"Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock"

Last night I attended a limited-run performance of "Found" by The Story Pirates, a collaborative effort that combined the significant talent of a children's improv-style theater group with the quirky and bizarre humor from the discarded items that appear in the magazine Found. Pure genius. While I've been familiar with Found for a few years now, The Story Pirates were a real revelation. Last night's show was heavy on the adult humor, but the bread and butter for The Story Pirates is in bringing to life stories written by young children.

From their web site:

"The Striking Viking Story Pirates adapt and perform stories written by kids as a way of celebrating the words and ideas of young people, to promote literacy as a vital part of early childhood education, and to preserve the spark of youthful creativity often lost in the transition to adulthood.

Founded in 2003, the Pirates' programs have grown to reach tens of thousands of children each year. By focusing on the power of communication and self-expression, SVSP gives children the tools to become confident, literate students, and encourages kids to become more thoughtful and passionate writers and speakers— in and out of school."

Big thumbs up to that. They also have a weekly show which, if I can borrow someone's kid for an afternoon, I think I'll go see live:

"The cornerstone of our company is the Play/Write Program, a series of creative writing and drama workshops that lead to a sketch comedy show acted by adults and comprised entirely of stories written by kids. Described as “Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock,” our award winning musical sketch comedy show performs each Saturday at 2pm at the Drama Book Shop."

I leave you with two things. The first is a note from Found, and the second is a music video by The Story Pirates. Enjoy.