The good folks at the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company has outdone themselves again. The swashbuckling, action-packed, pirate-themed musical currently running at the DBS Arts Center is just as entertaining for the adults as it is for the kids.

The stage backdrops were beautiful to start with – seamlessly transforming from Benbow Inn (a tavern in Bristol, England) to Hispaniola (the pirate’s ship), to a forest on the deserted Treasure Island. It was a visual feast which kept us transfixed on the story.  Then came the music. With catchy, rhyming tunes transcending genres of seafaring shanty, blues, swing and even the infectious calypso, the cast did an amazing job steering the entire audience across the treacherous seas in search of a dead pirate (the notorious Captain Flint)’s treasure.

We were truly impressed with the multi-talented 6-member cast (starring Ann Lek, Tan Shou Chen, Kimberly Chan, Dwayne Lau, Erwin Shah Ismail and Mitchell Lagos) who were all exceptional in their own rights (felt so proud we have such creative, talented folks in Singapore!). Not only were the lines, puns, songs and dances delivered flawlessly, there was nary a local accent among the cast.  In fact, many of them spoke convincingly with a British cockney twang (reminiscent of the mid-1700s) only to switch effortlessly to a Caribbean twang for one of the acts.

Talking about songs, during intermission, we overheard members of the audience asking the staff where they could purchase a copy of the music. Yes, they were THAT good. During the finale, parents and children were up on their feet swaying and singing.

Based on the famed novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this adaptation of Treasure Island – the story that was credited with putting the pirate persona into the literary world complete with a wooden leg, accompanying parrot and the infectious ‘Yo-Ho-Ho’, has the main elements of the original novel with a clever twist.  Jim Hawkins in the musical is a girl and the story concludes on a far more positive and uplifting note with Long John Silver and his jolly crew discovering that friendship is a far more valuable than all the silver and gold in the world. 

Indeed, this stage adaption is one of THE BEST children’s musicals we’ve seen this year where families can continue to explore the themes of love, trust, family and friendship with their kids after the curtain call. If you want your little ones to discover the meaning of true treasure, bring them on this exhilarating Treasure Island adventure which they will not forget!

Synopsis

Treasure Island follows the adventure of Jim Hawkins, a lion-hearted 13-year-old girl who receives a treasure map from a kooky old seaman. Jim is tasked to help find the hidden treasure, but the road to riches is never smooth sailing. A swashbuckling, action-packed musical about friendship and trust. This exhilarating show for the entire family will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The Little Company’s Treasure Island

Friday 30 October to Sunday 13 December 2015
Mondays to Fridays: 10am
Tue (10 Nov): 11am
Sat & Sun : 11am and 2.30pm
Venue: DBS Arts Centre – Home of SRT

Recommended for children age 5 and up.

Tickets priced from SGD32 and up are available from SISTIC Agent (list of agents), through Sistic Hotline (Tel: 6348 5555) SISTIC Mobile App or SISTIC Website.  Enjoy a special 10% discount for Starhub and Mastercard holders. For more information, visit this website.

Disclaimer: We were invited to watch Treasure Island for the purpose of this review. All photos are credited to Singapore Repertory Theatre while opinions are genuinely ours.  Thank you SRT for this delightful musical treat!