LEWISTON — Pirates, wenches, mishaps and merrymaking are on deck at the Gendron Franco Center when it once again produces one of Maine’s most unique, delicious and hilarious experiences with The Buccaneers Banquet on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, beginning at 6 p.m. The Center is located at the corner of Cedar and Oxford streets.

Guests may imagine themselves on the dock beside a huge pirate ship, awaiting the glorious arrival of the Pirate King, Captain Broadside, Iron Bottom, Low-Tide Jones, One-Eye Ruby, Captain Morgan and many others. They will then join the merry band on the deck of the ship filled with magic, color, entertainment and a menu prepared by chef John Pulsifer and his galley crew.

Amid the decor of the ship’s deck, its wenches in service have prepared to serve a robust meal. The menu will include tropical fruit tray, calamari, conch fritters, jerk chicken, rice and sea peas, Jamaican cabbage and key lime pie for dessert. Beverages will be served and available at the king’s cash rum bar throughout the evening. A special “Eye Patch IPA” has been prepared by Baxter Brewing Co. and will be available to anyone of legal drinking age.

For this banquet, the Pirate Players have produced an original script and a short film by Colby Michaud. “The Buccaneers Banquet” is a comedic romp riddled with misadventures for characters from the peak of Pirate era. The event is sponsored in part by Uncle Andy’s Digest, Cook’s Lobster and Ale House, Dube Travel and the Schooner Alert of Bailey Island.

The cast includes the pirates who are played by Richard Martin, Sean Wallace, Tony Morin, Dan Kane, Heather Marichal, Emily Flynn, Jay Barrett, Glen Atkins and Ken Mansur. Mitch Thomas is the Pirate King and Jennifer McClure-Groover is the Queen of the Wenches. Costume designers for the production are Patti Gray and Debbie Mansur.

While feasting on a multi-course meal, the evening will burst forth in pageantry, frivolity and great merriment, with a few harrowing moments. Once the banquet ends, passengers may remain for some great music and dancing, more social conversation and drink.

Passengers who arrive in pirate-era fashion (optional, but strongly encouraged) may participate in a contest to be judged by members of the pirate band themselves, and perhaps receive discounts of a few gold pieces on their ale.

Seating is limited. For tickets, call 207-783-1585 or purchase them online at www.francocenter.org. The ticket price is $40. Travelers are encouraged to start arriving at 6 p.m. on the dock in the harbor and all will board the pirate ship at 6:30 p.m. The ticket includes the cost of dinner, the world-premiere of the show and film, dancing and dockside parking. The ship is handicapped accessible and special parking is available.

Some of The Buccaneer Banquet Players from left, Tony Morin, Jay Barrett, Dan Kane, Emily Flynn, Heather Marichal and Sean Wallace.  The banquet and show premiere on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5.

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