Ready for a funny, fast-paced, and creative adventure? Marc Brown’s Around the World in 80 Days adapted from the book by Jules Vern has come to the Alley Theater in Houston and more than fits the bill. The two hour play flies by as the cast of only five plays 42 different characters, travels to four different continents and across two oceans.

Alley Resident Company Members Todd Waite, Jay Sullivan, Jeffery Bean, and Emily Trask are joined by Evan Zes who is making his Alley Theater debut. Waite, who plays Phileas Fogg is the only actor who plays one role while the others play a minimum of two and a maximum of 19 characters. It is hard to say if there is a standout in this wonderful ensemble cast, but if I had to choose one it might be Zes whose timing and physical comedy are on point throughout the performance.

The performance is further enhanced by Brittany Halen and Bradley Dean Whyte, the two musicians who sit among a vast array of instruments to mimic everything from trains, ships, thunder and even a gun fight.  Their performances are integrally important to the success of such a fast paced production. The costumes in Around the World in 80 Days are beautifully done with eye-catching colors and attention to detail. The wigs, facial hair and costume changes further solidify where the actors are in their journey across the globe. Not to mention scene changes and transitions that are imaginative and cleverly choreographed.

You will experience everything during this performance including slapstick comedy, suspense, a love story and even danger. Around the World in 80 Days runs through April 3rd in the Hubbard Theater.