‘Blackbeard’: a lively high-seas adventure at Signature

From the left: Awa Sal Secka, Kevin McCallister, Chris Hoch, Christopher Mueller, and Lawrence Redmond in “Blackbeard” at Signature Theatre. [Christopher Mueller]

By David Siegel

I have no idea who the “real” Blackbeard might have been. But I raise a cup (and maybe a cutlass) to Signature Theatre’s epic, cheeky vision of the dude and his derring-do.

Envisioned by Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, the world premiere of “Blackbeard” is a summertime hit; it’s perfect for that time of the year when subtext and a scolding can take a back seat to summer frolic.

Surrounded by a gaggle of freedom-loving co-conspirators, Blackbeard is on his very own Holy Grail adventure powered by 16 original musical numbers. The overall musical mood is percussive with trombone flourishes. It is spirited, lively, and generally lighthearted.

The show’s setup is simple enough. The time is maybe 1718 or so; the location somewhere in the Caribbean. The days of the pirate may be slipping away. Governments find pirates more than a nuisance and Blackbeard learns he’s wanted by the British.

What is to be done? Blackbeard and his crew embark on an implausible 72-hour journey across the globe to the likes of the Arctic, Japan, and India in hopes of raising an army of undead pirates. Along the way, Blackbeard has his mettle tested by a number of graphic novel-worthy heroes.

As Blackbeard, Chris Hoch is no cardboard cutout pirate. With his piercing eyes, fine voice, and swashbuckling attitude, Hoch is a pirate with a long beard and a warm heart. Kevin McAllister, as a big-hearted ship’s mate, has a rich baritone voice. Rory Boyd is a fine presence as a youthful stow-away who becomes not only a companion to the pirates but ultimately their storyteller. Ben Gunderson portrays Blackbeard’s military antagonist, a feckless Lt. Maynard.

As Dominique, Nova Y. Payton is a love interest and nemesis for Blackbeard. She hits her role out of the park. Not only is she an enduring feisty presence befitting her character, but hot damn, she takes over the production when she belts out “Spellbound,” a song about her character’s magical powers over others.

Kudos to the protean Bobby Smith. As a Norse god named Odinn, Smith is simply a playful, impish lark as he sings a nonsense song “Valhalla.” Maria Egler as a visionary character named “La Mer” sings a direction-setting tune called “Sail On” that gives Blackbeard his share of trepidation.

As for the creative production values of Blackbeard, Signature has left nothing to chance. The show’s staging includes a humorous stampede of dancing over a faux ship’s deck and a nifty skeleton line dance originated by Matthew Gardiner.

There are several well-choreographed sword and stick fights. Kudos to Casey Kaleba for the audacious nature of the close quarters fight choreography and, of course, to his intrepid charges for pulling them off.

The intricate set design for Blackbeard is nifty and busy (in the good sense of the word), featuring a ship’s deck with plenty of moving parts including a turn-table that goes up-and-down, rope rigging, flying and falling objects and a murky place of entry for characters. There is smoke.

Blackbeard is an action-packed treat; yet one with a message about living life as you are. It is lively and animated. It is a hearty tale full of exaggeration. It is as brisk as a summertime beach read.

So get out of your work clothes this summer and go find your playful inner child. Enjoy as you take your own bounty.

Where and when: “Blackbeard” appears through July 14 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. in Arlington. Purchase tickets online or call 703-820-9771.

This article is from a review by David Siegel in DC Metro Theater Arts.