'Around the World in 80 Days' at Lookingglass April 16th

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the World Premiere of Around the World in 80 Days, written and directed by Lookingglass Ensemble Member Laura Eason, adapted from the novel by Jules Verne. The production runs April 16- June 1, 2008, at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

Audiences will join the majestically mysterious, fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg as he travels Around the World in 80 Days in Eason's world premiere adaptation of Jules Verne's grand adventure. Lookingglass' flexible theater space inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works will transform into countless exotic locales, from Calcutta to Hong Kong as Fogg leads the audience on a whirlwind race around the world in this fast, fun production for the entire family.

Around the World in 80 Days is the quintessential Lookingglass production, and a perfect fit for our 20th season," comments Eason.  "This world premiere adaptation uses the highly theatrical, very physical approach Lookingglass has become known for—incorporating movement, music, dance, circus and expert storytelling to tell this classic adventure in the way only Lookingglass can. The thrill of seeing an elephant chase, the robbery of a moving train and storm at sea, all on stage, will make for a delightful and exhilarating Lookingglass experience."

The Around the World in 80 Days ensemble features Rom Barkhordar as Captain Speedy and others, Ravi Batista as Mrs. Aouda, Joe Dempsey as Fix, Lookingglass Artistic Associate Kevin Douglas as Passepartout, Anish Jethmalani as Mr. Naidu and others, Ericka Ratcliff as Tankader Captain & others/ Dance Captain, Nick Sandys as Colonel Proctor & others / Fight Choreographer / Fight Captain, and Lookingglass Ensemble Member Philip R. Smith as Phileas Fogg .  

Assisting with the onstage magic for Around the World in 80 Days is the design team—Drama Desk nominated Mara Blumenfeld (costumes), Lee Keenan (lights), Jacqueline Penrod and Richard Penrod (scenic), Joshua Horvath (sound design) and Kevin O'Donnell (composition).  The choreographer is Tracy Walsh, the fight choreographer is Nick Sandys, and the dialect coach is Eva Breneman.  The dramaturgs are Margot Bordelon and Cassy Sanders. The stage manager is Sara Gmitter.

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