"Captains Courageous"

An original musical by Peter J. Fakoury

"Captains Courageous" is Peter Fakoury's original musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's timeless story of the same title.  Featuring sixteen original musical numbers, with bright orchestrations, the show received its world premier production at FCT in 1995.  Fakoury is excited about reviving it for its 20th anniversary.  "Captains Courageous" is a show for the whole family.  It brings Kipling's work to the stage in a manner that engages and delights audiences of all ages.

Fifteen-year-old Harvey Cheyne, the quintessential spoiled brat, is the central character in this tale of transformations.  The son of a millionaire, who is too busy with business to be a father to the boy, Harvey is sent to Europe aboard an ocean liner to complete his education.  When the cocky heir to millions accidentally tumbles over the deck rail and into the ocean, he is rescued by the crew of a Gloucester, Massachusetts fishing schooner.  Annoyed by these simple fishermen, who have "nothing better to do than fish," Harvey attempts to bribe the ship's captain with stories of his wealth and promises of rewards for his return to land.  When the captain refuses, Harvey resorts to rude insults that find him the recipient of his first dose of discipline, at the hand of the crusty but fair Captain Disko Troop.

Over the course of several months, Harvey must learn the ways of the fisherman, and the code of honor that binds them together.  He "learns the ropes" aboard the ship, and many valuable lessons that transform him from snobby boy to respectful man.  His unwitting friend along the way is Captain Troop's son, Dan, who is the same age as Harvey. With Dan's help, and that of the other crewmembers aboard, Harvey earns the right to be accepted and officially inducted as a fully capable member of the crew.

Meanwhile, the boy's heartbroken parents believe that he has drowned.  His mother is near death from sorrow, and his grieved father has abandoned his business empire at a time when his archrival is about to crush everything he has worked so hard to build.  While Mr. And Mrs. Cheyne struggle with their own sorrow, the wives of Gloucester depict the dangers of the late 1800s fishing industry, which claimed so many of their men.

Ultimately, Harvey is reunited with his parents after forging a lasting friendship with his shipmates, finding a love for the sea, and learning the value of hard work.  The journey carries Harvey from the Grand Banks of the North Atlantic back to the shores of home, and from a world of money and status to one where honor and respect hold greater value.

Written more than 100 years ago, the window through which Kipling's story unfolds - the cod fishing industry of New England - has long since passed away.  But his tale is teeming with constants and issues which will remain universal forever:  the struggle to grow up, the development of character, the challenge of balancing career with family, and the fleeting value of money and status.

The play runs March 27-April 12. Curtain time on Friday and Saturday nights is 8 pm and 2 pm on Sundays. Consider attending with your whole family on Easter Sunday, April 5 at 2 pm. All tickets are good for a free dessert with the purchase of an entree at Bertucci's Italian Restaurant in Gainesville. Consider printing your tickets when you order them and have dinner before you come to the show. Tickets range from $16 (students and senior citizens) to $18 (adults) and can be purchased and printed online at www.FCTstage.org or by calling 540-349-8760.