Area performer, cast revisit ‘60s TV classic ‘Gilligan’s Island’

“Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip.” Kyrene Corridor resident Juel Masnard can vouch for the enduring quality of the theme song that introduced the cast of the 1960s TV sitcom Gilligan’s Island.

It’s also woven into Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, running now at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre.

The musical version of one of America’s most beloved TV shows is currently playing at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.

For any who may not remember the comedy series “Gilligan’s Island,”, the sitcom centered on the misadventures of seven castaways—a skipper and his first mate, a millionaire and his wife, a movie star, a university professor and a farm girl. 

While taking a sightseeing tour aboard the S.S. Minnow, a sudden storm hits and the boat lands on an uncharted deserted island in the Pacific.

Will these lovable characters ever be rescued? Desert Stages’ fun musical comedy, featuring Masnard, answers the question.

A familiar face on Valley stages, Masnard has been acting for more than 14 years and recently graduated with a musical theatre degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She was most recently seen in Arizona Women’s Theatre Company’s “Necessary Targets”. 

Although “Gilligan’s Island” ended in 1967, it continues to be one of the most popular syndicated shows in television. 

The musical version features a new story line, written by original show creator Sherwood Schwartz and his son Lloyd J. Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Hope and Laurence Juber. 

“Gilligan’s Island:  The Musical” is sure to please anyone who ever rushed home to watch this comedy series on TV. 

Tickets are $22 ($20 seniors and students) in advance, $25 day of show. For reservations, call the box office at (480) 483-1664. Information: www.desertstages.com. 

The theater is at 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale (southwest corner of east Highland Avenue and north Scottsdale Road).

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