Cast of “Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life–The Musical”
Coming to Harrisburg next month is a show that producer Jay Bowser can only describe as “guaranteed crazy time.”
“Plunder and Lightning: A Pirate’s Life – The Musical” will combine rock and roll, pirates, theater and puppets for a one-of-a-kind experience at Harrisburg’s Federal Taphouse in April.
“I wanted to put out something new and fresh,” Bowser said. “We are throwing caution to the wind. It’s a blend of two worlds that I don’t think you’ve ever seen before.”
The show will mix musical theater with rock and feature a live band performing original songs inspired by doo-wop, heartfelt ballads and, fittingly, sea shanties.
Several years ago, Bowser, with a background in writing music and playing in bands, set out to create a concept album around the story of a pirate. He identified with the individuality and rebellious nature of pirates. For a while, he performed the songs at local restaurants and venues and audiences loved it, he said.
“It turns out, everybody wants to be a pirate. That’s what I found out really quickly,” he said.
While Bowser always considered himself more of a “hardcore” rock music guy, his daughter introduced him to musical theater, and he was intrigued by the storytelling power the art has.
The show has since evolved to include 20 musicians and performers, some of whom have relocated to Harrisburg because of the production. Bowser worked with co-writer Jamie Kramer to write a script that was personal, but would also relate to viewers, even if it took several re-writes to get it perfect.
And then there are the puppets.
Currently, Monday nights are “puppet days,” where the group works to develop and create their own characters like a pair of rats, a parrot, a skeleton and a pirate. Bowser said that he often finds himself thinking, “What would Jim Henson do?”
But don’t be confused; this isn’t a kids’ show. Bowser rated the show PG-13 for adult humor.
There will be a good amount of audience participation, as well, he said, and there may even be times when people are encouraged to throw things at the cast.
“Plunder & Lightning” is meant to be a good time, a time to leave your worries at the door, and that, he said, is something people need right now.
“We are putting on a party,” he said.
The show will take place on April 13, 20, 26 and 27 in the second-floor performance space of the Federal Taphouse.
After April’s shows, the future of “Plunder & Lightning” is uncertain, but Bowser has a good feeling about it.
“I have a hunch that this will catch on,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything like this before.”
To learn more about “Plunder & Lightning” or to purchase tickets, visit their website.
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