Based on an actual 1898 sensational account, the play is subtitled, “The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told by Himself).” Margulies’s drama reenacts scenes of de Rougemont’s narrative, beginning with his poor and sheltered London childhood to sailing to the South Pacific in search of pearls to being washed ashore with his loyal canine companion, Bruno, to finding love with Yamba, a native girl, to achieving enormous success as the author of his own tale before facing the subsequent questioning of its validity.
The most amazing thing about the production, though, is that just three actors perform the multitude of characters and most of the sound effects and staging. Jud Williford plays de Rougemont himself, assuredly narrating his story in a very physical performance, including occasional acrobatics. Laurine Price transitions seamlessly from de Rougemont’s sweet and protective mother to swaggering sea captain to gentle native islander to exacting magazine editor. Her movements and intonations precisely convey each character, aided by incredibly quick costume changes. And Nick Ley, playing all the other roles (of which there are many, including Queen Victoria), will delight younger viewers especially as Bruno, the frolicking and faithful dog.
In whirlwind fashion, these actors not only shift rapidly into different characters from scene to scene but also deftly manipulate the minimal stage props to create everything from sailing ships to busy London streets. When not on stage, we see them on the sides producing sound effects, such as waves and wombat wings, using simple objects to aid our imaginations in magically envisioning each scene. Additional sound effects and lighting assist the actors during more major events like the vortex that takes de Rougemont’s ship and leaves him (and the trusty Bruno) stranded.
On a mast-like sheet overhanging the stage, chapter numbers occasionally appear to mark the narrative passages along with images of sea turtles and a giant octopus to further engage our imaginations. With such subtlety, Director Luke Yankee and Scenic Designer Tesshi Nakagawa allow us to immerse ourselves in the storytelling with minimal guidance, led by the dynamism of the three actors.
As humans we are enthralled by stories, however we get them, from whatever distant shores they arrive. The question of whether or not they are real perhaps doesn’t matter as much as what we experience. This lively production invites us to go along for the thrilling ride, rather like de Rougemont himself.
Shipwrecked! An Entertainment continues at the International City Theatre, 330 East Seaside Way, through Nov. 6, with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $25 to $49. For tickets and information, call the box office at (562) 436-4610 or visit ictlongbeach.org.
