The Pirate Princess
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from October 1990.
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This production also marks the opening of the Society's new theatre, the Prospect Playhouse, construction of which was started ten years ago and, after a break of nine years, re-started in February 1990. "The Pirate Princess" is a light-hearted story, written by Jamaican playwright Barbara Glowdon, set to an original musical score consisting of romantic ballads as well as calypso and reggae rhythms. It is presented by a cast of 30 under the direction of Alan Hall, with musical direction by Chuck Quappe and choreography by Jackie Balls.
The plot centres around the notorious buccaneer John "Calico Jack" Rackham and his crew as they sail towards Cayman, plotting to trick the inhabitants into relinquishing control of the island. However, the islanders, led by bar-owner and entrepreneur Seaside Harry, are not prepared to give up without a fight and devise a means of capturing the pirates to put an end forever to their plundering of the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, back aboard ship, Anne Bonny who was rescued when a baby by Chief Assistant Pirate Mary Read, and has been brought up disguised as a boy, learns a little of her background and begins to fall in love with William, a mysterious young man whose ship was recently seized by Rackham.
Will William find out in time that "pirate Bonny" is really a girl? What is the significance of the mark on William's hand in the shape of a seahorse? Will Rackham succeed in conquering Cayman, or will the islanders prove too clever for him? What are the secret ingredients of Seaside Harry's lethal new cocktail "Science Punch"?
The answers to these will slowing unfold as the cast and crew bring the Pirate Princess to life.
The evil Captain Rackham is played by Paul de Freitas known from his performance of Captain Von Trapp in Sound of Music and his involvement in all the Kiwanis productions to date.
Catriona Johnstone acts out the part of Pirate Anne Bonny. Originally from Scotland she came to Cayman a year ago and has participated in the choruses for "Pirates of Penzance" and "Grease." The Chief Assistant Pirate Mary Read is played by Margaret Rossitee. This is her first production with the Cayman Drama Society, but she has previously worked with drama and musical societies in Ireland.
Peter O'Sullivan brings to life the character William. Originally from Ireland he has been in Cayman for the past three years and is known for his appearances in "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Monkeys Paw," "Aladdin," and "Grease."
Seaside Harry is played by Leroy Holmes who has been acting with the Cayman Drama Society and the old Inn Theatre Company, for about 11 years.
