‘Shipwrecked,' being produced by Saratoga Shakespeare at the back box theater at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, is a very theatrical event in which three actors play 25 roles and create a number of locales with minimal scenery and costumes. It’s an often funny work that is deliciously performed and imaginatively staged.
The humor is not always laugh out loud, but it always charming enough to bring a smile to your face.
It would be easy to call the show simply a pleasant night in the theater, but there is something else going on in the comedy that forces you to think about the work beyond the mere enjoyment of seeing three talented actors exhaust themselves in a 90-minute production that is rich with imaginative staging.
The full title of the play is “Shipwrecked, the Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougemond (as Told by Himself).” It’s no spoiler to reveal that the stories are all lies. Indeed, the magic of the work is that the tales are told so imaginatively and with such zest you believe them – even knowing they are lies.
The magic of the production is that actor David Girard who plays Louis Rougemond is so convinced the bizarre events actually happen to him, and we so enjoy sharing them with him, we are left to question - why should a great story be less appealing because it is offered as truth instead of the fiction it is? In other words, when does a man’s delusion become his truth?
This might sound heavy, but don’t worry, neither playwright David Margulies or director David Baecker imposes a weight on this work that bills itself, quite honestly, as an “Entertainment.”
It’s a delight to see Rougemont battle a hurricane and sea monsters, survive a shipwreck, ride sea turtles and defend his adopted village by stilt-walking, fall in love and eventually return to England.
Girard not only tells the tall tales with an enthusiasm that boarders on awe, he bring a physicality to the story-telling that is exhausting to watch. Indeed, though Girard is magnetic while on stage, if there is a flaw to the performances it is that there is occasionally a need to turn the energy level down a notch or two. It’s a memorable performance that would be even better if slightly modulated.
Supporting Girard are Tim Dugan and Jennifer Scapetis-Tyeer who play two dozen roles between them. They also create sound effects, provide props and make valuable contributions in often unnoticed ways. Sometimes just being good listeners on stage is more valuable than expending energy and both actors are present in every one of their scenes.
Dugan is special fun as the faithful dog Bruno and is impressive as he creates several vivid characters with specialized accents within seconds while playing witnesses who debunk Rougemont’s tales.
Scapetus-Tyeer is particularly good as the woman who weds Rougemont and understands his need to return home. She does several strong turns as males as well.
The show is performed in the round and director Baecker keeps the action fluid, the pace sharp and the inventiveness at a high level. Most of all, Baecker lets the work to appear to evolve naturally. Never is an effect done for the sake of showmanship, every clever invention serves the play and supports the performances.
“Shipwrecked” is a fun night in the theater. It continues through Sunday at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. 587-2166, saratogashakespeare.com.
