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Around The World in 80 Days
Written and Directed by Laura Eason
Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne
At Lookingglass Theatre
821 N. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 312-337-0665, tickets $25 - $55
Wednesdays thru Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 3 & 7:30 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through June 1, 2008
Adventure epic unfolds in flawless Lookingglass production
Celebrating their 20th Season, Lookingglass Theatre is still quite the curious group of thespians. Ensemble member writer/director Laura Eason has created a boldly imaginative adventure epic of the beloved Jules Verne’s 1873 novel Around The World in 80 Days. This fast-paced ambitious piece of theatre tells the story of a mysterious eccentric English gentleman, Phileas Fogg (Phillip R. Smith) who wagers 20,000 Pounds Sterling that he can travel around the world in precisely 80 days now that the trans-India railroad is complete. The men at his gentleman’s club doubt that.
Adapter/director of Around the World in 80 Days, Laura Eason observes:
“This world premiere adaptation uses the highly theatrical, very physical approach Lookingglass has become known for—incorporating movement, music, dance, circus and expert storytelling to tell this classic adventure in the way only Lookingglass can. The thrill of seeing an elephant chase, the robbery of a moving train and the storm at sea, will make for a delightful and exhilarating Lookingglass experience.” I wholeheartedly agree.
This flawless show is a well-oiled machine that has fast scene and costume changes that will take your breath away! Utilizing their flexible theatre space, Jacqueline and Richard Penrod have created a wooden based two level set adorned with bookcases, multiple doors, a large open floor with a world map mural on the upper level balcony. A movable metal stair case adds mobility to the set. Lee Keenan’s lighting and Joshua Horvath’s sound design and Mara Blumenfeld’s period-perfect costume each contribute to the illusion.
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The play is anchored by Philip R. Smith’s steady presence as the precise British eccentric adventurer Phileas Fogg and his butler Passepartour, played by Kevin Douglas. The ensemble contains a talented cast, each of whom play multiple parts: Rom Barkholder, Anish Jethmalani, Ericka Ratcliff and Nick Sandys. Joe Dempsey, as the bumbling Inspector Fix and Ravi Batista, as Mrs, Aouda contributed fine moments. I especially liked the energetic work of Kevin Douglas and the low-keyed command of Philip R. Smith.
What makes this epic so enthralling is the quick pace of the story, the theatricality, and the scope of images presented live, on stage. We see the elephant chase, the storm at sea, the speeding ice sled, and the unsteady movement of the ocean liner. Creating illusions that stimulate imagination is the key to successful stage craft. Lookingglass Theatre excels in such presentations. Around the World in 80 Days is a well acted amazing grand adventure. The technical aspects are thrilling and wonderfully executed. The physicality and the coordination of movement are at a fever pace. You’d be hard pressed to see a finer production. Epic storytelling doesn’t get any better that this show. This family-friendly adventure will thrill everyone. It is one of the finest shows Lookingglass Theatre has mounted. Don’t miss this superb adventure.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2008
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