“The Pirate Lord,” a musical written by Southern Utah University student Kira Wootton made its stage debut on Nov. 21. It follows the true story of pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Wootton was inspired while watching “Pirates of the Caribbean” when she noticed a new female pirate had been introduced—that pirate was inspired by Anne Bonny. Anne was a woman who, after running from the altar at her wedding, lived her life disguised as a pirate and eventually embraced her life at sea.
”When I read Anne Bonny’s story, I just wanted to reintroduce her and tell her love story through this musical,” said Wootton. Once Mary Read is introduced into Bonny’s life, everything changes, bringing action, betrayal, twists and turns, romance and sea shanties into the show. 
“She is just so courageous and she takes that step out of her life to do what she wants to do. I love that I can be this character and give Anne Bonny the life that she deserves,” said Shaylan Fingers, who plays Anne.
In addition to playing Anne, Fingers relates to her, something that helped her portray the character.
“I’ve always been super in my shell and once years go by I break out and I feel a part of something, like Anne becomes a part of the pirates, I’m a part of this show,” said Fingers.
The process has been exciting for Wootton and she is ecstatic to see her work being brought to life on stage.
“It’s a new musical, never seen before. The music is done by students and me,” said Wootton, “You’ll never see anything like it..”
“The Pirate Lord” will be shown on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $5 and will be available 30 minutes before each performance.
Author: Brooklyn Beard
Photographer: Brooklyn Beard
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
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