By Catherine Jozwik
David Flores, Loralei Madson, and Eleanor Hannan (from left) take part in “Escape from Peligro Island,” presented by Milwaukee First Stage children's theatre.
Employing mobile and digital technology, Milwaukee First Stage children's theatre offers viewers a chance to take a thrilling airplane journey to a remote island in its delightfully exciting and interactive new production “Escape from Peligro Island—A Create Your Own Adventure Play.”
Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Jeff Frank, the play is a virtually-staged version of Choose-Your-Own adventure books—young adult novels in which readers have many opportunities to choose between several scenarios at specific plot junctures. These books, with titles such as “The Abominable Snowman,” “The Cave of Time,” and “Journey Under the Sea,” gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, selling more than 250 million copies. The books are still widely read among children and young adults today—and by some Generation Xers and millennials who fondly remember checking them out from their local libraries when they were children.
Nadja Simmonds, Matt Daniels, Loralei Madson, and Eleanor Hannan (from left) perform in Milwaukee First Stage children's theatre “Escape from Peligro Island.”
After a chance meeting on a plane with colorful Aussie Giles Feswick, shy, nerdy “Peligro Island” protagonist Callaway Brown finds himself stranded on a deserted island. He faces many tough decisions throughout the course of the play, including whether to flee or fight villains using ninja-style moves, whether or not to delve into secret “vampire” files, whether or not to attempt to abduct evil mastermind Catherine Granger, and which type of MacGuyver-esque technology to use to escape an underwater prison. Through the course of the production, Brown gathers together his courage—and gains confidence and self-sufficiency in the process.
Throughout the duration of the play, virtual audience members are presented with two scenarios, in which they can text the answer of their choice to a digital poll. Answers are tallied up in less than 90 seconds, with the most popular answer determining Callaway Brown’s fate.
Featuring talented young actors Lorelai Madson as Callaway Brown (who displays some impressive martial arts moves), Eleanor Hannan as Teen Girl and Liam Eddy as Young Boy, the production includes enjoyable performances from Nadja Simmons, Matt Daniels and David Flores, who each play multiple roles. “Escape from Peligro Island” is a charming and exhilarating escape, which is much-appreciated during these stressful times. The play is recommended for ages 6 and up with a runtime of approximately 65 minutes.
Performances will be livestreamed through streaming service Broadway on Demand at 7 p.m. Feb. 5, and 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Pre-recorded performances featuring specific adventures, with descriptions, will be available to stream through February 28. Tickets are priced at $15, $25 or $40, and can be purchased at www.firststage.org or by calling 414-267-2961.