HRTC Presents AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Jules Verne's classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe-an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end.

"Our biggest challenge," said Human Race Artistic Director Kevin Moore, "is convincing people that the hot air balloon does not exist in the actual book. While it made for exciting cinematography in Mike Todd's 1956 film version, it is not part of the Jules Verne novel. However, audiences will experience typhoons, angry natives, a runaway train - and an elephant. And in the intimate Loft, it may feel like a ride at Disney!"

Around the World in 80 Days will be Joe Deer's (Director) 12th show he has directed at HRTC. Deer's last show at the Loft was the comedic musical about six unemployed steelworkers turned strippers, The Full Monty.

The cast of five is made up of one Human Race veteran and four actors who are making their onstage debut at The Human Race Theatre.

Jared Joplin (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) is making his onstage Human Race Theatre debut as Mr. Phileas Fogg. Patrick Earl Phillips is excited to be making his HRTC debut as Fogg's trusted valet, Passepartout. Lovlee Carroll is thrilled to be reprising the role of Actor 4 (Aouda and 3 characters) in her debut performance at HRTC. Jake Lockwood is no stranger to HRTC. This will be Lockwood's 6th production at HRTC and will be playing Actor 1, which consists of 17 characters. Resident Artist Darlene Spencer was last seen at HRTC in the staged reading of Sweat and will be making her onstage HRTC debut as Actor 2 (8 characters).

Mark Brown (Playwright) Mark Brown is a widely produced playwright throughout America and abroad. His plays and musicals include Around the World in 80 Days; China - The Whole Enchilada; Tom Jones; Tom Jones the Musical; The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge; The Gentleman Thief; Deep Into That Darkness Peering; The Little Prince. Originally from New Jersey, Mark is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter and dreams of living in a chateau in France.

Dick Block (Scenic Designer) is the genius behind the shows Victorian Steam Punk design and this will be his 25th production at The Human Race Theatre. Block's most recent show with HRTC was A Christmas Story. Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer) is hard at work designing wardrobe for her first Human Race production. Resident Artists John Rensel (Lighting Designer) and Jay Brunner (Sound Designer) round out the design team. Jacquelyn Duncan is the production stage manager.

Biographies on the cast and creative team can be found on The Human Race Theatre Company's website under Around the World in 80 Days.

The preview performance of Around the World in 80 Days is Thursday, February 28. Opening night is Friday, March 1.

Tickets for Around the World in 80 Days start at $14. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Student tickets are available at 50% off regular adult prices and a student I.D. must be presented when picking up at the Box Office. The Sunday, March 3 7:00 p.m. performance is "Sawbuck Sunday," when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at the Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center's Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Show times for Around the World in 80 Days are 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Performances on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings begin at 7:00 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees.

Tickets and performance information for Around the World in 80 Days are available at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office

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