AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Playwright Coming to Florida Rep

Florida Repertory Theatre has announced that Mark Brown, the critically acclaimed author of Around the World in 80 Days, will visit Fort Myers this weekend to see Florida Rep's production of his play.

The award-winning author will participate in discussions with the cast and audience following the 8pm performance on Friday, Feb. 20 and following the 2pm matinee on Sunday, Feb 22.

Because of the success of Around the World in 80 Days, Mark Brown is one of the most produced playwrights in America, and the play has literally been produced all over the world from a recent Off-Broadway production to Bangladesh - and everywhere in between. In 2009-10, Around the World in 80 Days was named one of the Top 10 Most Produced plays in America according to American Theatre Magazine.

In addition to seeing his play and talking to Florida Rep audiences, Mr. Brown is excited to participate in Fort Myers' legendary Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade and festivities surrounding the parade.

"Mark's play is truly special" says Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "not only is it a love letter to the theatre that showcases our ensemble members, but at its heart it is a gripping love story. We're fortunate to have Mr. Brown with us this weekend. I urge you not to miss the chance to hear him speak."

It is London, 1872, and Phileas Fogg, an eccentric and wealthy English gentleman, has agreed to an outrageous wager: that he can circumnavigate the globe by rail and by steamer in only 80 days. A feat that puts his fortune and his life in dangerous peril. When Fogg sets out from London with only his servant, Passepartout, at his side-and the ever-determined Detective Fix hounding his every step-he has no idea that he's embarking on a whirlwind journey full of daring adventures and narrow escapes that will change his life forever.

Around the World in 80 Days features an all-star ensemble cast playing dozens of characters along the journey. Florida Rep Ensemble members Brendan Powers (Murder at the Howard Johnson's; The Fantasticks), Greg Longenhagen (Clybourne Park), and Jason Parrish (Santaland Diaries; Arsenic and Old Lace) lead the cast as Phileas Fogg, Passepartout, and Detective Fix, respectively. Joining them are New York-based actors, Sharone Sayegh and Bruce Warren, both regional theatre regulars who are making their Florida Rep debuts-each in numerous roles.

The production also features live music and onstage foley sound effects. The two person sound team includes effects designer and violinist, Sean Hagerty, and making his Arcade Theatre debut, Michael Magliocca, who is spending the season as one of Florida Rep's performance interns.

Broadway and regional theatre actor and director, Mark Shanahan, directs the production and returns to Florida Rep after helming last season's February hit, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Shanahan is joined by an expert team of designers including set designer Richard Crowell (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike); lighting designer, Joseph P. Oshry (Florida Rep debut); costume designer, Dina Perez (Florida Rep debut), sound designer, Sean Hagerty (Florida Rep debut), and production stage manager, Janine Wochna (Tribes).

Around the World in 80 Days by Mark Brown plays through Mar. 4 in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Saturdays at 2pm. There are no performances on Sun., Feb. 15 or Sat., Feb. 21 to accommodate the Edison Festival of Light Parade, in the Fort Myers River District.

Around the World in 80 Daysis generously sponsored by Naomi Bloom and Ron Wallace.

Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at floridarep.org. Subscribe now for the best seats and biggest savings. Single tickets are priced at $45/$49 and $25 for Back Row Bargains.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Follow Florida Rep on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube by visiting us online at www.floridarep.org.

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