When the Rep’s Artistic Director Micheal Butler took on this
race
”
Around The World in 80 Days
”
he certainly applied the old platitude that
”
less is more.
”
He does more with double duty scenery, a small stage that
becomes the world and a five member cast that aptly plays more than
three dozen roles, than some larger productions with special
effects and fireworks.
When the Rep’s Artistic Director Micheal Butler took on this race “Around The World in 80 Days” he certainly applied the old platitude that “less is more.” He does more with double duty scenery, a small stage that becomes the world and a five member cast that aptly plays more than three dozen roles, than some larger productions with special effects and fireworks. “Fasten your seat belt, it’s going to be a bumpy ride,” is more than a gentle admonition – it’s a signal of what is to come.
Mark Brown adapted Jules Verne’s Victorian novel about Phileas Fogg a man of means and obsessively correct who agrees to a shocking wager with his snooty club members to go around the world in 80 days. He is off with his newly hired manservant meeting friends and foes and adventure. We all know that Phileas will somehow make it and come back a better man.
Kelly Tighe’s compact, colorful set is really the star of the production. A chandelier that floats down from the set’s ceiling and becomes a table when needed, chairs and carved large numbers (that lay at the foot of the stage creating curiosity) that turn into an elephant or a form of transportation, a turntable that moves our characters from country to country.
Matthew Floyd Miller plays the seemingly uptight perfectionist Phileas Fogg with just enough sensitivity and preciseness to make his character almost likeable. (He does grow on you). He handles the difficult role and warms up as the trip progresses.
His sidekick, valet and Jack of all trades Passepartout – well played by Gendell Hernandez – keeps up the pace with almost effortless energy. He is supposed to be French, but what the hay, this is in the spirit of fun. Don’t pay attention to the accent just watch him closely – his agility is subtle and interesting.
Howard Swain and Mark Farrell handle most of the three dozen roles along with Anna Bullard who plays the love interest and three other male characters with smooth, easy transitions that show their capable experience.
The real heroes of this production are the backstage dressers. They did not seem to miss a cue and the fast changes seemed to be handled without a mishap. Kurt Landisman’s lighting, Jeff Mokus’s sound and Todd Roehrman’s costumes were all on mark.
“Around The World In 80 Days” goes bounding around the world like an obsessed locomotive with jerky stops and uncontrollable careening throughout the story. It’s good, plain, well-done, enjoyable fun. These days, can you ask for anything more?
***
‘Around The World In 80 Days’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 8 p.m. Wednesdays – Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 21
Tickets: $17- $61
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com
