The children’s play only runs for one weekend, with shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and a final matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are just $5 per person for this special production. For tickets, call the box office at 989-354-3624.

In her directing debut, 12-year-old Fallon Gandulla-Ghekiere is adding to her resume at ACT. She has acted in multiple plays over the past three years, and she was assistant stage manager for “Steel Magnolias” in March.

“The turnout for these auditions was amazing,” she said. “I didn’t think there were going to be that many.”

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Little Rosie Nowakowski snarls at the camera in her pirate hat, holding a sword at a recent rehearsal for "The Pirate Princess" at Alpena Civic Theatre.

Gandulla-Ghekiere was impressed with how quickly many of the actors learned their lines.

“Alwida — Emelyn Jurey — she got her lines the first day,” she said. “She memorized them in three days. I was blown away. That was great. She’s done really well. Everyone has just done amazing with their blocking and memorizing their lines.”

In her second appearance on the Civic stage, 10-year-old Alivia Muszynski plays the queen in “The Pirate Princess.” She first appeared in “The Music Man” in May 2024.

“I just thought the last play was really fun, and I enjoy acting,” Muszynski said at rehearsal last week. “I just like to act. I’ve made a lot of new friends here. I like memorizing my lines.”

When asked what her character is like, she said, “Sassy, I guess. I keep my daughter locked in a tower chamber, with two guards outside of her door.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Pictured, from left, are Queen Alivia Muszynski, 10, Pirate Sakheena Sims, 6, and King Louis “Cash” Donajkowski, 11, at a recent rehearsal of "The Pirate Princess," which opens at 7 p.m. Thursday at Alpena Civic Theatre.

Six-year-old Sakheena Sims plays a pirate in “The Pirate Princess.”

“I’m the first one onstage,” she said proudly, adding that her title is “manager.”

“She tells out the scenes,” King Louis “Cash” Donajkowski explained.

“This is my first time,” Sims said of being in a play, adding that she’s excited, especially because “you get to meet new friends!”

She added, “it’s just for fun.”

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Children enjoy rehearsal for "The Princess Pirate" at Alpena Civic Theatre.

This is also Donajkowski’s first time on the Civic stage.

“I’ve done a bunch of plays at my school, and they turned out really fun, so I thought this would be really fun,” he said.

He really enjoys memorizing and delivering the lines, and the camaraderie among cast members.

“You’re laughing the whole time,” he said. “It’s a fun play.”

Emelyn Jurey, 13, plays the main character, Alwida, in “The Princess Pirate.” She has been in homeschool group plays, but this is her first time on the ACT stage.

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Fallon Gandulla-Ghekiere, 12, directs actors in "The Pirate Princess."

“I love acting, and I love pirates and princesses, so I thought this might be perfect,” Jurey said.

Jurey described her character.

“She’s a rebellious princess who wants to be a pirate, so she runs away,” Jurey said.

Adventures abound in “The Pirate Princess.”

Gabe Donakowski, 14, plays Prince Alf.

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman "The Pirate Princess" sign is seen outside Alpena Civic Theatre.

“He’s a prince who ends up falling in love with Alwida and rescued her from a tower full of snakes,” the first-time ACT actor said.

King “Cash” Donajkowski has some advice for playgoers: “Never trust a snake that talks.”

ACT is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

James Armstrong wrote “The Pirate Princess.”

In addition to those interviewed, the cast includes Taylor Thornton, Delilah Bobolts, Isabella Nielsen, Gracin Donakowski, Scarlett Poli, Aria Neumann, Sevi MacNeill, Logan Jurey, Lilith Madison, Callie Barber, Elisa Somers, Simon Jurey, Ava Wickstrom, Anna Leddy, Fletcher Bobolts, Rose Nowakowski, Evan Miller, Trevor Florip, and Nathan Young.

Dani Ayotte is stage manager, and MaryAnn Crawford is in charge of costumes. Bill Powell and Brian Ghekiere built the set. Carol Rundell painted the floors, and Grace Morrison helped design the set.

Gandulla-Ghekiere encourages people to come support children getting involved in the creative arts in “The Pirate Princess.”

“It brings everyone together,” she said. “The kids are really excited.”

Reach News Community Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@TheAlpenaNews.com.

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