A Rollicking Musical Adventure 

Produced by Omaha Theater Company on Tour
Adapted for the stage by award-winning composer/lyrists/playwrights
Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman
Based on the best-selling children’s book written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon
Directed by Rob Urbinati

Shiver me timbers!  Young Jeremy Jacob is digging in the sand at North Beach when he is greeted by Captain Braid Beard and his mates, and is recruited to help find the perfect digging spot for their treasure. Boarding the ship, the Captain introduces the boy to his pirate crew - who share with him the ins and outs of a pirate's life at sea. Jeremy is instructed on how to talk like a pirate and schooled in pirate manners and etiquette (or the lack thereof). In turn Jeremy shares with them what a typical kid's day is like and the wondrous game of soccer! The pirate world proves to have many surprises for Jeremy Jacob, not the least of which is when the fearsome pirate Sharktooth  admits to him that he is really just a sensitive guy! When a storm arises, the skills of the crew are called upon to steer the ship to safety and Jeremy Jacob begins to wonder if the pirate life is really for him. But all is well and they arrive back at the beach in time for soccer practice - but not before they survey the area, following the map that Jeremy has drawn for them, leading them to the perfect spot to bury the treasure - his own backyard! The reminisce that it's always good to go home and Jeremy realizes that the simple things in life, like a kiss and a warm tucking in at night are among those that are most important. Parting is bittersweet, but before leaving, the pirates assure Jeremy that they will be back if he ever needs them. He only has to fly the Jolly Roger, or he can simply find them at pirates-dot-aarrgh!

A story of adventure and finding one's own heart - a path that can't be found on any treasure map!

Curriculum Connections: Imaginative Play, Friends and Friendship, Cooperation and Teamwork, Good Citizenship, Creating Community, Accepting and Understanding Differences, Appreciating Home and Family, Communication, Theater, Language Arts

Public Audience: All ages

School Audience: K- 4^th grades; ages 5-10

Performed by arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and The Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. How I Became a Pirate received its world premiere at First Stage Children’s Theatre, Milwaukee, WI. Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1359 Broadway, Ste. 914, New York, NY 10018, 866.378.9758, www.theatericalrights.com.