By Mark Brown
From the novel by Jules Verne
Directed by Nick Olcott
May 5 – 30, 2010

Round House Theatre Bethesda
4545 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

In this Off-Broadway hit, five actors use lightning fast costume changes to play all 39 characters in a madcap comedy that’s been called “Monty Python meets Jules Verne.” In 1872, Londoner Phileas Fogg wagers that he can circle the globe in just 80 days. With his fortune on the line, Fogg and his valet use rail, steamer, and elephant to race through India, Asia, and America. Such challenges as a snooping detective, a possible human sacrifice, and a runaway train are met with Victorian virtue and a precision pocket watch. Nick Olcott (The Book Club Play) directs this wacky adventure. The New York Times hailed it as “fast-paced,” “unabashedly theatrical,” and “smart enough to make sophisticated adults laugh out loud and shamelessly silly enough to keep children in the audience interested and entertained.”

Blake’s Take: This daffy, delightful tour-de-force uses five versatile actors and tons of ingenuity as it circumnavigates the globe. Mark Brown’s buoyant adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure story is fun for the entire family and promises a delicious climax to our 09/10 season.

Featuring Ethan Bowen, Mitchell Hébert, James Konicek, Sasha Olinick, Tuyet Thi Pham

Director:

Nick Olcott

Scenic Designer:

Misha Kachman

Costume Designer:

Rosemary Pardee

Lighting Designer:

Colin K. Bills

Sound Designer:

Matthew M. Nielson

Production Stage Manager:

Jennifer Schwartz

Around the World in 80 Days is recommended for age 8 and above.

This production is sponsored in part by Pasternak & Fidis and Jean Carlson and Michael Beriss.