Charlene Baldridge | Downtown News
Boats, trains, hot-air balloons and elephants – all conveyances that carry Phileas Fogg and company as he attempts – on a bet – to go around the world in 80 days, at least in Jules Verne’s 1873 novel.
It’s mostly steamers and trains in the West Coast premiere of Laura Easton’s stage adaptation of Verne’s novel “Around the World in 80 Days,” directed by Lamb’s Players Theatre Producing Artistic Director Robert Smyth. Though the production has no balloon (not enough “fly” space, one presumes) it does produce one adorable elephant and a sledge.
The play begins and ends in 1872 London. Lance Arthur Smith portrays the unflappable Fogg and Bryan Barbarin, his clever servant Passepartout. Lovely Kaja Amado Dunn portrays Mrs. Aouda, the Bombay widow they rescue from death on her husband’s funeral pyre. Jon Lorenz plays Detective Inspector Fix from Scotland Yard, who pursues Fogg believing him to be a bank robber. Jesse Abeel, John Rosen, Brian Nickel and Catie Grady portray the other people of the world, in Dover, Calais, Brindisi, and so on, eastward round the globe.
Not a spoiler: Readers who recall the book, the 1956 Michael Todd Todd-AO film, numerous TV specials, and the 1988 La Jolla Playhouse musical know the story.
After facing numerous vicissitudes of 19th century travel and the machinations of Inspector Fix, Fogg, Passepartout and Mrs. Aouda return to Fogg’s London flat, convinced the mission has failed and that Fogg is penniless. Sent to arrange a wedding, Passepartout discovers it is Saturday, not Sunday, meaning that Fogg has succeeded after all.
During the performance October 17, the action sagged a bit during Act I; however, Act II was lively. The production is truly an ensemble effort, one of Lamb’s Players Theatre’s strengths. Smith and Barbarin could not be better. Smith has the tough assignment.
Playing unflappable and stiff upper lip automatically puts distance between Fogg and the fallibility that would make him a more sympathetic character. It’s a given, and Smith does what he can. Barbarin’s pidgin French seems made up as he goes along and that only makes him more endearing. So does his amazing cartwheel. Lorenz provides amusing mustache twirling as needed.
Smyth’s production is enlivened by Michael McKeon’s set, Jeanne Barnes Reith’s costumes, Deborah Gilmour Smyth’s sound, McKeon’s properties and most especially by Kevin O’Donnell’s original music, which presents some songs and dances.
Clocking in at two hours, “Around the World in 80 Days” is a most enjoyable family entertainment.
The preteen boy seated near us seemed to enjoy the show immensely.
Arriving early affords one an opportunity to investigate the neighborhood’s many restaurants, or enjoy a great cup of coffee at Café 1134, which has sidewalk seating and light meals. Lamb’s has its own café as well.
“Around the World in 80 Days” continues at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through November 18, Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado, $26-$60 with discounts for active military, youth 5-17 and Lamb’s Under 30 Club members. www.lambsplayers.org or 619-437-6000.
Charlene Baldridge moved to San Diego from the Chicago area in 1962. She’s been writing about the arts since 1979, and has had her features, critiques, surveys and interviews included in various publications ever since. Her book San Diego, Jewel of the California Coast (Northland Publishing) is currently available in bookstores. She can be reached at [email protected].
