About Cortland Repertory Theatre

CRT’s “Treasure Island” is Made Possible by Community Support

Thanks to community support, Cortland Repertory Theatre has scheduled four upcoming performances of the children’s show “Treasure Island”. This participation play, which will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse in the Little York Pavilion, is geared for children in grades K- 4, but is appropriate for kids of all ages! The sets, costumes and props were made possible by a generous grant from the Ralph Wilkins Foundation, now in its fourth year of support for this program. When searching for a rehearsal location, Kerby Thompson, CRT’s Producing Artistic Director approached Don Kline, the Executive Director of the YMCA.

“Don and his family have always been huge supporters of CRT over the years” Thompson says. “In fact his son Tom played percussion for CRT’s musicals for years, starting from when he was a Cortland High student, so I knew Don would understand and appreciate what we were looking for.” The Y offered their aerobics room around their class schedule, which allowed the actors a chance to rehearse without being disturbed.

“The room was perfect.” Thompson says. “All Don asked in return was that we allow the children in the Y’s daycare program to watch the show some time over the two rehearsal weeks.” This request worked out better than anyone had expected. Because this version of “Treasure Island” contains a great deal of audience participation, the actors got a jump-start on working with children and the surprises that arise in such a situation before they performed the show on the mainstage at the Pavilion.

Kline says that he and the Y are happy to support CRT. “I appreciate what CRT brings to Cortland County and the effect it has on our quality of life. We’re happy to support and be supported by the theatre.”

Kim Hubbard, a Homer resident and teacher in SUNY Cortland’s Theatre Department, directed the show. “Audience participation is such an important part of the children’s shows at CRT,” says Hubbard. “Rehearsing at the Y was a tremendous advantage and we were very grateful because “Treasure Island” goes a step farther, giving over a dozen kids the chance to be part of a very special treasure hunt. Watching them help create the story, to literally live it out on stage with the actors, is something special.”

The cast of “Treasure Island” are all members of CRT’s performing intern company, including: Ephie Aardema, a student at NYC’s Circle in the Square Conservatory; Liam Cronin, a theatre major at Ohio State; Nicholas Palazzo, a music theatre major at the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut; Catherine Lena Stephani, a BFA Acting major at Ithaca College; Greg Trimmer, a vocal performance major from NYU Steinhardt and Lindsey Zaroogian, a musical theatre graduate from SUNY Fredonia. CRT stage management intern Sten Wall, a student at Lenoir-Rhyne College, handles the show’s organization.

The scenic design, which includes a ship’s wheel, large ships sail painted with a treasure map and a magical treasure chest was designed by Sarah Martin, and were built by properties master Buist Bickley and the CRT scenic shop. The costumes, which include a creatively designed peg leg for Captain Long John Silver, were created by Jennifer Paar.

Performances of “Treasure Island” will be held on July 24, 26, 28 and August 4, all at 2:00 pm. The performance is about 45 minutes long with no intermission. Tickets are $4.00 and can be purchased from the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org.