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How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
Ahoy land lubbers! We had the pleasure of seeing Adventure Theatre MTC’s How I Became A Pirate this weekend. This silly musical is entertaining and funny for the whole family!

Kelsey Painter as Jeremy Jacobs in How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Michael Horan courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
Jeremy Jacob is discovered on the beach by Captain Braid Beard, who deems him an expert digger before inviting Jeremy to join him and his swashbuckling crew aboard their ship for a crash course in how to be a pirate. Jeremy and the audience learn all about the life of a Pirate and it seems pretty cool at first – no manners, no brushing your teeth, and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to- except, of course, swab the deck! Jeremy even teaches his newfound pirate friends a couple things about the life of a landlubber, before realizing the life of a Pirate may not be for him.

Cast of How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Michael Horan courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
The production team did a stellar job turning the intimate theatre into an actual pirate ship! The set was beautiful, modern, and playful. There was lots of talk (and singing) about how rough and dirty the pirate’s life can be, but the stage and costumes were bright and whimsical. The lively and talented cast interacted with the audience throughout the show, but were respectful and understanding when my kids, true to form, were having none of it. They focused instead on willing audience members who were answering questions and helping the pirates decide where to bury their treasure.

Cast of How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Michael Horan courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
Swill the Pirate provides plenty of comedy for the parents, and our kids were enthralled by the dancing, sword fighting and storm scene. We left the theatre wishing we could grab a copy of the songs for our ride home. ‘Talk like a Pirate’ and ‘Green Teeth’ were my little ones favorite songs, but I was laughing out loud during ‘Soccer By the Rules’ and ‘I’m Really Just a Sensitive Guy’. The action, adventure and imagination made for a delightful hour!

Gregory Atkin as Swill the Pirate in How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Michael Horan courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
This show is laugh out loud hilarious for adults and contains enough references to the poop deck and pirate booty to keep the kids roaring too! When it comes to family theatre this show is top notch! The production team and cast make the experience well worth the cost of admission!

Peter Boyer as Captain Braid Beard in How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Sarah Straub courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
Know Before You Go:
How I became a Pirate is running till October 22, 2017 (But don’t worry, they have four other shows running till August).
Tickets are $19.50
There are also Flexpasses you can purchase for $165. You get 10 passes good for any mainstage professional production. With four other amazing shows running this season it wouldn’t be hard to put those passes to good use! Also check the ATMTC website for info on discounts or group & field trip rates.
The theatre opens 30 minutes prior to the performance so get there early if you want to sit center stage.
No food, drink or photography is allowed in the theater.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance is Sept 30 at 2 p.m. Sensory/Autism Friendly Performance is October 14 at 2 p.m.
This show is located at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812). Parking is free and plentiful, but give yourself an extra 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Theatre. From the parking lot, walk across the bridge, along the trail, pass the aquarium and carousel, and the theatre is on your left.
Stroller parking outside the theatre.
There is a cafe at Glen Echo (check to make sure it’s open). If it is closed, or if you love tacos, check out Fish Taco down the street.
There is a playground nearby, behind the carousel, if you have time (or energy) to kill before or after the show.
The Glen Echo Carousel costs $1.25. It is open until October 1, 2017 and is scheduled to reopen again in April.
If your little ones love the performance as much as ours did, ATMTC offers musical theatre training for kids and teens, Birthday Parties, and Summer Camps.

Cast of How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre MTC (Photo by Michael Horan courtesy of Adventure Theatre MIC)
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