Treasure Island: an action-oriented dramatisation coming to Broadway in the Summer

Variety reports that an action-oriented dramatisation of Robert Louis Stevenson Treasure Island, adapted by Barry and Vernon Morris, will be opening on Broadway in the Summer.

Treasure Island tells the story of young Jim Hawkins and his adventures with seafaring brigands such as Long John Silver.

The play will be directed by B.H. Barry (renouned fight-director whose fight-directing credits include 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and 'Evil Dead the Musical.').

Barry told Variety "I've always wanted to do an action play. I realized it was something missing on Broadway. All the fights really further the story and develop the characters."

Responding to critics who say Broadway is increasingly resembling a theme park, Barry told Variety "Treasure Island is not gimmicky or hokey. We're using the language and story of Stevenson. The fights all come from the drama."

The $3.5 million production, being produced on Broadway by newcomer Jonathan D. Moll, hopes to capitilise upon the success odf the Pirates of the Caribbean 3, which is to be released in May 2007.

Moll told Variety "We're going to create for the Broadway stage the theatrical equivalent of a white-knuckle thrill-ride."

Treasure Island was first produced by the Blue Light Theater Company, and had its premiere in 1996 at the Ohio Theater.

Treasure Island will have a cast of 14, to be announced, and will incorporate music in the form of traditional sea shanties.

The show will be designed by Tony Straiges, and will have a minimalist set consisting of four rolling, interlocking platforms, accessorised with maritime elements such as barrels and ropes.