Around the World in 80 Days
Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre Frisco through 11/2/25
My thoughts on Around the World in 80 Days or…a joyous trip indeed!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Around the World in 80 Days. Having never read the Jules Verne novel or seen the movie, I had no clue what Mark Brown’s adaptation would be like.
What I did know is that if anyone can make an evening of theater entertaining, it’s Director Mikey Abrams. And Abrams delivers here, bringing laughter, adventure, and a touch of romance to this circumnavigation of the globe.
The story of 80 Days follows Phileas Fogg (Blair Mitchell), a wealthy English gentleman who bets 20,000 pounds that he can travel around the world in 80 days. Accompanied by his French valet Passepartout (Edward Treminio), they are pursued by Detective Fix (Christian Black), who suspects Fogg of being a thief. Along the way, Fogg rescues the Indian widow Aouda (Molly Kessler) and meets Sir Francis (Spencer Walsh), a British Army officer. Fogg's journey includes trains, boats, and elephants, but not hot air balloons—a detail added in the film and absent from Verne’s original novel.
The story unfolds with dozens of imaginative props created by Elise Knox, revealed as the play begins. These props are cleverly used and skillfully handled by the talented ensemble players, Rae Harvill and Shaun “Willow” Breland, who produce everything from sound effects to bubbles, and also take on small roles in the production. A large screen in the background frequently changes color to enhance the scenes. Josh Hensley designed the lighting and sound, while Rodney Dobbs crafted the set. Michael Robinson and Dallas Costume Shoppe contributed the excellent period costumes.
All the actors, except Mitchell, take on multiple roles, and their energy, enthusiasm, and “morphing mastery” make 80 Days an absolute treat. I lost track of how many characters the chameleon Spencer Walsh portrayed, but I especially enjoyed his Sir Francis and American Cavalryman. Exercising his formidable comedy chops, Christian Black is super as the conniving Detective Fix, determined to arrest Fogg. Molly Kessler brings both gratitude and strength to Aouda, and I loved how she subtly conveyed Aouda’s growing romantic feelings for Fogg. Blair Mitchell perfectly embodies the strait-laced British gentleman as Fogg, showing little emotion and remaining completely oblivious to Aouda’s affections. Edward Treminio’s Passepartout, Fogg’s devoted servant, was my favorite. With his pronounced French accent, Treminio made Passepartout utterly charming, effervescent, and lovable, constantly worrying about leaving the gas on back in London.
Around the World in 80 Days is an unexpected delight, evoking memories of Peter and the Starcatcher with its structure and staging. Abrams' inventive and fast-paced direction keeps you engaged, never missing an opportunity for a laugh. Theatre Frisco’s Around the World in 80 Days is a journey you’ll be happy to take.
The cast of Around the World in 80 Days photo by Alex Rain
Blair Mitchell as Phileas Fogg photo by Alex Rain
Treasures are under the sheets before the performance begins
