The Mystery
of the Pirate Ghost
Adapted by Scott T. Barsotti
from the book by Geoffrey Hayes
Directed by Paul S. Holmquist
at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map)
thru Feb 17 | tickets: $15 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Top rate production values put the BOO! in Boogle Bay
Lifeline Theatre presents
The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost
Review by Joy Campbell
Once upon a time, things were different in Boogle Bay: there were pirates, high crime, and good old-fashioned disappearances thanks to the mythic Beast of Boogle Bay. Now, Boogle Bay is more gentrified: gone are the pirates; instead we have candy stores and Puffin-run inns serving the best in carrot soup. Good for property values, not so exciting for ten-year-old Otto alligator, who finds things just a bit too boring. He spends his time imagining swordfights with pirates and dreaming of adventure and excitement. He gets his wish when a series of thefts points to the ghost of Blackeye Doodle, a notorious pirate that once lived in Boogle Bay. As the thefts continue, the clues mount, and the mystery thickens, Otto and friends set out to solve the mystery of the pirate ghost. Yar!
Lifeline Theatre’s adaptation brings us all of the excitement, suspense, and spookiness of a ghost hunt, complete with delightful characters and thrilling visuals. Kimberly Morris’s costumes and scene-stealing creatures are terrific, as are the actors’ characterizations. As Otto, Casey Cunningham strikes the right balance between excitement and naïve awe that makes her Otto completely endearing. As uncle Tooth, Josh Douglas is the parent figure with all the cool stories and an even cooler sea trunk full of memorabilia. He reminds us that everything takes practice, and that persistence pays off. Mike Ooi’s Captain Poopdeck is a lovable, somewhat buffoonish neighbor who has taught Otto everything he knows about sword fighting – when he himself is not battling the hiccups. Deanna Myers has a dual role as Auntie Hick, the prickly proprietress of the candy shop vandalized by the ghost, and as Widow Mole, the crusty, blind, piano-playing saloon owner of Dead Man’s Landing. Her diminutive size coupled with her abrasive style are a hoot. Conor McCahill likewise plays dual roles: Joe Puffin, the tightly-wound owner of the local inn, and Ducky Doodle, a juvenile delinquent in need of some tough love. All of the actors bring a sincerity and sense of fun to their characters that make it easy for us to adore them.
A big nod must also be given to the set, sound, and lighting. Joe Schermoly’s simple set is colorful and creative. A single piece of movable wall indicates all the locations in the show with the help of minor, very clever, changes. Especially effective is the rotation of this piece by other cast members to show progression into a location as an actor steps through the doorway. Gary C. Echelmeyer’s lighting is gorgeous, and instrumental in creating the variety of locales, from the sunny yard of Uncle Tooth’s house to the spooky nighttime boat ride to Dead Man’s Landing. The sound effects, designed by Michael James Brooks, complement the lighting seamlessly, establishing everything from watery environs to the damp, dripping cave Otto dares to explore. Troy Martin and Matt Test give us salty seafaring music that includes a catchy, dirge-like song that sets a macabre tone as the lyrics evolve with the story’s exposition.
A word about the ghost: I thought the ghost was awesome; however, adults should probably heed the 5-and-up age suggestion. The ghost’s white skull and glowing red eyes create a great visual that is deliciously spooky, but it IS spooky. I didn’t hear any distraught kids, even among the younger ones, and the ghost does eventually manifest a goofy giggle that makes it a little less scary, but if your child is easily frightened, I’d hold off. If you’re unsure, use this test: if your child can handle Scooby Doo, they’ll be fine.
As Otto discovers, paying attention to clues, persevering when things are difficult, and discovering that you can be “scared and excited at the same time” can make for a great adventure. Boo!
Rating: ★★★½
The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost continues through February 17th at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map), with performances Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. Tickets are $15, and are available by phone (773-761-4477) or online through PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at LifelineTheatre.com. (Running time: 65 minutes without intermission)
Photos by Suzanne Plunkett
artists
cast
Casey Cunningham (Otto); Josh Douglas (Uncle Tooth); Conor McCahill (Joe Puffin, Ducky Doodle); Deanna Myers (Auntie Hick, Widow Mole); Mike Ooi (Captain Poopdeck); Veronica Garza, Kirk Osgood, Greg Wenz (understudies)
behind the scenes
Scott T. Barsotti (book adaptation); Troy Martin, Matt Test (music); Paul S. Holmquist (director); Katie Messmore (stage manager); Michael James Brooks (sound designer); Gary C. Echelmeyer (lighting); Matt Engle (fight choreographer); Kimberly G. Morris (costumes, puppet designer); Joe Schermoly (set, props, tech director); Maggie Foley (props manager, painter); Benjamin W. Dawson (production manager); Suzanne Plunkett (photos)
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