Around the World in 80 Days
Subject: Quicktake - "Around the World in 80 Days" by Mark Brown, adapted from Jules Verne
Date: Fri, Oct 20,
Quicktake on AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" was first adapted to the stage by the author himself for a spectacular production in Paris around the turn of the 19th century This breezy novel is best remembered for Mike Todd's blockbuster film done about 50 years ago. Mark Brown's recent adaptation, seen around the country, is having its first outing in the Boston area at the Stoneham Theatre for the next three weeks. With only five cast members, a lot of simple costume changes, and enough props, it probably won't be the last time this amiable adventure/farce is seen in these parts.
The story revolves around an eccentrically orderly English gentleman, played with his usual aplomb by IRNE winner Steven Barkhimer, one Phileas Fogg, Esq., who makes a bet with members of his club that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. His main companion on this exciting journey is his new valet, Passepartout, played by Christopher Brophy, first seen locally at Stoneham. Brophy won his IRNE for the role of Shane Muggitt in Speakeasy/BTW's award-winning "Take Me Out." All the rest of the parts are taken by three actors. Petite Eve Kagan, seen last spring in Sugan's "Talking with Terrorists," plays various servants and supernumeraries, but by the middle of the first act has taken on the role of Aouda, the Indian beauty Passepartout and Fogg rescue from suttee. Antic Victor Warren, who was seen last seaon in the title role of Margulies "Brooklyn Boy" for Speakeasy, is persistent Detective Fix, when he's not playing everything from a member of the Reform Club to the driver of a train in the Old West. Veteran comedian Robert Saoud, seen in the season opener "You Never Know," plays so many parts, from ship captains, several pukka sahibs, various authorities and even a U.S.Cavalry colonel, that he's designated as Actor 1 in this story theatre ensemble. Director Weylin Symes keeps his solid cast scurrying up and down the complex levels or zipping offstage to change into their next costume while Barkhimer forges serenely on.
The effective unit set is another architectural creation by Cristina Todesco, backed by a projection screen which alternately displays backgrounds or a world map. This changing backdrop is flanked by signs for the major cities Fogg passes through on his journey which are illuminated in sequence. Rachel Padula Shufelt has provided an array of costume pieces which allow the ensemble to create about 40 characters during this two hour show. Sound designer Nathan Leigh and lighting designer Mark Lanks help keep the whirlwind trip going. Once again the short trip out to Stoneham is worth taking.
"Around the World in 80 Days" by Mark Brown, Oct.19 - Nov. 8
Stoneham Theatre
395 Main St. Stoneham, (781) 279 - 2200
Stoneham Theatre
posted by will at 2:11 PM
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