Check out what students have to say about Around the World in Eighty Days!

Arthur Morisson and Robin Bloodworth in “Around the World in Eighty Days”

The classic novel by Jules Verne “Around the World in Eighty Days” comes to life on the Penobscot Theatre Company Stage! A true treat for audiences of all ages, we spoke to some young folks who saw the show to see what they thought of the performance:

Macey Jennings, John Bapst High School

As a fan of the book when I was young, I was excited and nervous to see the show. The challenges of the set alone are enough to make anybody run for the hills with their tail between their legs. By the first few seconds, though, the set was hardly my focus.

The cast of Around the World in 80 Days creates a vibe that captures the audience’s attention with humor and color immediately and without fail. The fact that each actor/actress can switch characters so quickly and clearly differentiate one from the other makes the small cast just as good, if not better, than a mob of ensemble members. From cockney-accented narrator to Indian beauty, from sour-faced British club member to dramatic detective, and from Chinaman to full-blooded American (loved that!), they really can do it all.

 

Dominick Varney’s humorously quirky Frenchman creates a distinct foil for his more subdued counterpart, played by Bloodworth with skill, displaying a surface as punctual and constant as the gears of a clock, but once or twice revealing the spontaneity that the character seems to lack over the course of the show.

 

As to the subject of the set, it seems to be that a large, impressive set wasn’t needed. The cast creates their own set, with no more than what they have onstage at the time and themselves, giving the show a bit of a mime-like vibe.

For someone who went into the theatre stressing about how well the show would be done with the set I saw, I’m happy to say that by the end of the show, I sat corrected– or rather, stood, as did the rest of the audience, all applauding as the cast received the praise, deservedly so.” – Macey Jennings, Bangor, ME. PTC Teen Council Member

PTC Teen Council Member, Emma Howard

“This show was an immense success on many levels; it was kind of reminiscent of a past PTC show, The 39 Steps, in that it involved a few key players taking on an extremely impressive number of roles. The actors were constantly switching characters, making split-second costume changes, and moving set pieces throughout the show. Just as the actors were involved with the technical aspects, the techies were also incorporated into the performance. It’s clear that this was a particularly demanding show, but the entire thing flowed together seamlessly and everyone made it look effortless. No one ever stepped out of character and the energy level was through the roof the entire time. Dominic Varney always amazes me because he can maintain the same goofy expressions and poses for entire scenes without faltering for a second. Arthur Morrison was great in all of his roles, but I especially loved the moment when he began channeling Chico Marx. There were a few PTC regulars but they all outdid themselves in this show, which was hilarious and full of surprises. One of the most creative choices was the elephant. Creating the impression of riding an actual elephant on stage is kind of a daunting task, to say the least, but these guys definitely pulled it off. The entire show was incredibly imaginative, and lots of fun to watch.” – Emma Howard Bangor, ME.

Around the World in Eighty Days will be performed at the Bangor Opera House through June 2. For more information visit our website.  Each full price ticket purchase will be accompanied by a free student ticket! To purchase tickets, please visit our website or call our Box Office at 942-3333. We’ll see you at the theater!