Review: Theatre Frisco's upbeat campy comedy AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS is full of wholesome talent

Around the World in 80 Days

Adapted by Mark Brown
From the Novel by Jules Verne
Directed by Mikey Abrams
Produced by Theatre Frisco

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours including 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Audio and Visuals to Prepare for: None of Note

Reviewed by Glynda Welch

A whirlwind of energy, inventiveness and deliberate theatrical camp, Around the World in 80 Days is a typhoon of imagination. Director Mikey Abrams has injected high energy and improvisation into this clever adaptation and placed it in the capable hands of seven talented actors, six of whom play multiple roles.

Blair Mitchell delivers a Phileas Fogg who is methodically organized, detailed in every aspect, almost machine-like and yet positively humming with potential spontaneity. Even as the most sedate character in the cast, Mitchell never lets Fogg’s energy lag below the other characters. This is an especially impressive feat considering the rest are all constantly moving.

Christian Black as the determined Detective Fix and Edward Treminio as Fogg’s funny manservant Jean Passepartout appear throughout the storyline and still find time to create an array of other distinct characters. Black delights as an elephant handler and a train conductor among others. Treminio excellently morphs between characters in the midst of scenes.

Molly Kessler steals hearts as the lovely Aouda. Her physicality got audible reactions as she weathered the storm. Aouda and the audience know that Fogg is in love with her long before he figures it out. Kessler’s improvisational talents are displayed in her extra characters. Spencer Walsh as Sir Francis oozes proper British pomposity before he transforms into an American cavalry officer.

Shaun “Willow” Breland entertains with an array of characters and onstage responsibilities. From native drumming to generating opium fog to creating moving scenery, Breland was essential. Rae Harvill was equally essential, constantly in movement, providing sound effects and sliding from character to character. Her joy in this story was evident. 

Rodney Dobbs’ set design allows the action to flow freely across Theatre Frisco’s thrust stage with maximum visibility for the audience. Elise Knox earns the title of Warehouse Manager/Prop Design Queen with her whimsical props that feed into the improvisational nature of this script. Josh Hensley’s light and sound design and Michael Robinson and Dallas Costume Shoppe’s costumes allow the multi- faceted story to unfold. Elena Tirado (Light Board Operator) and Edgar Hernandez (Sound Engineer) kept things moving smoothly during the performance.

Rain on Saturday made for a gloomy afternoon. I seriously had to remind myself that tickets were in place and I was committed to being in the audience. Around the World in 80 Days turned my frown completely upside down and had me smiling cheerfully on the drive home. Performances continue through November 2nd in the Black Box Theater at Frisco Discovery Center. Tickets are available

through the box office at 972-370-2266 or at theatrefrisco.com.

Experience Live Theater!

Glynda Welch