Ahoy, Mateys! ‘Pirate’ Musical Is For Young And Old Alike

February 06, 2025

by Elizabeth Van Wye

Ciara Cannon (Jeremy Jacob) and Anthony Teixeira (Captain Braid Beard) in the CCTC/Harwich Junior Theatre production of "How I Became a Pirate." COURTESY PHOTO

If beaches, pirates and swashbuckling musical adventure seem like a great way to escape the winter blues, look no farther than the first production of the 2025 season at the Cape Cod Theatre Company in Harwich.

"How I Became a Pirate!" is a musical based on the beloved children's book by Melinda Long, and will run for 11 public performances from Feb. 8 through March 2.

The story revolves around a band of comical pirates who land at North Beach looking for an expert digger to join their crew. When they enlist young Jeremy Jacob in their search for the perfect spot to bury their treasure, Jeremy finds that adventuring can be lots of fun, but also that there are treasures right at home.

The production stars Anthony Teixeira as Captain Braid Beard, Ciara Cannon as Jeremy Jacob, Rachel Walman as Swill the Pirate, Nick Stewart as Sharktooth the Pirate, Devin Massarsky as Pirate Pierre and Toby Wilson as Max the Pirate.

In addition to the talents of choreographer Chelsey Brown and musical director Bob Wilder, veteran local performer Trish LaRose will have her directing debut with this production.

DETAILS:
"How I Became a Pirate"
At Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre
Feb. 8 through March 2; performances Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., with the Sunday, Feb. 16 show at 10 a.m. Pay What you Can Sunday is Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. February vacation matinees Feb. 18, 19, 20 at 2 p.m. A sensory-friendly performance is on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Information and reservations: 508-432-2002, capecodtheatrecompany.org.

It is "perfect for my first show," she said. "In addition to a great production team, we have six incredible local actors, willing to dive into the fun and adventure of it. And we are doing it in the theater I grew up in."

The hour-long show has something for adults and children alike.

"It's a resounding yes for parents, too!" said LaRose. "We have a multi-generational cast and I think the production has the same appeal for families. The writing is so clever and funny that adults will definitely appreciate the humor and charm of the show right along with their kids. It's a fun, adventurous and fast-paced musical!"

The opportunity to direct is a welcome one for LaRose.

"I've admired the ability of the directors I have worked with to multi-task," she said, and she has a new appreciation for all aspects of the show, from scenic to lighting to collaborating and bringing the story and the beautiful book to life. "What I've learned most from this experience is that teamwork makes the dream work, and that I enjoy all aspects of storytelling."

Because CCTC is an educational theater, she said, "I feel like I'm learning so much from the team of professionals I have beside me and the incredible cast. It's been a wonderful experience to be able to direct in a safe and collaborative environment where I have the full support of Artistic Director Jenn Pina."

LaRose grew up spending summers on Cape Cod and saw her first show at Harwich Junior Theatre when she was 5. She started taking classes and was performing there by the time she was 7.

"I fell in love with theater here," she said.

She earned a bachelor's in fine arts degree from The Boston Conservatory and lived and performed in New York City for 13 years before moving to the Cape. She is also a resident artist at Cape Rep Theatre in Brewster, where she’s appeared in over 25 productions, including her commissioned sold-out one-woman show “Come On-A My House.”

Now the fulltime special assistant to producer Jenn Pina at Cape Cod Theatre Company, LaRosa feels like her life has come "full circle," with her two young daughters taking classes there. "Having all that support feels very special," she said.