When your seven-year-old theater companion makes remarks including, "look at the ship! It's really moving!" - you know you've got a good show on your hands.

"How I Became a Pirate" opened January 22nd at the Dallas Children's Theater, and their incredible set design is just one of the highlights of this family-friendly production.

The musical adaptation of the Melinda Long book originally premiered in Chicago in 2007.

DCT is hosting the production through February 21st in the Baker Theater/Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

For those not familiar with the premise, "How I Became a Pirate" tells the story of young Jeremy Jacob, played by Scott Zenreich, who joins Captain Braid Beard and his crew as the new chief treasure digger.

Jeremy's adventures with the pirates include lessons in how to talk with your mouth full, let your teeth go green from not brushing, and get rid of those awful good manners.

You'll need to leave the "thank you" and "excuse me" at the port. Pirates, after all, just don't tolerate those kind of pleasantries!

One of the highlights of DCT's production is the musical score, which includes eight original songs - favorite among them being Talk Like a Pirate and Change is Good.

Another highlight - one that the audience is sure to enjoy - are the resplendent pirate costumes.

Laurie Land, the show's Costume Designer, does an excellent job outfitting this crew of pirates. Land says she took inspiration directly from the storybook, and her use of bright colors and seaware designs helps set a fun, imaginative tone for the play.

Then, of course, there's that ship that "really moves!"

The Dallas Theater Center recently procured a new, state-of-the-art fly system, known as Vortek, that allows for sophisticated set transformation and presents the illusion of the entire ship actually swaying with the swells of the ocean.

The ship and its rigging span the entire stage, and it makes for a awesome spectacle.

Nancy Schaeffer, DCT's Education Director and the director of the play, together with her team really hit the mark with this one. Adults will enjoy the scenery, costumes and fun songs just as much as the theater's littlest patrons.

"How I Became a Pirate" is showing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through February 21st.

Weekday Student Matinees shows are also available Tuesdays through Thursdays.

To book a weekday student show, you'll need to call ArtReach Booking at 214.219.2049.

For a complete listing of regular performances visit http://www.dct.org.

You can purchase tickets on-line or by calling the box office at 214.740.0051.