CCTC/HJT’s ‘How I Became a Pirate’ Is Swashbuckling Fun

Many kids think pirates have a great life. No rules, no schedules, and you get to do whatever you want, whenever you want, right?  

So what do you think Jeremy Jacob is going to do when a gang of pirates land on his beach and invite him to join them? He jumps at the chance, as long as they get him back for soccer practice!  

“How I Became a Pirate,” based on the book of the same title by Melinda Long with illustrations by David Shannon, is a musical by Janet Yates and Mark Friedman and the first Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre production of 2025.  

The musical conveys the essence of the story as an adventure everyone wants to go on, ending with a message that resonates with young and old.

Trish LaRose, in her first role as director, is no stranger to the theater world. Cape theatergoers know her well. As a gifted performer, LaRose knows what makes a show entertaining, and this show is entertaining from start of finish. Ciara Cannon as Jeremy Jacob is a star in the making. The young actor has a natural flair for drama and can sing and dance wonderfully, too. Keep your eye on her.  

Children will love this show. It’s full of fast-paced swashbuckling action. The comical pirates bounce off each other in synchronicity both vocally and physically. They are Captain Braid Beard (Anthony Teixeira), Swill (Rachel Walman), Sharktooth (Nicholas Stewart), Pierre (Devin Massarsky) and Max (Toby Wilson). The song and dance numbers are fabulous with clever choreography created by Chelsey Brown. We loved the dental hygiene song, “Green Teeth,” and the storm number, “Batten Down the Hatches.”  Great special effects as well. Stewart shone on “I’m Really Just a Sensitive Guy,” and the closing ensemble of “Pirates Dot Arggh” was hilarious. The cast looks like they’re having fun, and it’s contagious! 

The intricate set, designed by Guy Laszlow Trudeau, transforms from beach to pirate ship with ease. Robert Wilder, the music director on piano, and Chris Santas on drums sounded like a band and were spot on in keeping the pace of the frenetic show. Completing the cohesiveness of the hour-long production were costume designer Cathleen Perry, lighting and sound designer Matt Kohler, stage manager Laura Froeschner, assistant stage manager Rachel Walman, sound board operator Alex Ingraham, light board operator Shiloh Pabst and backstage run crew Gianna Casale.  

What a great outing for you and your family for school vacation!  

"How I Became a Pirate" 

At Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre, Division Street, West Harwich.

Through March 2, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.; additional performances on school vacation week Feb. 18,19, and 20 at 2 p.m., and a sensor friendly performance on Feb 22  at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-432-2002, ext. 2, www.capecodtheatrecompany.org