When it comes to theater, it’s likely you’ll see a show done before. You’ll recognize Steel Magnolias, The Odd Couple, and Holmes for The Holidays. Even with more niche shows like Elephants Graveyard you’ll be able to see other productions, but the theater’s newest show, Jolly Riot, is unlike any shows before it. Our theater’s performance of Jolly Riot will be the third performance of the musical ever.

Jolly Riot is a pirate rock musical written by William Thomas Berk, Heidi Davis, and Ken Bussel. It features a barmaid named Josephine Doyle who’s recruited by the pirate captain Red Molly and her crew to find a hidden treasure. Along the way they encounter storms, madmen, sirens, and the demon of the waves Leviathan.

This show was performed in 2023 at Torchsong Theater, when our current seniors were freshman. The freshman, now seniors, of the theater were taken to see the show and fell in love with it. Now as seniors, they want to perform this show. They are able to do this because the writers know the theater’s advisor– Shannon Dery.

We asked the cast how they feel to be a part of the third show ever. “It’s a little bit nerve-wracking, lowkey.” Said Matt Hooper, who plays Black Vincent. “This is probably the thing people will be using reference of. What is this supposed to sound like, what is this supposed to look like. Hell, we’ll probably have our pictures online.”

This musical features many catchy songs such as Drown’d Dutchman Bar and Who are You. When asked about his favorite song, Zane Jackson, who plays Riven, said “My favorite song has to be We Will Prevail and it’s not just because I’m in it. It’s because We Will Prevail is just such a good song, and like yeah a lot of people die, but it’s just so fun to sing.” Lily Angle, who plays Captain Red Molly Robinson, said “Well I really like Moving On, but I feel the ones I have the most fun are the big ensemble numbers like We Will Prevail or By Fire and Thunder.”

Being a musical you can also expect some groovy dances, choreographed by Sofia Cook. A number of dances were said to be the favorite of the cast. Abbiegail Pittman, who plays the mermaid Ranger, expressed a love for Midnight Lullaby.

We also asked the cast about any kudos they wanted to give. Both Abbiegail Pittman and Matt Hooper wanted to give thanks to Sofia Cook. “She’s the absolute GOAT. She choreographed all our shit, and we probably wouldn’t have the show looking as nice as it does without her.” – Matt Hooper

Zane wished to give thanks to Savannah, Matt, and Emmet. A common theme in the kudos was thanking Hudson Murset, who plays Josephine. Hudson has been described as a great person and supportive cast member. Hudson has helped so many people in the show and deserves all the thanks they get.

This being such a special production, we were able to ask some questions to William Thomas Berk, who wrote the show. “It’s a huge accomplishment for any playwright to get a high school production. It’s exceedingly rare for any high school to take a chance on an original locally-written show without Broadway name recognition.” When asked about his thoughts about the theater’s interpretation of his characters he said “These are such talented, insightful, wonderful kids. It’s a joy to see someone else produce this script and make it into something far greater than I ever could’ve imagined on my own.” With the seal of approval from the creator, it’s clear to see BHS is cooking up something special with Jolly Riot.

You can come see Jolly Riot March 12th, 13th, and 14th at 7:00pm at the BHS Theater. On the 14th there’s also a matinee show starting at 2:00pm. General admission is 12$ but students and staff can see it for only 6$. Any officially recognized Oregon State Thespian can bring their thespian card to get into the show for free.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Lucas Delgado

Josephine Doyle, played by Hudson Murset

“I’m going to sue you.”
– Zane Jackson