Mark Brown

Fogg vs. Fix in frantic farce at The Fort

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By John Lyle Belden

While 19th century author Jules Verne indulged in some of the first popular works of what came to be known as science-fiction, one of his most popular novels dealt with a bit of science fact: in the 1800s it was possible to travel around the entire Planet Earth in under three months.

However, Belfry Theatre has only two hours to show how it was done, so thanks to dramatic license, a talented small cast, and a table full of radio-era sound effects – employing a comic adaptation by Mark Brown – we go “Around the World in 80 Days” at Theater at the Fort in Lawrence.

French adventurer and stickler for details Passepartout (Bryan Ball Cavajal) seeks to take it easy as a manservant for the most predictably boring gentleman in London, Mr. Phileas Fogg (Brad Staggs). However, on his first day on the job, Fogg rushes home and says to pack a carpetbag at once and hands Passepartout a big roll of British banknotes. It turns out our master has taken up a wager against the men at his posh club to travel around the world in 80 days – or less! – taking advantage of modern steamships and a newly-completed railway in India.

The era’s technology makes the journey possible, and Fogg’s mathematical mind helps him get ahead of schedule. However, Scotland Yard Detective Fix (Austin Uebelhor) suspects the money our hero hands out freely was stolen by a mysterious Gentleman Bandit. If the warrant arrives at a stop in the global British Empire at the same time as “Inspectimafix” and Fogg, arrest and detainment could mean losing the very expensive bet – even if our traveler is innocent. Fortunately, Fix is no fox, and the globetrotting chase takes some interesting turns.

The story is acted and narrated by a cast that also includes Sarah Eberhardt as practically every officer, sea-captain and official in the Empire; Uebelhor in other costumed personae; Eric Dixon in various parts as well as noises at the Foley table; and Barb Weaver, who also plays Auoda, the doomed widow rescued in India by Fogg and Passepartout. Directed by Eric Matters, this production is loaded with wit and sight-gags, paced so you’ve experienced quite an adventure by the time our party returns to London.

The antics of Cavajal, especially when sparring with Uebelhor, are a delight. Everhardt’s versatility and comic timing are impeccable. Staggs keeps Fogg as stiff as his stovepipe hat, while allowing enough humanity to keep him likable, especially in Weaver’s charming presence.

There are actually only three days left on this fun journey, with four performances: Friday and Saturday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Feb. 17-19. Catch the action at 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence. Get info and tickets at TheBelfryTheatre.com or ArtsForLawrence.org.

Fat Turtle hilariously handles impossible quest to dramatize Don Quixote

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By Wendy Carson

Don Quixote. We all know the story – or do we?

It turns out that the storyline we are so familiar with is actually less than 20 percent of the thousand-page tome. The beautiful Dulcinea, for whom Quixote pines, is merely referred to and not actually a character in the book. The vast majority of the saga involves the deranged “knight” and his faithful squire just riding through the countryside getting beaten up frequently.

So why does this epic novel continue to inspire numerous attempts to adapt it for stage or screen, only to be defeated by the effort? That is the focus of Mark Brown’s whimsical play, “The Quest for Don Quixote,” produced by Fat Turtle Theatre Company through Sunday at Theater at the Fort.

Jason Page portrays Ben, our intrepid playwright, whose passion for the text is only eclipsed by the despair of his inability to write anything at all. His agent Jeffry (Dan Flahive) has tracked him down to a coffeehouse in order to retrieve Ben’s script – after all, rehearsals begin tomorrow. Flahive shines through his desperation and terror at discovering the situation, especially as he relentlessly tries to kick-start Ben’s writing.

As they deliriously brainstorm throughout the night, the story comes alive with the coffeehouse staff and patrons joining them to act out their efforts. The results are wacky and bizarre, yet tenderly true to the intentions of the original story.

Nan Macy and Savannah Jay embody a myriad of characters each, yet manage to bring each one fully to life in such a manner as to make you forget that they are just two people.

Justin Lyon’s portrayal of the buffoonish “squire” Sancho Panza brings out the heroic heart of the character.

Of course, the story could not work without our hero, Don Quixote. Jeff Maess deftly brings the deluded, yet inspired, mania of the character fully to light.

While not actually playing one of the various actors in the story, Chris McNeely uses his guitar as a driving force in the narrative by setting the tone for each scene. In fact, you might recognize a bar or two of some more contemporary songs that punctuate a few plot lines.

In adapting the unadaptable, this hilarious play about a play about a immortal character that transcends his literature bends the rules enough to blend medieval chivalry with Pinkie Pie from “My Little Pony.” Yet the soul of the story of the man who showed us the folly of fighting windmills – no matter what form they take – remains as pure as a noble knight’s heart. Director Aaron Cleveland acquits himself well in taking up the lance against this mill.

Find Theater at the Fort on the former grounds of Fort Benjamin Harrison, just west of Post Road just north of 56th Street in Lawrence. For info and tickets, visit www.fatturtletheatre.com.