"Good wholesome entertainment for all ages," a reviewer wrote about this dramatization.

From the author: This play shows a high or middle school class bringing Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island to the stage. It is an attempt by RLS's stepson Lloyd to help his father write his first book for young people. Therefore, the production should always have the style of school children attempting to create their own drama. Set pieces and costumes should be simple; more representative than accurate. Props should be as children would create them, thus the swords are wooden, not real; gun fire should either be made off stage or with caps (do not use real guns on stage; even blanks can kill or maim). The play is designed to utilize actors from age six to adult. (Teenagers can play the adult roles. If mature actors are available to play the Squire, etc., a simple line can be added about parents helping in the classroom). Normally the main characters should be portrayed by the older actors, while sailors, pirates, etc., can be portrayed by younger cast members. The key to the style is that the class is enthusiastic and sincere in the effort to create an adventure from Stevenson's ideas. Keep the play honest and sincere and don't allow it to get too cute.

The play may be performed by junior and senior high school students or by all adults or by a blend of adult actors and young people. Anywhere from 15 to 35 people populate the play depending on the director's desire or the size of the stage. However, all who are in the cast must be in the opening scene in Mrs. Wilson's class. Since a class is supposedly presenting this play, either sex can portray any role, with the exeption of Lloyd and RLS. (If an all-adult cast is desired, Jim and Lloyd's roles can be combined simply by having Lloyd ask RLS to play Jim Hawkins and by eliminating the auditions.)

"In staging this play myself, I found that...children are totally enthralled by it." —Harold R. Oaks, Brigham Young University, Children's Book and Play Review.

From a review of the premiere by Mike Trochim in Franklin News Post: "As a parent, I had many reasons for liking the show. Rex Stephenson's adaptation is good, wholesome entertainment for all ages...One couldn't ask for a better opportunity to increase a child's appreciation for live theater...One thing my children and I could agree on—Treasure Island is just plain, good fun. I made no objection when they insisted I take them to see the play a second time."

Other Stephenson plays: A Christmas Carol, The Jack Tales, The Liberated Cinderella, Three Old Women's Bet

See also: Adaptations of the Classics