Trenton’s Open Book Theatre Company presents “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” May 17 to June 8 at the playhouse, 1621 West Road, with James Abbott (left) as Dontrell and Maggie Alger as Erika. For tickets or more information, go to openbooktheatrecompany.net.
Two Trenton theaters are embracing nautical themes in May, with the Open Book Theatre Company launching “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” and the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presenting “How I Became a Pirate.”
OBTC PRESENTS ‘DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA’
Trenton’s Open Book Theatre Company presents Nathan Alan Davis’s “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” May 17 to June 9 at the playhouse, 1621 West Road.
When 18-year-old Dontrell decides to sail across the Atlantic Ocean in search of an ancestor lost to the slave trade, his family is opposed to him leaving on such an uncertain and perilous quest. As the story unfolds with poetry, humor, wordplay and ritual, it explores the lengths to which a person will go to right history’s wrongs.
Director CJ Williams said the show has humor, drama, romance and adventure, and that the show is about honoring our ancestors’ journey by moving forward in unity with all people.
“Let not the horrors of the past be in vain – let us own it, learn from it and forge a new path forward,” she said. “‘Dontrell’ is as much about honoring the past as it is about the hope for a better future.”
Williams said the story also evokes a sense of childhood wonder in her.
“I get to dip my fingers in the paint and draw outside the lines,” she said. “I am excited by the challenge of directing the play to visually match the poetic, abstract and magical nature of the author’s script.”
Williams said the scenic design also enhances the story by being fluid and changeable, like the waters that engulf Dontrell’s journey.
James Abbott, who plays Dontrell, said the scenic design, much like the main character, places audiences in a position to face the unknown.
“Dontrell is a dedicated and focused individual who goes after his dreams, and I see a lot of him in myself,” he said. “We both love music and being creative.”
Maggie Alger plays Erika, who prevents Dontrell from drowning, then teaches him to swim and encourages him to pursue his journey.
Alger said the show is for dreamers who allow a spark of imagination to become a lasting, consuming flame, and well as for those who wonder about how our ancestors’ identities influence who we are today.
“The earth we walk is the same; the oceans we swim in are the same,” she said. “But the world we live in is so different.”
As an actor, Alger said she enjoys the challenge of conveying the script’s poetry and the show’s musicality.
“Finding the rhythm, where it changes, and the movement of both the body and the language are essential for allowing the story to move seamlessly,” she said.
Ashley M. Lyle, who plays Shea, Dontrell’s cousin, said the play is a coming-of-age story that is both mystical and spiritual in a way to which everyone can relate.
“Everyone has moments in their lives where they question their identity and search to find the answer in the most impossible places,” she said. “This play encourages everyone to explore their identity and respect and acknowledge history.”
X’Ydee Alexander, who plays Danielle, Dontrell’s sister, said the show looks at the past and the future, and is filled with love and laughter.
“This play is very poetic and fluid, so your imagination is your key,” she said.
Sheila Peck, who plays Dontrell’s mom, said the show is powerful and thought-provoking as it explores identity, family and cultural heritage.
“It’s an opportunity to engage with important social issues and spark meaningful conversations,” she said.
Damon Curtis Nathan, who plays Dontrell’s dad, said it is exciting that the company members are always onstage during the 90-minute production.
“As an actor, that means you are aways in character, always engaged and always performing,” he said.
Performance times are 8 p.m. May 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, and June 1 and 6 to 8, and 2 p.m. May 19 and 26 and June 2 and 9 at the theater, 1621 West Road in Trenton.
Tickets are $35 opening night, which includes a post-show reception. Other performances are $30 for general admission, with $25 tickets for seniors and $15 tickets for students. The show contains strong language and adult themes.
For more information or to order tickets online, go to openbooktheatrecompany.net.
Trenton’s Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presents “How I Became a Pirate,” kids edition, May 17 to 19, with Nicholas Bond as Hammerhead Harry (left), Aurora Zmijewski as Seymour Braunschwagger, Allison Langlet as Penny Penzance, Delia Henderson as Captain Braid Beard, Wade Ryan as Walker Dee Plank and Ben Raftery as Mad Eye Matey. For more information, go to dypac.com.
DYPAC PRESENTS ‘HOW I BECAME A PIRATE’
The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presents “How I Became a Pirate” (youth edition) May 17 to 19 at the Trenton Village Theater.
When comical pirates search for an expert digger to join their crew, they find young Jeremy Jacobs on the beach as they search for the best spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy, who enjoys the adventure, learns along the way that his real treasure is back home with his family.
Peyton Powers, 12, of Taylor, who plays Pierre, one of the comical pirates, said learning a French accent has been challenging.
“I still can’t roll my R’s, but I am having a lot of fun with it,” they said.
Beckett Dottore, 11, of Brownstown Township, who also plays a pirate, Scurvy Dog, agreed that pirate accents are difficult to master, but fun to learn.
“This is an extremely funny, kid-friendly show that the entire family will enjoy,” they said.
Karsyn Smith, 10, of Trenton, who plays pirate Max, said learning to talk like a pirate was difficult, but it was fun being creative with the characterization.
“There are a lot of good characters, and it’s funny,” they said.
Anna Whalen, 11, of Allen Park, who plays pirate Blunder Bess, said “How I Became a Pirate” is a great show.
“Everyone worked so hard to make it happen,” she said.
Riley Evans, 11, of Brownstown Township, who plays pirate Aye Aye Eileen, said that while it is challenging to use an accent she doesn’t use in her everyday life, interacting with the other characters has been great fun.
“It’s a really good show and very funny,” she said. “You’ll love seeing the book come to life, and I hope you leave singing the catchy songs from our show.”
Other featured characters are Layton Gonsalez as Jeremy Jacobs, Delia Hendersen as Captain Braid Beard, Brady Pippin as Swill, Evan Langlet as Sharktooth, Aurora Zmijewski as Seymour Braunschwagger, Ben Raftery as Mad Eye Matey and Wade Ryan as Walker Dee Plank.
The Land Lovers are: Rory Wallace as Mom and as Starboard Sal, Braydon Revoir as Dad and as Bugsy Blackjack, Nicholas Bond as Hammerhead Harry, Luke Lombardo as Gunpowder Pete, Georgia Boyd as Old Yellowtooth, Addison Powers as Crabby Wheelhouse, MaKenna Lombardo as Sweet Sally Scallywag, Evelyn Lombardo as Ensign Pulverized, Avery Schivner as Barnacles Boris, Gracie Powers as Squid Lips, Alicia Harris as Tortuga Tommy, Pearl HaleDelcamp as Jamaica Jane, and LolaMoon HaleDecamp as Land Ahoy Larry.
The Ocean Dwellers are: Allison Langlet as Penny Penzance, Evelyn Bensky as Plunderin’ Penelope, Max Pratt as Crow’s Nest Charlie, Lucia Robert as Crusty Cannonball, Vera Tonova as Big Buck Buckaroo, Emeline Searles as Argh Gyle Annie, Eliana Searles as Loch Ness Nellie, Riley Thomas as Natchez Patches, Laura Gill as Melinda Longjohns, Will Pratt as Stinky Pete, Ellie Knapp as Sir Wallace Winston Rupert Bottleneck McHornswaggle (Hey There!), Josie Floetke as Swagger Lee, Annika Kung as Nautical Nancy, Leo Safko as Marvin Mihause, and Cecelia Ryan as Seven Seas Sammy.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. May 19 at the Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson in Trenton.
Preferred seating (closer to the stage) is $14, with other seats $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
For more information or a link to order tickets, go to dypac.com.