Shipwrecked! at The Phoenix Theatre

October 14, 12:18 PMIndianapolis Theater ExaminerTim Cabeen

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From the Phoenix Theatre press release"

The Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis announces Shipwrecked! An Entertainment – The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As told by himself). Written by Donald Margulies and sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg, this play for all ages starts Thursday, October 15 and runs through November 8, 2009, with the exception of Friday, October 16, when there will be no performance.

 

Be ready to be astonished! This wonderful kid-friendly comedy is the story of Louis de Rougemont, an actual man who lived in London at the turn of the last century and his search for 15 minutes of fame. Born in Paris and raised in London, Louis grows up a sickly child and yearns to be free in the world and experience exotic cultures and exciting adventures. His wish comes true when he leaves home at the age of 16 and joins the crew of a sailing vessel. In the play, Louis tells the story of his life, which turns out to be a fantastical tale of being shipwrecked on an exotic island, learning to ride sea turtles, and holding court with the Queen of England.

 

Upon his return home, Louis finds a London newspaper – the tabloid of its time – willing to publish his adventures. Louis becomes quite the celebrity, until he finds his audience increasingly skeptical. Could his entire adventure be discredited as a hoax? De Rougemont’s fervent desire to justify his life’s purpose provides the emotional current that transforms a ripping good yard into a touching character study. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times describes Shipwrecked! as “The breathless story of a Victorian gentleman whose colorful past as a seafaring wanderer springs to life like a theatrical pop-up book.” The play is woven together like a magical bedtime story and features fascinating characters and scenery.

 

Phoenix Producing Director Bryan Fonseca directs this show, which represents a first for the theatre: a family-friendly production that’s perfect for ages 8 to 80. “Many of our patrons have been loyal followers of the Phoenix for the past 26 years and are now parents and grandparents. When I read the script, I thought Shipwrecked! would be perfect for those patrons to introduce live theatre to those sons, daughters and grandchildren. Shipwrecked! is the perfect distraction from some of the bad news in the world right now. As much as theater is a place to reflect on the human condition, it is also where we go to escape from our daily lives. This show does both beautifully.”