Last week, a swashbuckling production docked in Freeman Theatre for the annual Fourth-Grade Play! Middle School Drama Teacher Deb Mein penned Princesses at Pirate Cove, a royally fun take on a very popular pirate-themed musical.
The plot: A pirate apprentice thought his pirate days were done, but to graduate, he must make eleven non-pirate pals. Luckily for him, a ship full of eleven princesses crashes onto Pirate Cove. Instead of plundering, our pirate-in-training has to win them over. A comical clash ensues, along with a surprising “treasure” that turns out to be a furry friend. A heartwarming twist unfolds where everyone—pirates and princesses alike—decide to ditch the drama and build a brand new, cooperative life together on the island. It’s a tale of friendship, compromise, and unexpected alliances.
The production was an energetic partnership between 36 fourth-grade students and a team of eleven middle schoolers who stood at the helm as mentors. The older students shadowed the younger ones in the costume, light, and sound departments and also served as stage managers, while Emma Oesch ’29 led the charge in her directorial debut.
Mein said, “What’s exceptional about this show is that I have a team of middle schoolers leading it. It’s my passion to create meaningful leadership and ownership in that space. Middle schoolers helped fourth graders get into costumes and makeup and ran lights and sound through the leadership of Elika Coff ’30.”
Students enjoyed stepping into roles they don’t typically embody in real life, and others said their roles were a perfect match for their off-stage personalities.
Matias G. ’33, who played Narrator #3, said the students did not get to choose their characters, but is pleased with his role as it is the opposite of how he is in real life. “I loved being the craziest narrator, causing lots of trouble,” he said. “There’s one part in the show where I get to walk around and move [the arms and bodies of] people as if frozen in a fight. I’m really excited for my whole family to see that part.”
Every pirate ship requires a bold captain, and Princeton P. ’33 fit the bill as Captain Patch. He was excited to play the part and even created an entire back story for his character. “When I was a young boy, pirates invaded Pirate Cove. Since I was just a young boy, I couldn’t run as fast, so a pirate captured me, slashed my face, and held me for ransom,” he said. “My favorite things about the role are that I get two parrots, and I get to be loud and confident.”
Wesley S. ’33 played the infamous intern Matthew. He said, “I love being one of the main characters. Working with the crew and this whole thing is very fun. The eighth graders are really nice but can also be very direct.”
With princesses and pirates galore, it made sense to give each one a name that started with the letter P. Aadya R. ’33 played Princess Pam. “She’s jumpy and adventurous and creative. I really enjoy getting into costume, putting on makeup, and doing this with my friends. It’s been really fun, and I hope to do it again,” she said.
Inara K. ’33 played Narrator #1 and appreciated the mentor-mentee relationship when it comes to stage activities. She said, “I like that I’m the first person to speak and also hold the secret of the plot. It’s really fun to work with the eighth graders. They’re teaching me a lot about what it’s like to be on stage. They taught me stage laughing where you fake laugh, but it sounds real.”
Oesch said, “This was my first time taking on the director role, and it was extremely insightful. I loved being able to see my younger self in some of the kids! I saw my determination and love for acting at such a young age in their eyes. I have had tons of experience with kids over the last couple of years, but nothing has compared to this! I got to connect with these kids more on a personal level because of our shared love for the stage. This experience was amazing and has helped grow my own experience. Music and theater are my passions, and I plan to continue them throughout the rest of my life! I am so proud of the work these kids have put into this show. Thank you to the cast, my middle school crew, and Mrs. Mein for making this experience so special.”
Behind the scenes, a steadfast crew of “Techies” ran costumes, makeup, sound, and lights, and for most everyone, this was their first exposure to this side of a theatrical performance.
Caleb N. ’33 and Barrett E. ’33 were in charge of costumes and props. Caleb said, “Costumes were harder because we had to label everyone’s name and what they should wear. The props were just swords, so that was easy. I got to do a part where I run across the stage and pick up props. I would definitely do this again.” Barrett added, “The play was fun because I could choose what people wore, how they looked, what props they used. On the day of the show, there was a challenge when I saw that one costume was left hanging because an actor hadn’t shown up yet. They eventually arrived, but it was very tight timing. I’ve usually been onstage for plays, but I’d be a techie again. I like being on this side because I feel like an audience member. When you’re acting, you’re either on stage or on the side, and you can’t see yourself performing.”
Adele L. ’33 and Grant M. ’33 led the sound experience for Princesses at Pirate Cove. Adele said, “We controlled the volume and the music. It was hard to control the volume sometimes to work with the volume of the voices. The timing was sometimes hard on the Princess Song because it comes in during the middle of when they’re coming on stage. My favorite song was the Pirate Song. Grant said, “I liked that we learned about the board and how to use it. There was a lot to learn about the different cues. We had a glitch during the practice rehearsal, which went a little badly, but went smoothly for the main show. I would definitely do this again.”
Elliot C. and Elliot R., also known as “The Elliots,” made the stage magic come to life as the lighting crew. Elliot C. said, “I enjoyed changing the lights really fast. You have to keep your head up and watch the stage. You can’t miss anything. I was surprised by how many lights there were. It’s cool, but it’s really hard. I liked it when the narrators were in the corner, and I could shine a big spotlight on them. The script is 24 pages long, so Elliot R. and I split it – 12 pages each. One of us was running the lights, and one of us was there to make sure we were getting the cues right.” Elliot R. enjoyed the lighting transitions. He said, “I feel like I had a really big opportunity to brighten up the show. It was challenging finding the lights up there. Five minutes before the show, we checked the lights to make sure they were all working. I’d definitely do it again. I’d also try to get on stage if I’m in a play next year. I worked hard and had a fun time.”
Thanks to all who worked on Princesses at Pirate Cove, showcasing the delightful collaborative spirit fostered within the Lower and Middle drama programs! View the complete program here.