Questions about the pirate show
What is the Capt’n Jack Spareribs pirate show?
Capt’n Jack Spareribs’ Shipwrecked Show is a family-friendly pirate show built on magic, comedy, swashbuckling stories, and sea shanties. Maynard the Talking Monkey trades wisecracks with Jack and says the things Jack can’t, and an unexpected ghost shows up for a laugh instead of a scare. At fairs and big events, the whole show plays in front of a full pirate shipwreck that Jack built himself.
What’s in the show, and what isn’t?
The pirate show is magic, from sleight of hand to stage illusions, plus comedy, pirate songs, audience participation, a sword balanced on Jack’s face, and Maynard the Talking Monkey. There’s no juggling, no fire, and no sword swallowing in the Jack show. Older acts that Ace Miles performed as himself, like Dudley the Talking Rabbit from the 1980s and 1990s, are not part of Capt’n Jack Spareribs.
Who books Capt’n Jack Spareribs?
Fairs and festivals book him most, for full days of shows and strolling. Corporate events book the full show, the ship as a showpiece, or Jack on his own for strolling and photos. Libraries, schools, and community groups book a version sized for their space, and private parties book him for a closer, more personal show.
How long is the show, and how many shows a day at a fair?
The Shipwrecked Show runs about 30 minutes, with a 15-minute music and drum gather beforehand to pull a crowd in. A typical fair day is three shows plus a 45-minute strolling set. After every show, Jack stays out front for photos and meet-and-greets. A private party show usually runs 45 to 60 minutes.
How much space does the ship need, and can Jack perform without it?
The ship and performing area together need about 25 to 30 feet wide by 30 feet deep, with seating out front on grass, bleachers, or whatever the venue has. The ship rolls in as one unit on its own trailer and needs a flat spot and power. Jack performs without the ship all the time, for libraries, schools, corporate strolling, and most private parties.
Is the show indoors or outdoors?
Both. The ship plays outdoor fairgrounds and has set up indoors too, as it did at the Lodi Grape Festival. The version without the ship works in libraries, school auditoriums, ballrooms, and private homes.
What ages is the pirate show for?
All ages. The show is built so kids can follow every bit of it, and it plays just as hard to the adults standing behind them. At fairs, Jack’s crowds usually have more adults than kids.
Where does Capt’n Jack Spareribs travel?
Jack works fairs and festivals all over California and Nevada, and sometimes Arizona. He’s based in Sacramento and has worked the San Francisco Bay Area for decades. For anywhere else, ask.
Who plays Capt’n Jack Spareribs?
Capt’n Jack Spareribs is played by Ace Miles, a magician and mentalist who has performed at Hollywood’s Magic Castle and has been Jack for 20 years. Ace also performs as himself, without the pirate, at acemiles.com.
How far ahead do fairs book?
Fairs usually set their entertainment months ahead, so the earlier a fair asks, the better the odds its dates are still open. For a festival or one-day event, reach out as soon as the date is set.
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