Around the World in 80 Days

Description
Laura Eason's affable adaptation plays up elements of romance and social commentary in Jules Verne's novel that are sometimes forgotten. Above all, though, 80 Days is an adventure story, and Eason moves stylishly if not always swiftly through Verne's tale. The clunkier moments are tied to the intricacies of Richard and Jacqueline Penrod's Victorian puzzle-box set. The Lookingglass-style spectacle—an elephant ride, a sled and a sailing ship—is neatly rendered but requires so much setup time as to significantly slow the action. But composer Kevin O'Donnell, master of the twee underscore, glosses over the slow zones, and dynamic work from the cast helps us savor the days.—Kris Vire