October 16, 2025 – November 16, 2025
“There’ll be singin’, an’ cussin’, an’ swashin’ yer buckle ’til yer timbers shiver and yer eye needs a patch!”
–[from the creators of the 50/50 Shakespeare Project: Vanessa Morosco & Peter Simon Hilton], The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read
A teenager wanders through a maritime museum, dodging her college application, when two pirate statues suddenly come to life. Anne Bonny and Mary Read crash through the fourth wall – sharp-tongued, sword-wielding, and tired of being silent – and pull her into their untold tale of sea battles, bold disguises and the price of living free.
The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read is an overtly theatrical, sea-shanty-fueled world premiere about rewriting the rules, claiming your voice, and choosing your own way forward.
Written by the creators of the 50/50 Shakespeare Project: Vanessa Morosco & Peter Simon Hilton. Based on an idea by Peter Simon Hilton and Aidan O’Reilly, with Spanish translation by Sara Linares.
View our Fall 2025 Season Digital Program.
Acting Fellow
Samuel M. Acosta is an Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC). Explore his extensive theatre experience and upcoming roles.
Lydia Sophia Christensen is a dynamic performer whose versatility and passion bring captivating characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Madeleine Cook is a dynamic performer whose versatility and passion bring captivating characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Maggie Lengerich is an Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Kathleen Mitchell is a passionate performer whose compelling portrayals bring Shakespearean and contemporary characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Pete Sheldon is a versatile performer and musician whose passion for Shakespearean theatre and dynamic storytelling shine at ASC and beyond.
Emmett Temple is a is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.
Nick Trusty, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Johnny Williams III is a dynamic performer whose versatility and passion bring captivating characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Cast
Geoffrey Warren Barnes II is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Maya Danks is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse.
Nick Ericksen is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA.
Britt Michael Gordon is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center, appearing in classical and contemporary productions at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Sara Linares is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center, appearing in classical and contemporary productions at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Joe Mucciolo is a skilled actor known for his nuanced performances that bring timeless stories to life at ASC and beyond.
Isabel Lee Roden is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA.
Isabel Sanchez is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA.
Christopher Seiler is a seasoned actor and musician whose performances embody transformation and connection, captivating audiences at ASC and beyond.
Artistic Team
Allie Babich is an innovative performer and director whose bold vision and creative energy inspire captivating storytelling at ASC and beyond.
Peter Simon Hilton is a playwright, actor, and co-creator of the 50/50 Shakespeare Project.
Vanessa Morosco, ASC Executive Director, brings over 20 years of leadership to ASC, combining artistry, education, and global expertise in theatre.
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Alexander Carey is a Stage Manager whose expertise and passion bring seamless productions to life at ASC and beyond.
Jess Casanova is a Stage Manager whose expertise and passion bring seamless productions to life at ASC and beyond.
Vera Conrad is a skilled Assistant Stage Manager with a passion for bringing both timeless classics and modern productions to life on stage.
Hailey Pearce, Fundraising & Development Manager at ASC, brings her passion for Shakespeare and experience in theatre to every patron interaction.
Conrad Gothard worked at the American Shakespeare Center from 2023 – 2026
Assistant Prop Shop Manager/artisan
Danielle Pecchioli is a Prop Artisan at the American Shakespeare Center.
Tori Wright is a skilled Costume Designer with a rich background in managing costumes for both classic & contemporary theatre.
Marie Lupia served at the American Shakespeare Center from 2022–2025.
Amy Monsalve is Wardrobe Manager & Design Assistant at the ASC, recognized for her attention to detail and passion for bringing costumes to life.
Trina Yager is the Costume Coordinator & Wardrobe Supervisor at the American Shakespeare Center.
Rebecca Bailey is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.
Christopher Seiler is a seasoned actor and musician whose performances embody transformation and connection, captivating audiences at ASC and beyond.
Doreen Bechtol is a seasoned movement consultant, actor, and educator with extensive experience in theatre, choreography, and original devised works.
John Paul Scheidler is a fight choreographer, director, and actor whose work has been a cornerstone of ASC productions since 2003.
Haley Fentriss Roberts is an accomplished Intimacy Choreographer dedicated to fostering meaningful connections on stage at ASC and beyond.
The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read is an adventurous world-premiere musical that blends history, humor, and swashbuckling fun, inspired by the true stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. While family-friendly for many ages, some moments may be intense or surprising for younger audiences. Parents may want to consider the following elements:
- While visiting a maritime museum, a work-distracted Dad urges his Kid to write her college application essay.
- A museum guard asks the Dad to take his phone call outside, then shows the Kid two weathered pirate statues: the infamous Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
- The guard leaves. The statues come to life.
- The pirates strike a deal: if the Kid helps them recover their reputation, they will help her with her essay.
- Through the magic of theater and the singing of shanties, they board the pirate ship William and meet Captain Jack.
- The Kid reveals a hidden talent. The pirates immediately recruit her.
- A children’s Museum Quest gets mistaken for a treasure map, launching a chaotic search for rope, hammocks, and buckets.
- A fight breaks out between Mary and the Quartermaster. They duel.
- Jack orders Mary to school the kid in “the ways of weaponry.” The Kid learns how to fire a flintlock, wield a cutlass, and play with parrots.
- The ship is under attack. It’s the British Navy. Anne, Mary, and the Kid ready for battle.
- Swashbuckling, secrets, shanty-filled sea battles, and decisions about college ensue…
Photo by Madison Patterson)