Review: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Delights at Human Race Theatre Company

Put on your seatbelts for a wild ride around the world with the cast of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, playing through March 17 at the Human Race Theatre Company.

Adapted for the stage by Mark Brown from the novel by Jules Verne, the story follows Phileas Fogg and his servant Passepartout as they try to win a wager to travel around the world in 80 days. They meet many along the way, including Detective Fix from Scotland Yard and the lovely Aouda as well as a host of other characters. What makes this production particularly delightful is that all of the characters are played by just five actors. The result is a hilarious evening full of belly laughter from the whole audience.

The cast as an ensemble of this production is one of the finest I have ever seen. One performance does not stand out ahead of the others, however Jake Lockwood, the newest resident artist at the Human Race, definitely gets an award as he played 17 different characters throughout the evening, all funny and all unique. Jared Joplin plays a wonderfully unflappable Phileas Fogg with Patrick Earl Phillips, a master of physical comedy, as Passepartout. Darlene Spencer is a formidable foil as Detective Fix and Lovlee Carroll equally delicate and strong as Aouda. Each actor, except for Joplin, also contributes as some of the colorful characters that are met on the way during the journey. Director Joe Deer masterfully kept the action flowing seamlessly, not an easy feat with the number of costume and character shifts.

I always love the sets at the Human race and this one, by designer Dick Block, is no exception. I am particularly fond of theatres where the designers are able to incorporate the stage floor into their designs and this one is beautiful. I look forward every time to what I will see next. The costumes by Cat Schmeal-Swope were exceptional especially for Aouda. Her dress and the additions made to it throughout the show were stunning with vibrant colors and flawless detail. Gorgeous.

This show is not to be missed. Tickets are available at www.ticketcenterstage,com, by calling the box office at 937-228-3630 or visiting the box office in the wintergarden at the Schuster Center. Call the box office to check for any available discounts, including a 50 % discount for students.

Photo Credit: Immobulous

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