Ken Ludwig - Playwright: Treasure Island

Based on the masterful adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is a stunning yarn of piracy on the tropical seas. It begins at an inn on the Devon coast of England in 1775 and quickly becomes an unforgettable tale of treachery and mayhem featuring a host of legendary swashbucklers including the dangerous Billy Bones (played unforgettably in the movies by Lionel Barrymore), the sinister two-timing Israel Hands, the brassy woman pirate Anne Bonney, and the hideous form of evil incarnate, Blind Pew.

At the center of it all are Jim Hawkins, a 14-year-old boy who longs for adventure, and the infamous Long John Silver, who is a complex study of good and evil, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time. Silver is an unscrupulous buccaneer-rogue whose greedy quest for gold, coupled with his affection for Jim, cannot help but win the heart of every soul who has ever longed for romance, treasure and adventure. The play had its world premiere in May 2007 at the Alley Theatre in a production directed by Gregory Boyd and designed by Eugene Lee and Constance Hoffman.

For nine men, and two women. Various locations.

Reviews

"Hit Ahoy! Treasure Island is the answer to every adventure-starved child's prayers: a racy, pacy, tough-as-old-boots adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's swashbuckling classic. A Festive Treat to Tresure!"
London Telegraph

"Ken Ludwig's new adaptation of Treasure Island is a meaty, powerfully staged evening aboard the good ship Hispaniola … Nothing here conforms to tradition or expectation …Ludwig invents a new spine to Robert Louis Stevenson's great story of skulduggery and gold-digging on the high seas!"
What's On Stage

"Five Stars! Ken Ludwig's new version invests a gripping yarn with a genuinely rough-and-ready buccaneering spirit. It flies the flag for good-old fashioned ensemble story-telling...X marks the spot of a bona fide festive treat!"
London Telegraph

"Ken Ludwig's skillfully filleted account of Robert Louis Stevenson's imperishable adventure...is a delightful surprise."
The Independent

"Adapted with savvy showmanship by playwright Ken Ludwig ... the show could usefully serve many youngsters as an introduction to the magic of live theater."
Variety

"[A] streamlined and exciting entertainment for audiences of all ages."
Variety

"Parents searching high and low for adult-friendly, non-red-and-green kids' theater this holiday season can call off the hunt. Then, dust off the old wooden leg, strap on your most intimidating eye patch and set sail for 'Treasure Island.'"
ReadExpress.com

"Ken Ludwig's adaptation of this classic novel is an adventure for the entire family...everyone is happy. Even Dad."
ReadExpress.com

Articles

Pirate Adventure Treasue Island at Alley Theatre

Alley Theatre embarks on Stevenson's fantastic Voyage

Dangerous Delight: A-Team Brings Childlike ‘Treasure Island’ to Alley

Ken Ludwig Attends Roundhouse Theatre's First Rehearsal of Treasure Island

Old Salts, Anew: Ken Ludwig's Treasure Island opens at the Round House Theatre

Full Reviews

London West End Production, Theatre Royal Haymarket

Telegraph

The Independent

Alley Theatre Production