STANLEY SWITLIK PREPARES TO DEBUT MUSICAL ‘THE HIGH SEAS’

a group of children in white shirts and red bow ties
Sailors practice their tunes ahead of their singing competition.

Merry bands of pirates, sailors, sea creatures and more are just about set to take the stage at Stanley Switlik Elementary as the school’s drama club prepares for opening night of John Jacobson’s “The High Seas,” its newest musical.

When a group of sailors find themselves racing rival pirates to a singing competition, they find themselves sidetracked – and shipwrecked – as they listen to the sounds of melodious mermaids. Stranded with little hope of getting to their contest, they finally see the pirate flag passing in the distance. Will the pirates allow their musical rivals to wind up in Davy Jones’ locker? Or will the two groups be able to unite as one harmonious – pun very much intended – group to take the singing competition by storm?

“John Jacobson is basically an elementary school musical genius,” said director Allison Sayer. “He writes music and songs that are easy for kids to learn. The show was a perfect fit for our school considering the topic – sea creatures, mermaids, sailors and pirates. Every student has a voice in this production and it’s been amazing to see all the kids really working together on it.” 

“The High Seas” runs at 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, April 17 and 18 in the Switlik cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased by scanning the attached code.

The cast and crew of ‘The High Seas.’
Pirates Emily Rojas, left, and Lilah Peak practice their seafaring tunes.
Sailor Bo Johnson.
Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.