Plunder some fun with the pirates at Milton's Zombie Fest

Milton is getting ready for an invasion of zombies and zombie pirates  Saturday, Oct. 20 —  all for a good cause. 

In addition to nine bands, plenty of food trucks, quirky vendors, zombie makeup stations, a zombie walk, a showing of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show," and a zombie car decorating contest, there will be a group of zombie pirates from Pirates Plunder Entertainment, Inc. lurking about throughout the day. 

This group of pirates uses piracy to positively enrich the lives of others. Lou Hernandez, aka "Cutthroat" CorteZ,” explains the day in the life of piracy.  

You will be one of many live acts at Milton Zombie Fest where proceeds will help benefit The Calliope Project (Milton Theatre), Milton Historical Society, The Milton Fire Department and Casa San Francisco. What type of performance will you be doing?  What are you looking forward to at this event? 

We will be providing entertainment and piratical antics throughout the day. We will also be participating in the Zombie Walk Parade at 8 p.m. 

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We can be found meandering around the area introducing our pirate alter egos to the public, sharing many smiles and photo opportunities. We will also have a table where everyone can stop by and learn more about us and our mission. I think we are all excited at the idea of being Zombie Pirates. It is not everyday we get to try a new character and stay within our genre.  

How did you become dedicated to — or where did the idea derive from — about using piracy to positively enrich the lives of others through community outreach events, kids’ parties and/or special appearances? 

I have always been in the business of helping others. Whether as an EMS worker, volunteer firefighter, or SPCA law enforcement officer, I have always found a great sense of purpose in helping others. But, it always seemed that outside of my official roles it was hard to get people to open up.  

Then about 15 years ago I was introduced to the reenactment world. First, as a Western stuntman in New Jersey. I quickly noted during this time that people were definitely more open to communicating with my character. 

I was breaking barriers and creating lasting memories through stunts and skits. After quite a few years developing my western character I was invited to a birthday party at a friend’s home where a pirate entertainer was performing. 

I immediately noticed the positive effect these characters had on the audience, adults and children alike. It was in that moment my pirate alter ego Hernando "Cutthroat" CorteZ was created.  

I began performing with a pirate crew in New Jersey, quickly advancing to Boarding Leader and Sword Fighter Extraordinaire. After a dozen years with them, I relocated to the Dover area and founded Pirates Plunder Entertainment Inc.  

I feel very passionate about continuing to enrich the community with our piratical antics.  The goal is to reach as many individuals and families in need as possible. Whether that be creating birthday party memories to last a lifetime, helping raise funds for local charities, volunteering and teaming up with other local nonprofits, or visiting a children's hospital or Ronald McDonald House. Pirates Plunder Entertainment Inc. is here to help.  

What have been some of your more memorable moments or what have you enjoyed the most  in reaching out to others in the form of piracy for a good cause?

I think that any time you reach out and a connection is made, even for that brief moment, magic is created. And really that is what helping others is all about — creating magic — giving hope to the hopeless, encouraging each other, helping each other and sending positive magic out into the world and watching it grow.  

Who are the Pirates Plunder crew members and do they have any specialty training? 

One of the things Pirates Plunder Entertainment Inc. has been successful in doing since it was founded is uniting all other local pirates, rogues and crews together for a good cause.

We set up community outreach opportunities and welcome any other pirates in the area to join us and give back. We have a huge pool of piratical talent available at any time from puppeteers to musicians, sword fighters to Santas that can be spotted at any of our events depending on the availability of each individual. 

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As the acting captain of Pirates Plunder Entertainment Inc., those within my ranks, me included, have been trained in stage combat, weaponry, theater and improv.  

What is some feedback you hear from others after having seen you for the first time?

Generally we are greeted with smiles and looks of wonder.  

It is not everyday you are at an event and in walks a pirate with a sword and hat. It catches most off-guard but in such a fun way you cannot help but smile. 

We also get compliments with regard to our pirate garb and weapons. Also commonly heard is: "I want to be a pirate" or "I love pirates!"

IF YOU GO

Pirates Plunder Entertainment, Inc. at Milton Zombie Fest

Where: Milton Theatre, 110 Union St., Milton

When: Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon-10 p.m.

Info: info@piratesplunderentertainment.com or www.piratesplunderenterainment.com