It’s A Lot, But Dang It’s Fun — Jason Neulander Discusses ‘Treasure Island Reimagined’

Jason Neulander wears many hats including playwright, director, producer, and comic book writer. The hyphenated creator is putting all those titles in play in his latest creation Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and the Pirate’s Gold.

Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Neulander has created not only a new graphic novel but also a stage play that opens in Austin before touring 20 cities. Both works debut September 18th. I spoke with Neulander about his inspiration for the double dip and why his protagonist’s gender switched in his telling of the story.

Tom Smithyman: What inspired you to do a graphic novel and a stage production at the same time? It feels like a logistical headache.

Jason Neulander: Haha. My background is in the theater, so putting on plays is what I do. This project actually is the second one I’ve done along these lines. The first, The Intergalactic Nemesis, began its life as a radio play with live voices, sound effects, and music. I started adapting it into a comic book when it hit me that I could combine the two into a new kind of live show.

That project toured the world through most of the 2010s. This project started with that one in mind, so it’s dropped some of the radio play aspects — the music here is orchestral, not piano; the three performers are doing both the voices and the sound effects — and leaned into the cinematic. The story is much more visual. Yes, it’s a lot, but, dang, it’s fun!

Smithyman: Can you just buy the graphic novel by itself, without having to attend a live show? What do the live scenes bring out of the OGN that you wouldn’t get from the pages alone?

Neulander: You can buy the graphic novel both at the shows and online. What you get from the live show is the sound — music, voices, atmosphere, specific sound effects. This adds a whole other layer to the experience. But what you get from the graphic novel alone is a fuller story. I had to cut a bunch out to make it work in an evening-length performance.

Smithyman: In what ways do you incorporate the OGN content into the theatrical presentation?

Neulander: The live show takes the artwork from the book and projects it, panel by panel, but without the word balloons, on a huge screen behind the performers. One thing that’s really cool about this is that the color is actually done in halftones. Those dots become visual texture when blown up huge. Big shout-out to Lee Duhig for learning a whole new way (for him) of coloring comic books.

Smithyman: Treasure Island holds a special place in your heart because of your daughter. Is that why you changed Jim Hawkins to Jane Hawkins?

Neulander: Yep! When she told me I needed to do this title, I knew the main character needed to be based on her.

Smithyman: How do you manage the collaboration among the writers, artists, performers, crew, and everyone else involved in the productions?

Neulander: Managing collaboration is what I do. I’ve been writing and directing plays and movies for years, and those things don’t get made without a lot of effort from a lot of people. I love the collaborative process. I see my role as removing the obstacles for the extremely talented people I work with to do their best work.

Smithyman: What will it mean to you when you actually perform in front of an audience?

Neulander: Dude! I genuinely think people are going to love this show, and I cannot wait to share it with them. This project is the culmination of two years of work for me and my team. When I work on a project, I hold nothing back. I leave everything on the table. It means so much when I finally have a chance to share that effort.

Smithyman: Treasure Island ends with the good guys escaping with a chest full of gold. If you were lucky enough to find pirate booty, what would you spend it on?

Neulander: Probably making my next project. And, with the leftovers, an F.P. Journe watch.

Smithyman: Now that would set you back a few clams! Best of luck with the show and the book!