by Matt Omasta
Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) brings laughs and adventure to audiences at Dayton’s The Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton. The production, directed by Greg Hellems, with scenic design by D. Tristan Cupp, costume design by Molly Walz, lighting design by John Rensel, and sound design by John Gromada and Bailey Olean, is a theatrical marvel that invites audiences into the whimsical and captivating world of Louis de Rougemont, a real-life adventurer whose tales blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Strong Performances All
The ensemble cast, led by Bruce Cromer as Louis de Rougemont, Shonita Joshi as Player 1, and Andrew Ian Adams as Player 2, delivers delightful performances, seamlessly transitioning between roles and breathing life into Rougemont’s tales. Cromer’s energetic portrayal of the title role, and moments of direct address to the audience helps us form a bond with him, drawing us further into the world of the play. Joshi’s bold, wacky choices keep us smiling, and Adams’ portrayal of Bruno the dog is a highlight over the show, bringing us much laughter laughter (and eventually tears).
Shipwrecked! Designers
D. Tristain Cupp’s scenic design, adorned with nautical representations, immerses the audience in de Rougemont’s world. From his childhood home to a bustling British marketplace to the decks of a ship to the depths of the ocean and beyond, the set effortlessly transitions between locales. In one moment at sea, the cast creates the illusion of sailing through the ocean by using dolphin puppets that leap out of the water, helping convey the setting in a hilarious way. Combined with John Rensel’s vibrant lighting design, the versatile set pieces create a seamless flow that effectively conveys the myriad settings of Rougemont’s adventures.
Molly Walz’s costume design is a marvel, enabling the actors to embody a wide array of characters, from humans to animals, through quick and simple changes. The costumes evoke different personas effortlessly, adding depth and diversity to the storytelling.
The sound design by John Gromada and Bailey Olean adds depth to the production, enhancing each scene’s atmosphere and mood. From the thunder of lightning to the sounds of the jungle, the design effectively transports audiences into Rougemont’s world, adding comic ornamentation that supports the play’s whimsical nature.
Themes of Shipwrecked!
In addition to its captivating production elements and strong performances, Shipwrecked! raises provocative questions about the nature and value of truth. As de Rougemont’s tales unravel, we are left to ponder the nature of storytelling, the blurred lines between fact and fiction, and which one we would prefer to hear.
In Conclusion
In sum, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) is a delightful and thought-provoking production that celebrates the power of storytelling. While some cultural insensitivity moments of de Rougemont’s tale may take audience members aback, the play’s intricate design, versatile costumes, stellar performances, and make it a delight for families and all who appreciate a tall tale.
Tickets and Remaining Performances
Shipwrecked! plays at Dayton’s Loft performance space through March 10. Get tickets here. It has a run time of 100 minutes and is rated “PG12.”
There are a number of special event options, including a Post show Talkback with the cast on March 3 at 2pm. Also, Parent’s Day Out Performance on March 9 at 2pm. Purchase tickets through Dayton Live, and register your children during the checkout process.
Matt Omasta is Professor, Chair, and Artistic Director of Miami University’s Department of Theatre. His directing and research focus on theatre with, for, and by young people; his published books include Playwriting and Young Audiences and Impacting Theatre Audiences.
