The Really BIG Pirate Show! is the story of Samuel, an orphan who dreams of adventure and seizes the day by signing on to a ship as cabin boy, and only later realizes that he has joined a band of pirates. Even worse, he discovers that he has been cursed with a magical Heart of Gold, buried deep in his chest, and it just happens to be the legendary treasure that everyone is looking for!

In his quest to find true freedom, Samuel's adventures bring him face to face with ravaging pirates, a bloodthirsty uncle, and a villainous Sea Hag!

The Really BIG Pirate Show! was first produced as a workshop production in 1999 and again in 2001 in the Winningstad Theatre in the Portland Center for the Performing Arts in Portland, Oregon. The production received two grants from the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC)(in addition to individual donations) to assist in the development of the work.

The show was well received and spurred the creative team of Kellie Johnson and Michael Menger to develop the show further with an eye to Broadway. The overwhelming positive response from both audience members and colleagues has paved the way for future productions of the musical.