Steadstyle Chicago
	April 2010 Theatre Review by Chris Arnold
	The Ghosts of Treasure Island "Treasure Island" is a challenging story to adapt for younger audiences, because it is more of a coming of age story than swashbuckling tale.  Luckily, Adventure Stage Chicago was able to maintain the dignity of the story, while adding enough action (thanks to fight choreographer Matt Hawkins) to hold the interest of children. "The Ghosts of Treasure Island" follows young cabin boy Jim Hawkins (the wonderfully subtle Kroydell Galima) as he fights to survive on a mysterious island.  Jim races to find notorious Captain Flint's fabled treasure before mutinous shipmates steal the fortune for themselves.  Faced with danger at every turn, Jim persists on his quest armed with nothing but an old treasure map and an endless supply of courage. "Treasure Island" is one of my favorite stories, and adaptor Eric Schmiedl did not disappoint me.  I respect Schmiedl for trusting the writing, and not filling it with modern references in an attempt to relate to a younger crowd.  The original score composed by Captain Bogg & Salty is performed by a pirate-themed rock band that accompanied the action.  The band did a great job rocking out, and giving the play a modern twist.  Director Amanda Delheimer did a nice job taking the cavernous Vittum Theatre, and making it an intimate experience. The play lost focus for around ten minutes, otherwise was a tight ninety-minutes.  Delheimer had a nice handle on the acting ensemble, and got all of them in the same world.  However, I must give kudos to Reginald Kent Robinson, Jr and James Zoccoli.  Robinson's Squire Trelawney added a nice comic flair, and Zoccoli's Long John Silver was a perfect juxtaposition of comedy and terror. "The Ghosts of Treasure Island" is recommended for ages 9 and older, and is a perfect afternoon of family entertainment.  It is a great introduction to "Treasure Island", and live theatre.  "The Ghosts of Treasure Island" is well worth your time and money. "The Ghosts of Treasure Island" will be performed through May 15, 2010 at Vittum Theatre, 1012 Noble Ave, Chicago.  Street parking is available, and the theater is close to the Noble Street stop on the #56 Milwaukee bus line and the Division stop on the CTA Blue Line.  Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for children aged 14 and under, and $8 for school groups.  Other group discounts are also available.  For tickets or more information, call (773) 209-3889 or visit www.adventurestage.org. Performances are Saturdays at 2pm (There will be a 7pm show on May 7).   About Chris Arnold Chris Arnold has been in Chicago for seven years where he has directed for Act One Studios, the side project, Bailiwick, Illinois Theatre Center, LiveWire Theater, and Diamante Productions, amongst others.  For three years he was a company member with Circle Theatre, and directed the Jeff Recommended productions "Escanaba in Love" and "Boy".  He also directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Circle Theatre Youth Ensemble.  He is the former Associate Artistic Director for Thunder & Lightning Ensemble where he directed "Jack Goes Boating," "Red Light Winter" (Named one of the top five memorable productions by a smaller troupe: New City 2008), and "Earl the Vampire".  Chris has interned at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre.  While at the Goodman he had the opportunity to serve as the Script Manager for the world premiere of "Blue Surge" by Rebecca Gilman.  When not directing Chris teaches in the Literature & Theatre Department(s) at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he has directed "Doubt" and "The Pillowman".  He writes for Chicagocritic.com, and is a member of the Artistic/Technical Team for the Jeff Committee.  Spring 2010 Chris will be a Teaching Artists with American Theatre Company as part of their American Mosaic Program.  He holds an MFA in Directing (with a focus in Critical Studies) from The University of Memphis.