After a competitive casting process, Bearden theatre is ready to start rehearsing for its spring production of Treasure Island.
Bearden theatre’s typical casting process consists of several rounds of auditions, or “callbacks.” The schedule this year was disrupted due to unexpected cancellations and illnesses, but this hectic process did not undermine director Ms. Katie Alley’s confidence in the newly selected cast.
She said the casting process is comparable to solving a jigsaw puzzle, and she is pleased with the final composition of the list.
“We felt really confident in our cast,” she said.
The selected adaptation of Treasure Island brings unprecedented challenges to Bearden theatre students.
The show will feature several pirate roles; hence, choreographed fight scenes will be included. Returning cast member Lindy McCool is anticipating that several new features will be added to the show.
“[The fight scenes] will probably be the biggest challenge, but also the most fun to do on stage,” said McCool, who has the role of Doctor Livesey.
Added senior Lilliana Bond (playing Red Ruth): “Kids will love the spectacle of sword fighting.”
Similar challenges may arise when constructing new, interactive qualities foreign to the Bearden theatre program. Live music, elaborate light displays, and humorous dialogue will add depth to the show making it palatable for all audiences.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces that will come together to produce one cohesive picture,” Ms. Alley said.
Ms. Alley is assured of the cast’s experience, for returning cast members will help the show run smoothly.
McCool and Bond have been tasked with simultaneous positions in stage tech and acting roles this year. Both students have pulled double duty as cast and crew in past productions such as The Crucible, and look forward to leading the crew of Treasure Island for their final production.
Treasure Island’s opening night will be April 19, and tickets will be sold at beardentheatre.com. Follow their social media channels for an announcement once tickets go on sale.
Complete Cast:
Jim Hawkins – Caroline Alley
Grandma Hawkins – Annabella Brady
Doctor Livesey – Lindy McCool
Squire Trelawney – Tyson Martin
Mrs. Crossley/ Silent Sue – Cordelia Nelson
Billy Bones – Taylor Haun
Black Dog – Jack Stapleton
Blind Pew & Flint – Braden Galli
Captain Smollett – Luke Anderson
Grey – Isaac Blankenship
Red Ruth – Lilliana Bond
Job Anderson – Virgil Voyles
Lucky Mickey – Trailin Edwards
Long John Silver – Lauren Hill
Dick the Dandy – Justin Lattimore, Jr.
Killigrew the Kind – Jackson Graham
Israel Hands – Evan Paschke
Joan the Goat – Alisa Apostoaei
George Badger – Gavin Cowden
Ben Gunn – Violet King
Shanty Man – Elijah Clemes