RED HOOK — Dust off your peg leg, adjust your eye patch and get ready to learn how to be a pirate.
“Pirate School!” a one-man pirate-themed children’s performance with magic, puppetry, ventriloquism and slapstick comedy is heading to Red Hook on Aug. 4.
David Engel, who plays the swashbuckling role of “Billy Bones” in the performance, said the audience can expect “the opportunity to live the dream of the golden age of piracy,” with a dose of humor.
“It’s a very, very riotous, wonderful communal experience,” said Engel, 48, who has played the pirate character for 24 years while performing across the country.
From the history of the Jolly Roger to sword etiquette, Billy Bones covers all the basics of being a good pirate, including how to walk, talk, stand and laugh like a pirate.
The hour-long show, geared toward children ages 4 to 10, will take place on the Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge at 290 Conover St., where Engel has previously performed as part of the barge's variety show. This is the first time he's doing his solo act there.
Engel, a former Brooklyn resident who now lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, fell in love with the "buccaneer" life at a pirate-themed birthday party when he was just 6 years old.
“There’s a swashbuckler in everyone one of us,” he said.
"Pirate School!" will be performed Aug. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge, located at 290 Conover St. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $10 for kids and are available at this website or by calling 877-238-5596.
