TREASURE ISLAND REIMAGINED Brings Comics and Live Theater Together

AUG. 7, 2026 (PORTLAND, OR) — Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure returns this September with TREASURE ISLAND REIMAGINED: JANE HAWKINS AND THE PIRATE’S GOLD, an original graphic novel and live theatrical event from playwright, director, producer, and writer Jason Neulander.

Developed alongside artist Johnny Dombrowski (The Grail, Tales from the Crypt), colorist Lee Duhig (Daredevil), and letterer David Hutchison, the adaptation places Jane Hawkins at the center of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling adventure.

On the western shores of England in 1754, twelve-year-old Jane Hawkins lives a quiet life at a seaside inn until a mysterious traveler arrives carrying a dangerous secret. Before long, she is swept into a world of pirates, buried treasure, mutiny, and adventure.

The live theatrical production brings the graphic novel to life through Neulander’s signature live-action graphic novel format. During the performance, more than 1,200 comic-book panels are projected on screen while a cast of three performers provides every character’s voice and sound effects live before the audience. The production also features an original score by composer Sam Lipman and sound design by Buzz Moran.

Jason Neulander reflected on the inspiration behind the project and the decision to place Jane Hawkins at the center of the story:

“This project is hugely inspired by my daughter Scarlett. I read the original novel to her when she was nine, and when I was figuring out what adventure story I wanted to adapt as my next graphic novel and live show, at the age of 18, she said, ‘Duh! Dad, you have to do Treasure Island.’ And that was the trigger that turned Jim Hawkins, the hero of the original, into Jane Hawkins, the hero here. This process has been ridiculously fun to make, in no small part because Johnny has been a dream to work with. It’s like he took a straw and sucked the images right out of my head. I really can’t wait to share this classic story in a whole new way with all those people who have heard the title but have no idea what the book is about.”

While Neulander focused on reimagining the story itself, Johnny Dombrowski embraced the challenge of bringing the project to life across two very distinct mediums:

“After working almost two decades as a lone illustrator, I was honestly worried about joining a team. However, this run has been such a wonderful surprise. Between figuring out visual storytelling with Jason and teaching Lee to color outside his comfort zone with my style of old-school comic halftones, this experience has set a very high bar for others moving forward. It has been so exciting to map out this story as it takes on its different shapes. In some ways, neither format is complete without the other. Some moments may work better on the printed page, while others work better when acted out on stage. Walking that line to make both work as best as they can makes for a truly remarkable experience, no matter where or how you interact with it.”

Recommended for ages 12 and up, Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and the Pirate’s Gold releases September 18, 2026, alongside the world premiere of its live theatrical production at Austin’s historic State Theatre (719 Congress Avenue). Doors at 6:30, showtime at 7:30. Purchase your tickets here.

Following its Austin debut, the production will tour more than twenty venues across the United States, from Anchorage to New York.

Readers can learn more, preorder the graphic novel, view footage from the live production, and explore the creative team at TreasureIslandReimagined.com.