AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS – Adapted by Mark Brown from the novel by Jules Verne; Directed by Richard R. Cowden . Produced by the Aurora Fox Arts Center (9900 East Colfax, Aurora) through October 27. Tickets available at 303-739-1970 or AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org.
What can you do with about eight boxes of varying sizes, some old rugs and blankets, and a few ropes? Under the brilliant guidance of Director Richard Cowden and the technical genius of Brandon Case and his team, you can make a runaway train, a hot air balloon, and an elephant among other things. These were all part of Phineas Fogg’s trip around the world in an 80-day journey. It is estimated that a flight around the world today would take a little more than 46 hours. But this story is set in 1872.
That sets up the script. Then throw five incredibly talented actors into the mix and you’ve got a show. Director Cowden kept the cast moving through the character-building exposition, the discussion among friends that prompted the impromptu trip, and then the journey itself. While we do not doubt that Fogg and his newly hired valet, Passepartout, will be able to complete the trip, the adventures they have along the way could not have been predicted. To complicate matters, a Scotland Yard detective named Fix is following them because of a mistaken belief that Fogg was traveling with stolen money. Then to make the journey even more perilous, in India, they rescue a woman about to be burned on her dead husband’s pyre and take her with them. The tale is replete with obstacles that need to be solved and overcome in creative methods.
All five actors are making their Aurora Fox debuts, but how easily they work together as a cast telling the story while making all the set pieces out of the above-mentioned boxes, etc. In front of the audience. Bill Diggle is a methodical, almost prissy Phineas Fogg. He is unflappable with faith that all difficulties will be resolved by either ingenuity or money. His growing relationship with his valet and his new traveling companion takes a little of the stiffness out of his upper lip, but he remains true to his character to the end.
Matthew Murry is fast becoming one of my favorite actors to watch on stage. His turn as E.M. Forster in THE INHERITANCE was a study in calm deliberation. This role has him running, jumping, and performing all sorts of crazy stunts as well as being in the subservient role of a valet. He did it all with charm and athleticism. Maya Jairam also makes an impressive debut at the Fox after gaining considerable experience in Fort Collins theatres. She riffs between street people and the rescued East Indian woman Aouda with flexibility. She is charming in both a sari and a proper English woman’s suit.
I’m pleased that I was present on the day that the swing for the character of Detective Fix – Joseph Steiner – took a turn in the role. Normally played by Grant Bowman who this day took on the task of putting the boxes in the right place at the right time to represent the modes of travel. Joseph did an excellent job of portraying the frustration of Detective Ha Ha Fix as he plays catch up to Fogg on their mutual journey. Fix too is a very athletic role that Steiner took in stride. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see Grant in the role, but I’ve seen him perform any number of characters in nearly every theatre in town. I know how good he is.
This leaves Brian Watson who describes his character(s) as “Everyone Else.” This includes gnarly sailors, English gentlemen, cowboys, and train engineers – in other words, fourteen versions of the necessary everyone else. He too proved to be an athletic actor performing quick costume changes, adapting boxes into set pieces, and making the whole thing come together. Brian is a versatile actor who, as far as I can tell, can do darn near anything he wants on stage and does it well.
True brilliance was shown in the construction of this show. The simplicity of the sets was complimented by an amazing set of projections against the screened back wall. I’ve not seen anything in Denver as beautiful as the ocean scenes were toward the end of the show when they are rushing to get home in time. A very subtle sound design by Patricia Mondragon allowed you to believe that the water was breaking on the shore and was close enough to come over the edge of the stage. Truly subtle and amazing – good work! Linda Morken also provided a full range of costumes for all 39 characters from top hats to cowboy hats.
This season at the Fox is getting off to a great start. This is a great way to spend an evening at the theatre.
A WOW factor of 8.50!!