Clarksville, TN – Around the World in 80 Days to put it mildly is a classic written by that visionary science fiction author Jules Verne in 1873. The story follows Phileas Fogg and and his manservant Passepartout as they move heaven and earth to win a bet made at the Reform Club in London England, that it is indeed possible to travel around the world in just 80 days; and the adventures they found along the way.
This is the challenging production that the Roxy Regional Theatre in Historic Downtown Clarksville is currently putting on. Featuring the dashing Nate Washburn as Phileas Fogg, and Travis Kendrick as the effaceable Passepartout. There are 6 actors playing a total of 31 roles; so this is a show with non-stop action.
Jay Doolittle was supposed to play the role of Passepartout, but left due to medical complications
This play is full of subtle and not so subtle humor, and like all great stage productions doesn’t take its self too seriously. You can also tell that the cast is having fun playing their roles; which makes it a lot of fun for the audience.
Every single cast member in this show has their moment in the spotlight. You find yourself rooting for them all at some point during the show. Standout roles included Phileas Fogg (Justin Barnum), Passepartout (Travis Kendrick), Captain Speedy (Ryan Bowie), Detective Fix and the Elephant owner (Collin Smith), Director of Police (Lisa MacAfee), and Aouda (Kendall Ann Thompson). In this show everyone does a standout job.
The stage was very austere. Old maps cover the walls with shelves decorated with globes of various types and sizes. Some of the more interesting props included wooden benches, a shopping cart, and an old broom. Simple items, yet used in intricate ways to create wonderful sets that I won’t spoil for you.
The multi-talented Ted Jones provides the beautiful music during the show using a wooden harp.
The production was directed by John McDonald, and performed by a special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Around the World in 80 days has just five performances left; November 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th. This is a fun show worth seeing, As a matter of fact, I think I will be seeing it again myself.
Video
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyVA58vT3bE[/youtube]
Photo Gallery
Cast
| Phileas Fogg | Nate Washburn |
| Gauthier, British Consul, Sir Francis, Judge Obadiah, Chinese Broker, Bunsby, Proctor, Engineer, Clerk, Captain Speedy, Ship’s Engineer, Train Clerk | Ryan Bowie |
| Andrew Stuart, Detective Fix, Priest, Conductor, Elephant Owner, Young Parsi | Collin Smith |
| Passepartout | Travis Kendrick |
| John Sullivan, Mudge, Oysterpuff, Reverend Wilson’s Servant, James Forster, Priest, Director of Police, Ships Clerk | Lisa MacAfee |
| Aouda, Member of the Reform Club, Newspaperman | Kendall Anne Thompson |
| Harper | Ted Jones |
