![\"80_days__fogg_by_coreyartus-da5uzb4webtop\"](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/80_days__fogg_by_coreyartus-da5uzb4webtop.jpg\")
<\/a>Another goal is to have high school performers involved in each staging. \u201cWe want to continue to connect with the high school community, since that\u2019s part of our outreach,\u201d he said. \u201cA third of our cast this summer are from high schools in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delia Mejia, a sophomore at Grossmont, gets to portray the Indian princess and Phileas Fogg\u2019s love interest, Aouda. Mejia has been involved with the conservatory for two years and is enthusiastic that high schoolers can be a part of each show. \u201cI think it\u2019s so important that high schoolers can learn what it\u2019s like to take part in a college production,\u201d she said. \u201cI love being able to let them experience something beautiful like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
A unique aspect of \u201c80 Days\u201d is gender bending and cross-cultural casting. Safiya Quinley, a former Grossmont student currently studying at USC, plays a female version of Jules Verne\u2019s popular character, Passepartout. \u201cI actually transferred to another school two years ago,\u201d she said. \u201cHowever, I\u2019m back for the summer to be a part in the conservatory. It\u2019s been really fun to be back, because the Grossmont theater community is really welcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n Rickel wants the diverse ensemble to seem natural. \u201cI love that the script comments on equality, without saying anything about race,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s important that anyone can play in these stories.\u201d<\/p>\n Helping with the visuals of Fogg\u2019s journey is Grossmont sophomore Carissa Ohm, who works in the theatre\u2019s costume shop. She is aiding costume designer, Corey Johnston. Ohm finds that clothing can really impact a performance for the better. \u201cWatching actors wearing different clothes, even using shoes in rehearsals, can completely change how they act and move,\u201d she said. \u201cSuddenly, they step into the character and channel the role.\u201d<\/p>\n Audience members are going to recognize many of the musical numbers used in the plot. None of the cast\/crew members want to spoil which well-known songs will be used, but Rickel was able to mention types of genres incorporated in Jeannette Thomas\u2019 book. \u201cPopular songs are featured,\u201d Rickel said. \u201cWe cover everything from dance pop to a little bit of country.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>