The cast of ‘The Pirate Laureate and the King of the Sea!’ Photo provided by Flying V.
Ahoy Theatre Mateys! Gather ‘round, take a seat! Come listen to me account of The Pirate Laureate and The King of The Sea! Some of yer think all pirates do is loot booty at sea; but in the world of Ephrata, the power’s in words- Pirate’s Code is “piracy through poetry!” Entertaining and whimsical, this play is sure to be, one that goes down as legend-presented by the arrrrrghsome Flying V!
In this sequel to playwright Zachary Fernebok’s The Pirate Laureate of Port Town, his innovative imagination takes you on a perfect pirate journey from sailing the high seas, to the dark, chilling underwater world of hungry octo-woman Kalamara, and the ominous, cannibalistic Island of Whaste. The Pirates of the Chartreuse are overthrown by sea-bully Ray Del Mar, and must fight to win back their rightful place on the ship while facing unforeseen circumstances.
Matthew McGee skillfully played Finn, the Pirate Laureate. As the Chartreuse’s most powerful crew member, Finn is charged with protecting his family of pirates from the heinous tyrant of the sea, Ray Del Mar. At a literal loss for words from Ray Del Mar’s evil curse, Finn must overcome his internal struggles and realize that love can conquer anything. McGee truly embraced his role as the Pirate Laureate. He was poetically precise, and wonderfully witty without missing a single beat. Carlos Saldana was exceptional in his role as Ray Del Mar, The King of the Sea. Clever and humorous, Sandana brought an abundance of merriment to the stage with timely punch lines and the hysterical “love” song, “Las Palabras.”
The Pirate Laureate and The King of The Sea takes you on a sea coaster of emotions with captivating performances that leave you hoping for an adventurous third installment.
Kaylynn Creighton as Sandy-the love interest to both Ray Del Mar and Finn, was sweet natured, yet independent. Her strength and sea-smarts are what eventually help the crew overthrow The King of the Sea. Matthew Pauli was genius in his role as Captain Grayscale. An excellent performer, he set the comedic tone for the play and was equally amusing as he was dramatic.
Bradley Foster Smith as both Captain Lareif and Ruby was a super-talent. Playing two distinctively different roles, he transitioned flawlessly while maintaining a strong grasp of each character’s personality. Megan Reichelt’s portrayal of Opal, the supportive, level headed and ambitious mate, was very well played out. Farrell Parker as Hue/Crystal was endearing and comical, while Natalie Cutcher as Kalamara the octopus, was funny, full of heart and bigger-than-life. Kutcher moved with fluidity, making the ocean and underwater scenes believable and lifelike. Using her bright, over-sized tentacles and projected voice, she commanded attention from the stage and in the aisles of the audience alike.
The Pirate Laureate and The King of The Sea takes you on a sea coaster of emotions with captivating performances that leave you hoping for an adventurous third installment. Colorful, creative, and realistic, scene designer (Jos. B. Musumeci, Jr. ), costume designers (Brittany Graham, Zachary Ferenbok) and lighting designer (Kristin Thompson) delivered a splendidly vivid account of this pirate tale with loads of artistic originality and fantasy.
So, Cheers! And HEYO! To the Pirate Laureate! Full ‘o’ witty rhymes, catchy sea chanteys and an amazin’ designed set! They’ve got “Treasure map” programs, Piratey spirits and Sody Pop in ‘de tub-But for ye all with littler ones me suggest ye Bring Ye Own Grub (BYOG)!
Advisory: Best for ages 8 +, Mild adult innuendos, Minimal to mild adult language.
Running Time: Approximately 3 hours, two 10-minute intermissions.
The Pirate Laureate and The King of The Sea runs through March 1, 2015 at The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815. For Tickets, purchase online here.
