— by Michèle Griskey —

This year’s The Enchanted Forest Cabaret: The Naughty Pirates of Neverland takes us into the dreamland of Carmen (Grace McCune), who, clearly, must use some interesting sleep enhancements to find herself in Neverland. She encounters some familiar characters in pirate lore who manage to break stereotypes in delightful and playful ways.

Under the skillful and creative direction of Deborah Sparks, audiences enjoy the antics of Tiger Lillith (Khadoma Colomby), Jack Sparrow (Jake Perrine), Hook (Robert Hall), Longer John Silver (Kelly Toombs), and even a TinkerBell Barbie (Cali Bagby). A quad of Naughty Pirates (Colleen Armstrong, Amanda Sparks, Lanni Lago, and Katie Wlaysewski), Pirates (Ed Lago, Diego Lago, Chuck Silva, Charles Dalton, Enzo Thixton, and Aristotle Luna), The Model who Came Along for the Ride (Stormy Hildreth), a helpful Mermaid (Linda Slone) and ingenious Croc (Remy Lago) round out the cast.

This show includes inspired singing, dancing, and even rope acrobatics. The songs range from bawdy country to classic show tunes. Everything from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” belted out by McCune to Robert Hall, who gets in touch with his inner Frank Sinatra with his rendition of “My Way,” charm the audience. The cast sings playful duets, heartfelt solos, and inspired choruses. Dancing includes an excellent duo of tap stars (Tiffany Loney and Katie Zwilling) and a graceful and dynamic solo by Charles Dalton. Playful costumes and an amazing pirate ship set (Chris Brems) makes the experience even more authentic.

The dazzle of Naughty Pirates of Neverland is in the unexpected twists and much needed humor. The audience will delight in the balance between the tender and the absurd, though mostly the absurd. This performance is worth your time.

Remaining shows are January 13, 14, and 18 – 21, 2017. Seating is very limited and the show often sells out quickly.

Tickets for Enchanted Forest are $17, $13 students, $2 off for Orcas Center members and may be purchased on the website or by calling 376-2281 ext 1 or visiting the Orcas Center box office during box office hours which are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12-2 pm. $5 Subsidized Tickets available at the Box Office. For more information about Orcas Center 2016-2017 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org.

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