just 10 actors handling the 26 roles. Among the cast are: Daniel MacKenzie as Jim Hawkins, the youngster who tells the story of the search for buried pirate's treasure; Jason Edwards as the flamboyant, wooden-legged Long John Silver; Douglas Simes as the courageous Dr. Livesey; Stephen Gabis as the buffoonish Squire Trelawney, and Christopher James Wright as the scrupulous Captain Smollet.
The other roles are divided among Mark Johannes (whose Blind Pew is truly menacing), James A. Kroll (who not only plays Jim's father, but his mother as well), Robert B. Putnam and Rob Donohoe (as a variety of seamen) and Trip Plymale (whose parts range from the half-crazed Ben Gunn to the voice of Long John's parrot).
The play is directed by Rex Partington, Barter's artistic director and producer since 1972, who adds a new facet to his theater career in adapting a book to the stage for the first time.
He has wisely chosen to keep as many of Stevenson's words as possible; the result is closer to the novel than the various screen versions which have given us a variety of Long John Silvers - Wallace Beery in 1934, Robert Newton (probably the definitive one, or at least the one you picture when dining at a Long John Silver's Sea Food Shoppe) in 1950, Orson Welles in 1972, and most recently Charlton Heston in a TV version.
The Barter version is performed in cleverly-changeable inn, ship and island sets and, if MacKenzie's recorded narration occasionally contests with on-stage dialog, the result is still well worth seeing.
"Treasure Island" continues through May 12. Ticket reservations are available by telephoning 628-3991 locally or toll-free 1-800-572-2081.
by CNB