Treasure Island Eyes Summertime Opening on Broadway

Treasure Island, an action-oriented adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel by renowned fight director B.H. Barry and Vernon Morris, is aiming for a summertime run on Broadway, according to Variety. Barry will direct the $3.5 million show, to be produced by newcomer Jonathan D. Moll, who hopes to book a mid-size theater in July. As Variety noted, the third installment of the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean film series opens in late May.

Treasure Island tells the story of young Jim Hawkins and his adventures with seafaring brigands such as Long John Silver through action sequences as well as dialogue. "I've always wanted to do an action play. I realized it was something missing on Broadway," said Barry, whose fight-directing credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Evil Dead the Musical. "All the fights really further the story and develop the characters."

First produced by the Blue Light Theater Company, Treasure Island had its premiere in 1996 at the Ohio Theater, followed by a production on Sanibel Island, Florida, two years later.

Designed by Tony Straiges Enchanted April, Sunday in the Park With George, the Treasure Island set will consist mainly of four rolling, interlocking platforms, accessorized with maritime elements such as barrels and ropes. The production also will incorporate music in the form of traditional sea shanties, sung by a cast of 14.