goTriad.com

Clean-shaven actor Mark David Watson has all of Blackbeard's height and none of his facial hair.

For the next month, the 6-foot-2-inch thespian will have one of the best jobs in the world. He'll be playing the lead pirate in Triad Stage's original musical "Bloody Blackbeard."

We spoke with him before rehearsals, and here's what he had to say about playing a pirate and lighting his head on fire.

How are you approaching the challenge of playing such an epic role?

"I'm really not trying to re-create the exact Edward Teach but as the script presents him, which really gives an interesting growth that he goes through. Basically, it says that he creates this legend for himself -- part to get away from his past and part for fame and glory.

What do you like most about your Blackbeard?

You have to admire his chutzpah and his adventure and his willingness to risk and go all out, sometimes to not-so-great results. It's certainly a defining characteristic, and in today's society, you don't really get a chance to see that.

Did you ever play pirates when you were a kid?

I must've. I had a Lego pirate ship, so, yeah, I guess I did.

The script has your character tying cannon fuses in your hair and lighting them on fire just like Blackbeard used to do. Are you worried it could end tragically like Michael Jackson's Pepsi commercial?

As long as I can get through seven shows a week, I'm happy.

-- Joe Scott