As someone in their early 60s I have to admit that it's been a long time since I read Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel Treasure Island about pirates and buried treasure, so when I heard that the Ottawa School of Theatre's all ages class was going to stage their own adaptation of the story I was intrigued.
When I actually saw the play on April 19, my intrigue was replaced by total joy. The cast was nothing short of brilliant. They were funny. They delivered their lines impeccably. And they showed absolutely no fear.
I especially liked the trio of ensemble numbers they performed including "Mermaids" by the Gothard Sisters and "Skull & Bones" by Home Free, both of whom granted their special permission for the songs to be used.
But the star of the show for me was Amanda Putz who played Long Joan Silver. That's right, instead of Long John Silver, they had Long Joan Silver. Shiver me timbers. I'm not sure what Robert Louis would think of that littile switcharoo, but Putz was amazing.
The play was filled with sea creatures, mermaids and, of course, pirates. In fact, there were 50 cast members in total, all of whom had an integral part in the play, which is testament to the job done by director Megan Piercey Monafu who was blessed by the sheer wizardy of Gerry Clement, the man responsible for the design and contruction of the set, including a 20-foot pirate ship made entirely of cardboard. Brilliant.
The play was also aided by the presence of fiddler Mathieu Carrigan who accompanied the musical numbers with reels and jigs that had everyone in the Richcraft Theatre tapping out their own accompaniment with their feet.
Other musical acoompaniment was provided by Tim Edwards, Kyle Noyes, Gemma Noyes and max Turiff.
In the end, Treasure Island was one of the best OST all ages productions that I can remember. Kudos to the entire cast and crew for putting on such a wonderfully entertaining show.
TAPROOM 260 presents Terrence O'Brien live from 8 p.m. No cover charge. Located in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd.
TAPROOM 260 presents The Allez Cats live from 8 p.m. No cover charge. Located in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd.
4TH ANNUAL CHILI CHALLENGE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Come taste the results when local restaurants go head-to-head to see who can make the best chili in Orléans.
OYSTER NIGHT from 6-9pm at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. $2.50 / shuck. Unlimited goodness like lemon, horseradish and hot sauce! Shucking goes until 9 p.m. or when out of stock.
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION hosted by the Heart of Orléans BIA from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Centrum Blvd. Be part of the countdown as our local leaders light up the giant tree at 6:15 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your family and friends for a night full of joy! Hot chocolate and coffee from Café Amore will warm your heart, along with sweet treats from Sugar Sugar Ottawa. 
THE OTTAWA SCHOOL OF THEATRE presents “The Island of Lost Memories: A Christmas (Mystery) Heist” in the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Showtimes: Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for individuals 25 and under. Family package (2 adults and children) $50. Tickets can be purchased at 
SANTA’S PARADE OF LIGHTS beginning at 6 p.m. at the corner of St. Joseph Blvd. and Youville Dr. The parade will follow it’s traditional route down St. Joseph Blvd. to the Orléans Town Centre.
