AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Plays Meadow Brook Theatre, Now thru 10/26

Phileas Fogg is determined to travel around the globe in 80 days to prove a point...and win a bet. Many miles and adventures stand between Fogg and his goal, not to mention all the comedic characters he meets along the way.

"Around the World in 80 Days" plays at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University from today, October 1 through October 26. Based on the classic adventure novel by Jules Verne, this new adaptation is by Mark Brown.

"The thought that the power of steam could do almost anything is inspired by the machinery of the 19th century and authors like Jules Verne," said Travis Walter, MBT artistic director. "This show is just perfect for a steampunk setting. I think our audiences will love seeing everything that's going on onstage as Fogg and his crew travel around the world."

Returning to the MBT stage in the cast of "Around the World in 80 Days," are MBT audience's favorites Rusty Mewha as Phileas Fogg, Mathew Schwartz as Passepartout, and Peter C. Prouty and Ron Williams who'll portray an impressive combined total of over 25 characters. The MBT veterans will be joined on stage by newcomer and OU alumnus, Kara Kimmer who'll play the mysterious, Aouda.

"There are 39 characters in this show," Walter said. "They're all played by our very talented cast of five actors, all of whom are either from or live in metro Detroit."

"Around the World in 80 Days" is directed by Travis W. Walter. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Jennifer Price Fick, costumes by Liz Goodall, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $26 to $41 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

This production of "Around the World in 80 Days" is made possible through the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, Extended Stay Hotels and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 45 years.