Aaron Elliott and Leonardo Elliott perform in the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Treasure Island.” (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — The pirates have docked at Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theatre in Marietta as Ken Ludwig’s “Treasure Island” comes to the stage beginning this weekend.

The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Jan. 24 and Jan. 25 and at 3 p.m. Jan. 26.

Tickets are $13 each and are available at midohiovalleyplayers.com or at the box office two hours before each show. “Treasure Island” is sponsored by Dr. William and Sue Cline and Obermeyer’s Florist and presented by and in arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

“Treasure Island” tells the classic story originally told in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel about 14-year-old Jim Hawkins who becomes entangled in a high seas adventure with the famous Long John Silver on a quest for hidden treasure.

Leonardo Elliott plays the lead role of Jim Hawkins.

Leonardo Elliott, Nicholas Rake, Kaby Perez and Caleb Bland perform in the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Treasure Island.” (Photo Provided)

“Jim is a young tavern boy who works with his mother. He’s dragged into this adventure by Billy Bones giving him a treasure map.”

Elliott says this cast has been his favorite to work with and encourages others to see the show.

“It’s very intense, there’s lots of action, and it’s campy, so it’s funny at times.”

Amber Nicole Smrek, one of the co-directors, says she has always loved action packed entertainment.

“When I hit college and started studying theatre, one of my main focuses was stage combat. I love being able to safely craft fights and heighten those intense moments. The last time I directed a show with this much combat, I was 8 months pregnant and had to take a backseat on creating the fighting. And while I’m grateful that I had people in my corner that stepped up, I was itching to have my own shot at directing those fights. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pirate tale.”

Leonardo Elliott and Chase Mayer perform in the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Treasure Island.” (Photo Provided)

Smrek says her cast is a beautiful blend of being new to the stage and familiar faces.

“It’s been fun watching the two groups blend into one homogeneous stew. This show is meant for the whole family. Bring the kids. Bring the adults. It’s an adventure that is sure to have something for everyone.”

Chase Mayer is no stranger to the stage at MOVP. In “Treasure Island,” he plays three roles.

“Blind Pew has been my favorite character to play out of the three. I loved him in the book and Ken Ludwig’s script gives me the chance to really do this sinister pirate justice. I felt on stage Pew should have a whimsical quality added to his cruel nature. I also play Captain J. Flint who I really wanted to make your classic golden age pirate Captain. Then Calico Jack Rackham is fun because I get to do a good bit of improv with him, loosely portraying him after the real buccaneer. I also voice Silver’s Parrot in the show.”

Mayer says he is proud to be part of this spectacular classic.

Leonardo Elliott is Jim Hawkins and Callister McKay is Long John Silver in the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Treasure Island.” (Photo Provided)

“Our cast has really put their hearts into this show as we know this is a story deep to many hearts. It’s a must see for any pirate lover and an immersive swashbuckler never to be forgotten.”

The show is directed by Smrek and Melanie Elliott and stage managed by Ket Perkins. The cast includes:

* Jim – Leonardo Elliott

* Long John Silver – Callister McKay

* Captain Smollet – Caleb Bland

The Mid-Ohio Valley Players will present “Treasure Island” for the next two weekends in Marietta. (Photo Provided)

* Squire Trelawney/Billy Bones – Nicholas Rake

* Dr. Livesy – Kaby Perez

* Ben Gunn/Black Dog – Aaron Elliott

* Captain Flint/Blind Pew/Calico Jack – Chase Mayer

* Anne Bonny/Widows Drew – Kylee Beth Strader

* Israel Hands – Sterling Mayer

* Rathbone/George Merry – Samuel Kinker

* Job O’Brien/Justice Death – Rebecca Maciag

* Josiah Bland/Ezekiel Hazard – Ella Wells

* Kid with Barrow – Aayla Elliott

* Cutpurse/Bailiff’s Son (good) – Kanan Elliott

* Tom Morgan/Bailiff’s Son (bad) – Coulson Elliott

* Reverend Mainwaring – Nathaniel Hurst

* Mother – Tia Brookover

* Father – Jedd Butler

* Bailiff – Belle Morte

* Pirate – Gunnar Brookover