Bryce Ryness Will Lead Off-Broadway's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Opening in May

Opening May 30, 2013 at The New Theater at 45th Street, Around the World in 80 Days is a comedic play by Mark Brown based on the Jules Verne novel. Starring Bryce Ryness as Phileas Fogg, Rachel Klein directs.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Rachel Klein as director," says producer Cedric Yau. "She combines a daring, uncompromising vision for design with a technical prowess for comedy." Joining the production team are Aaron Grant & the Aaron Grant Theatrical Inc Team as General Manager, TheatreMAMA as Marketing Consultant & Daryl Eisenberg Casting as Casting Director.

Bryce Ryness will star as the phlegmatic Phileas Fogg. Nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his portrayal of Woof in Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR, his band RYNESS has released two albums available on iTunes. Other credits include Leap of Faith (Zak, Jonas Nightengale u/s), Legally Blonde (Aaron, Emmett u/s); Off-Broadway in HAIR (Delacorte, Public), NY premiere of Drama Desk Award-winning See Rock City... (Jess/Cutter) & Crossing Brooklyn (AJ, Transport Group). Regional credits include Sleeping Beauty Wakes (McCarter Theatre & La Jolla Playhouse), Floyd Collins (Floyd, Ovation nom., West Coast Ensemble), Leap of Faith (Ahmanson) & Cabaret (Emcee, Reprise!) & the tour of Rent (Roger). Film: Tangled (voice). TV: "Law & Order: SVU," "Just For Kicks," "The Late Show with David Letterman" & "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.
Chiming in, director Rachel Klein adds, "I have been in love with Bryce's work in the past & am thrilled to have him lead NYC on a journey around the world! He will bring Mark Brown's hilarious & witty dialogue to life!"

Around the World in 80 Days is a fun frolic & fantastic update of the visionary classic. To win a bet, Phileas Fogg, the Victorian action hero & his acrobatic sidekick Passepartout, must circle the globe & return to London inside of 80 days. Unknowingly pursued by a tireless detective convinced that Fogg is a robber on the run, the fast-minded, fleet-footed pair traverses 4 continents & 3 oceans in a white-knuckled sprint. 5 actors cleverly portray 39 roles.
General Manager Aaron Grant proclaims, "Rachel & Cedric are creating more than a show; they've assembled a multi-talented team of artists who are crafting an entire experience that is expansive, yet intimate, all at the same time. Starting with the complete gutting of the theatre, there are many challenges ahead. This production is going to be incredible."
Smiles producer Cedric Yau, "We have a delightfully entertaining play, a visionary director, a diligent general manager & a star with sunshine. What more do we need?"