The Award-winning Backstage Children’s Theatre presents the world premiere of Pirates of the Fourth Grade written by Christopher Willard (The Storyman Presents Peter Pan) and opening at the Backstage Theatre in Breckenridge on July 6.

When fourth graders Sam and Cameron dig up a pirate’s treasure chest, they take it to the local museum in search of answers.  However, they accidentally open a container in the chest, releasing the long-dormant spirit of the dreaded pirate Blackheart – known as “The Phantom Pirate.”  Blackheart takes over the local elementary school, transforming the teachers and staff into his pirate crew as he searches for the elements of a spell that will not only give him new life – but immortality!  Now Sam, Cameron, Hannah (Sam’s motor-mouth little sister), and Heathcliff the class hamster must do battle with the pirates and stop Blackheart’s evil plan.  Pirates of the Fourth Grade is a big-budget Hollywood movie onstage – using imaginative projections, clever sound effects, and suitably spooky supporting movie music.  The show is rated G but recommended for ages 6 and up because of some intense and spooky scenes.  Please note that the show contains strobe lighting, loud noises, and fog effects.

Pirates of the Fourth Grade stars Chris Boeckx (Denver Post Ovation winner for Best Children’s Theatre Actor) as Cameron Jones and Seth Maisel (Backstage’s The Hobbit) as Sam Buchinski.  Jon Hans (The Music Man, The Wedding Eve) portrays the evil pirate Blackheart.  Debbie Schwartz-McGinley makes her Backstage debut as Hannah Buchinski, Sam’s annoying little sister.  Rounding out the ensemble is Ted Slaughter (Babe, The Sheep-Pig), Mike Gibson (Aladdin and the Glass Slipper), and Christopher Willard (Hyronimous A. Frog: The Frog Prince).  The show is co-directed by Willard (Babe, The Sheep-Pig) and Brian Landis Folkins (The Wedding Eve).  Willard also designs the sound.  Costume design is by Julie Vance (The Three Little Pigs).  Lighting Design is by Jacob Welch (The Storyman Presents Peter Pan).  Music is by Keith Ewer (The Storyman Presents Peter Pan).  Image Design is by Kristi Siedow-

Thompson (The Full Monty).  Stage Management is by Amber Prim (Happy Hour).  

Show dates and times for Pirates of the Fourth Grade are as follows:  July 6 (10 AM & 1 PM), July 8 (1 PM), July 13 (10 AM & 1 PM), July 14 (10 AM & 1 PM), July 15 (1 PM), July 20 (10 AM & 1 PM), and July 21 (10 AM & 1 PM).  Tickets are $11 if you order online, and $13 if you order by phone or at the box office.   For online tickets, visit backstagetheatre.org.  To order via phone, call 970.453.0199.  Tickets are available at the door, one hour before showtimes.  Soft drinks, popcorn, and snacks are available for

purchase at the box office.

The Backstage Children’s Theatre is the recipient of multiple awards and nominations from the Denver Post, Marlowe Awards, and Spotlight Awards.  Our mission is to bring to our audiences imaginative and inspiring children’s theatre presented by adults for children.

For more information on this and other shows in the Backstage Theatre’s 38^th Season in Hollywood, please visit our website at www.backstagetheatre.org.   Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or read behind-the-scenes goings on our Backstage Blog.  Be part of the Backstage’s social media life at one of these exciting sites.