

“Around the World” is an unsuspecting riot at Taproot Theatre



Vaguely familiar with Jules Verne’s 1872 fictional novel on which Brown’s play is based, I knew some man in olden times went around the world in 80 days, but the how and why I did not recall. Well, thank you Taproot for enlightening me with the hilarious tale.

Phileas Fogg (Ryan Childers) is a peculiar Englishman who accepts a twenty thousand pound wager when a newspaper headline proclaims a voyage around the world in 80 days was possible due to a newly laid rail line. His hired manservant, Passepartout (Nolan Palmer) is a Frenchman looking for the quiet life when the two are suddenly thrust into this cosmopolitan adventure.

The proposed route: London to Suez to Bombay then Calcutta to Hong Kong to Yokohama then San Francisco, to New York and back to London, mainly by steamer and rail. The schedule is amazingly tight without many minutes to spare if they are to complete the trip in time, but Fogg is most sure of his capabilities and punctual to a fault.

Not far into the journey, of course the first hurdle would be met, along with many more to follow. I won’t give it all away, but with very few props these fine actors convey scenes involving Hindu priests, Chinese opium dens, a speeding train that jumps a bridge, a hilarious elephant ride, a typhoon surrounding their boat, and an ice sled ride just to name a few.

Let’s not forget Detective Fix (Bill Johns), who’s mistaken Fogg for a bank robber back in London and trails him the entire trip. Also, since Foog has a few hours to spare at one point, the rescue of Indian princess Aouda (Alyson S. Banner) from human sacrifice. Andrew Litzky also deserves credit for playing 17 additional small roles with zeal and being fairly believable in each one.

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Maia Jannele

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