Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Performance Troupe is excited to present “Jingle ARRGH The Way!,” directed and choreographed by Desha Crownover. Written by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman, the musical is based on a story by Melinda Long, the author of the children’s book “How I Became A Pirate,” among several others.

“Jingle ARRGH The Way!” is a sequel to the musical “How I Became A Pirate,” which Crownover also directed at HSRT four years ago. “[Directing ‘Pirate’] was one of my favorite experiences here at Hope…so a chance to revisit these characters with actors that I haven’t worked with before was really inviting.”

In this Christmas pirate adventure, the crew finds a mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship. Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates head back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure.

“Some plays you go see, and it’s sort of a slow jog, but this play is a sprint,” says Crownover. “From beginning to end the actors, and hopefully the audience too, will be constantly moving.”

All performances will be in the DeWitt Studio Theatre. Performances on June 17, 19, 22, 24, 29, July 1, 6, 8, 27, 31, and August 5 will be at 10:30 a.m. Performances on July 24, 29, August 3, and 7 will be at 1:30 p.m.

Playing the role of Jeremy Jacob is Connor Briggs, an acting intern currently studying Musical Theatre at Ithaca College. In the role of Braid Beard is Brandon Campbell, a company member who recently graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

Rounding out the cast is Mollie Murk as Swill, Mychael Thompson as Sharktooth, Noah Bridgestock as Pirate Pierre, Brianna Brice as Max, and Liam Snead as Santa.

“I’m hoping the audience gets a sense of fun and adventure,” says Crownover, “but also that they really fall in love with the stage and with seeing plays. I hope they identify with Jeremy and the pirates, and that gives them enough excitement to go and create their own adventures.”

Director Crownover joins HSRT for the fourth time. She just finished her tenure as Artistic Director at San Diego Junior Theatre, where she has served as a director, musical director, choreographer, and teaching artist for the past sixteen years, co-founding SDJT’s Conservatory Program for aspiring high school artists. She holds a Master’s degree in Theatre from San Diego State University and a BA in Theatre from UCSD.

Music Director Fred Tessler returns to HSRT for his 22nd season. He has been involved with over 40 productions at HSRT. A resident of New York City, Tessler is on the faculty of Wagner College, where he has been Director and Music Director of over a dozen shows. He has also worked with many theatres around New York City and elsewhere.

The production team for “Jingle ARRGH The Way!” includes Keenan Minogue as the scenic designer, Emily M. Brown as the lighting designer, Julianne Babel as the costume designer, Matthew Fischer as the sound designer, Mandy Scott as the Stage Manager, Richard Perez as the Managing Director, and Rachael Hasse as the Production Manager.

Individual tickets are now on sale at the college’s downtown ticket office, located in the Anderson-Werkman Building at 100 E. 8th St., which is open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, tickets are available at the DeWitt Ticket Office (141 E. 12th St), which is open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon through intermission. 

Season Ticket Packages save patrons up to 30% off individual ticket prices and guarantee a terrific seat for every performance. The Children’s Package is available to children under 12 years old, and offers seating for both CPT shows and one main stage show for $30. The Adult CPT Package includes seating for both CPT shows and one main stage show for $46. The Bonus Adult CPT Package includes both CPT shows and two main stage shows for $72. General admission tickets for the Children’s Performance Troupe shows are $15.

For additional ticket information, visit hope.edu/hsrt or call (616) 395-7890.

If you want to stay connected this summer, make sure to sign up on our website for the HSRT E-Newsletter. Subscribers will receive behind-the-scenes videos, interviews, photos, articles and insights about this season’s productions.

 

More information is available online at hope.edu/hsrt and Hope Summer Repertory Theatre on Facebook.