Imagine sitting in your home watching a rerun of Gilligan’s Island when suddenly, the characters come through the screen, stand in your living room, and sing about their adventures while engaging in amusing antics you’ve come to expect. If that idea appeals to you, then find yourself at Theater by the Trax in St. Marys during the weekends of October 11 and 18 when St. Marys Little Theatre (SMLT)presents “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical.”
According to SMLT Founder and co-director of the production, Barbara Ryan- Harris, the show which is SMLT’s season opener, includes classic moves from the popular 1960s television series, including Gilligan’s lovable goofiness and the Skipper’s attempt to bring his “Little Buddy” to attention.
“If you grew up with ‘Gilligan’s Island’ like I did, you’re going to love this show not just for its unleashed entertainment but also the nostalgia of a simpler time,” Ryan-Harris said. “And if you’ve never seen the TV show, you will still be captivated by the fast-paced plot and the talents of the actors playing the castaways.”
“All the characters are there including Gilligan, the Skipper, the Millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann, plus a bonus ‘alien’ who is truly out of this world with his outrageous one-liners.” A live spaceship makes an appearance as well according to Ryan-Harris.
Co-director and SMLT Chair Gloria Hurley said the iconic story will keep audiences engaged from the moment the metaphorical curtain rises until the very end when the question of the castaways rescue is still a bit up in the air.
“The bumbling Gilligan delivers a laugh a minute while the seductive movie star keeps you wondering if and when the men of the island will succumb to her flirtations,” Hurley said. “The songs are catchy and the entire performance captures the spirit of the classic show offering audiences a much-needed escape from reality.”
Hurley went on to say that the lifelike stage setting of a Pacific Island plays an important role in the show’s success as well and credits lead set artists Donna Davis-Speakes and Rosemary Rillo for the dramatic backdrop.
“We’re so fortunate to have a great cast and a great crew with everyone bringing to the table their own set of skills that ultimately result in the whole being greater than the sum of the parts,” Hurley said.
Tickets for “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical” are now on sale at Once Upon a Bookseller in Downtown St. Marys or online at StMarysLittleTheatre.com. Adult tickets are $20, and children 12 and under only $10. Groups of 10 or more can get a discount at the bookstore. (Cash or check at bookstore please.)
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