'Gilligan’s Island' Gets Naughty: Queer-Led 'Seven Castaways' Washes Ashore at Planet Ant
Three-hour tour becomes six-year journey for 'raunchy' musical
After six years in development, Sean Paraventi's musical parody "Seven Castaways" is finally ready for its full theatrical debut at Planet Ant Theatre from Sept. 5-14. The production, which began as a staged reading with Assembly Line Theatre Company in 2018, promises to deliver some adult-oriented fun.
In 2018, when the show was presented as a staged reading, Paraventi told Pride Source he didn't want to "give too much away, but it involves seven castaways stuck on an island. It's raunchy and fun and it is not your parent's 'Gilligan's Island.'" Six years later, that vision has clearly remained intact, though the cast has evolved from the original reading that featured actors including Allison Megroet and Dez Walker — both of whom have stayed with the project through its journey to full production.
The journey from concept to stage has been a long one for Paraventi, whose childhood obsession with the classic 1960s sitcom sparked this theatrical reimagining. "My original inspiration was, first and foremost, an obsession with 'Gilligan's Island' as a child," he explains. "I would watch the reruns over and over, and as a 5-year-old, I sang the theme song at a talent show in front of a few hundred people." Drawing additional inspiration from "Avenue Q," Paraventi has created a show that maintains certain character attributes while taking "things to a whole new fun and raunchy level."
The production boasts an impressive cast of local queer theater talent, including Joe Bailey (The Skipper), founding artistic director at The Ringwald Theatre, and Bailey Boudreau (Gilligan), former artistic director of Slipstream Theatre. They're joined by well-known local performers Dave Dunham, Maureen Paraventi, Allison Megroet and Dez Walker, with musical direction by Jeremy St. Martin. Alexia Allagreen, a newcomer to the professional theatre scene, plays Ginger.
"It's all original music — apart from an interpretation of the theme song — and the songs are so fun," adds Boudreau. The score spans multiple genres, from rap to doo-wop, pop to musical theater. "It's really goofy, raunchy and full-out joyful. And there are a couple that get stuck in your head — almost to an annoying point," he jokes.
Director Cassandra Svacha sees the production as particularly meaningful during these challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community. "These times are incredibly exhausting, and every day you have to question what you are fighting for," Svacha reflects. "It's a privilege to collaborate with actors like Joe Bailey and Bailey Boudreau, who bring their artistry and unique perspectives as members of the LGBTQ+ community. No matter how playful or silly the material, they elevate it with incredible talent and authenticity."
For Svacha, the show offers both escape and empowerment. "I know we go to the theater to escape for a little while, but for just a sliver of that time, I also hope others can look to them during this challenging time and feel empowered to keep embracing their authentic selves."
"Seven Castaways" runs Sept. 5-14 at Planet Ant Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit planetant.com/events.
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