tREASURE READING
(formerly "A Voyage with Capt. Cutlass")

Dear Markus and Angelique,

Well, the compliments keep coming!  I have heard nothing but wonderful comments since your performance here last Friday.
One gentleman said he had seen many, many children's shows throughout his years of being in a school system,
but none compared to your performance.

I found the whole experience to be a happy one.  You are very accommodating, professional and easy to work with
and the way you intertwined the pirate theme and the joys of reading into your act was absolutely perfect.
(One teacher in the audience thought so too.)

It was the most successful Summer Reading Program we have ever had and I have no idea
how I will ever be able to top it all.  I'm afraid you have spoiled my readers for anything else!

Thank you for being all that I expected and so much more!"

B.W., Children's Librarian
Wolfeboro Public Library, Wolfeboro, NH

Capt. Cutlass and Angie discover the magical treasures to be found within the pages of a book.

How do you know if you're a Pirate?
You don't...you just "arrgh!"

Ahoy, Mateys!  All aboard for a rollicking seafaring adventure on the Magical Sailing Ship Illusion.  We bring a scenic backdrop,
a treasure chest of mystery, and an ocean full of FUN. This program features amazing magic effects, skillful juggling,
humorous and friendly banter with "ye swabs on deck", clever puns and wordplay, delightful characters interacting with the audience,
and some stunning visual illusions.  Lively music enlivens the voyage, along with a boatload of audience participation and hilarity.

"I thought you were terrific!  The performance was very, very good--clever jokes, and the kids' response was excellent.
They loved it!  Your Teacher Information Sheet was helpful too.  My students and I enjoyed the show very much."
                                                                                                        --Lubec Consolidated School, Lubec, ME

"We loved it!  The children were well entertained and they enjoyed your explanations about the dove tricks and
treatment of animals.  In talking about pirates and relating bullying, we discussed how Captain Cutlass got more
accomplished and had more fun when he used kind words and was nice.  I was particularly impressed with
the rapport both of you had after the show when dealing with the students' questions....It was excellent!"
                                                                                                                                               (Bullying theme no longer available) 
                                                                                --South Hiram Elementary School, Hiram, ME

ABOUT THE SHOW

The flexibility of a magical program such as TREASURE READING allows for tremendous leeway in theming.  In 2004,
we adapted the program to coordinate with Maine libraries' Summer Reading Program theme, "Discover New Trails at Your Library...Read!"
As a school enrichment program from 2004-2006, we incorporated issues of bullying, self-esteem, getting along with others, being polite,
and friendship.  Alternatively, for general audiences such as the Maine Maritime Museum's annual "Pirate Party", where this show
has been featured for several years, there is no specific theme.

"AHOY!!!  Once again, we all enjoyed the show tremendously last Tuesday PM.  I surprised the kids the next day
with that poster you autographed for me; I even put it in a frame!!!  All the comments were positive, they loved the 'tricks'!
Many want you to come again!!  It was 'Awesome', 'Really fun!', 'It was funny yet amazing!', 'I loved it!'...
and I had a great time too!  Thanks again!!"
                                                                        --S.W., Children's Librarian, Pillsbury Free Library, Warner, NH

In 2006, we were accepted onto the NH State Library's "Kids, Books and the Arts" Roster (one of only 13 performing artists so honored!).
The theme was "Treasure Reading", and our program (at the time named A VOYAGE WITH CAPT. CUTLASS) was a perfect fit.
Colorful and magical, and quite funny, the program metaphorically illustrates the treasures to be found in the library,
and within the pages of a book.  Before hitting the road for the summer tour, we debuted this new adaptation at
several elementary schools, where it met with rave reviews.  The summer 2006 tour consisted of over 40 performances for libraries,
and through the 2006-07 school year we performed it numerous times as well.

"Almodarr and his comely Irish colleen sidekick had the children of Tamworth in thrall for an hour.
Interspersed with silly comic turns, he made all manner of items appear and disappear, juggled, joshed with
the audience, pulled children on to the stage and generally had the whole room charmed and laughing."
                                                                                                    --Cook Memorial Library, Tamworth, NH

The magical content is consistent from show to show; but unlike a play, there's no formal "script"--so the presentation itself
varies slightly each time, shaped somewhat by the involvement and participation of the audience.  Whereas Angelique is a talented actor,
experienced at working from a script, Markus is a master at gauging, responding to, and guiding audience reactions.  These complementary
performing styles make for a unique and kid-friendly experience as these two performers share a special rapport with young audiences.
It's this relationship between audience and performers that really helps make the show "magical".



A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW

Magic with live animals
Numerous funny pirate riddles and jokes
Puns and wordplay that explore how language can be manipulated and have different meanings
Pirate history and lore:  The "walking the plank" myth, female pirates, life aboard ship
Treasure maps, literal and metaphorical
Floating a child in the air/the "enlightening" power of imagination
And much, much more! 

Teacher Guides are provided for school performances, and a Question/Answer Session follows every show.

CLICK HERE FOR AN ONLINE SPECIAL!

"Your performance last summer was terrific, and so many people have asked when we are going to have you back again!"
                                                                                                                         --Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, ME

TREASURE READING is a joyous, highly-interactive program that engages the audience
from the friendly opening to the lovely finale of the magical treasure chest!
Don't miss the boat for this unforgettable magical voyage.  It's definitely rated "Arrrgh!"

Geared for Pre-K thru Grade 5
Running time:  approx. 55 minutes
Set-up time 1 1/2 hours, take-down time 1 hour.
Minimum 16' wide x 12' deep indoor performance space
Electrical outlet convenient to performing area

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E-mail us!

207-247-2361  (office)         207-590-7989 (mobile)