Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to experience life on the high seas as the Omaha Theater Company presents “How I Became a Pirate” at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Eisenhower Auditorium .
The musical is based on best-selling children’s book of the same name written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon , Cathy Martin , marketing associate with the Omaha Theater Company, said.
“The children’s theatre at Omaha used illustrations to help inform their design for the show, in terms of the color scheme and look of it,” John Mark Rafacz , editorial manager at the Center for the Performing Arts said.
The show chronicles the adventures of Jeremy Jacobs , a young boy who has talent for building sandcastles and moats, Martin said. His prowess on the beach earns him the privilege of joining a pirate crew, she added.
“He has a great time until he remembers everything that he has left behind -- goodnight kisses, stories, and even soccer practice,” Martin said.
Jacobs must then try to convince the pirates to sail him back home, she said.
The production, which Martin describes as “charming and fun,” has been touring the country since last fall, she said. The musical, packed with catchy songs and vibrant sets, was “a big hit” in Omaha, Neb., where is debuted, Martin said.
The show is recommended for children in kindergarten through 4th grade; however, that does not mean that older audience members will not enjoy it, Martin said.
“There are definitely some jokes aimed at the adults that might go over the heads of the younger crowd,” she said.
Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania will facilitate a pirate-themed “Kids Connection s” an hour before the performance, Rafacz said.
Discovery Space is a hands-on science center that is completely interactive and teaches children how science applies to their every day lives, Allayn Beck , assistant director of museum operations, said.
This particular Kids Connections program will help children to understand some of the science behind pirate ships and sailing, she added.
“Kids will be able to make their own boat sails, put them in a sailboat racer, and then see which sails are successful and which are not,” Beck said.
Kids Connections is free to all ticket holders, but participation is on a first-come, first-serve, Rafacz said. Tickets for the show are $8 for University Park students and $15 for the general public.
