Get ready for another wild ride with the Bothell Drama Department coming this January! After a successful online Dramafest in October, the program is continuing with their normal schedule of a Winter Play premiering in January- but this time it will be online. Chaya Glass returns as the director after a year of absence to introduce Around the World in 80 Days adapted by Mark Brown from the novel by Jules Verne.

The Bothell Drama website describes the show as a hit play where you can “join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock!” This play explores the aftermath of an insane bet that leads to a daring and wild adventure. The summary continues that “danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show” and it is easier than ever to watch online- just visit bothelldrama.net.

An online show certainly brings up new challenges, and I spoke to Reece Blumenthal (‘23) about his process editing the shows. Blumenthal edited some of the shows for Dramafest- which can still be seen on the Bothell Drama website! He is also going to be a part of the editing team for this show, which is a notably large task due to the show being online. Blumenthal has two years of  editing experience under his belt already, and while he has not been part of the Bothell Drama program yet, he is excited to become a tech in the future. He says that he would like to work on lights for a physical drama show. For now, however, he says that his biggest challenges are slow software and making sure the show is synced up. With this new element introduced into theatre, Blumenthal is helping the program immensely. So make sure to see the results of his hard work and the work of the rest of the cast and crew!

While the show is completely online this year and technical portions have become essential, acting is also still at the heart of theatre. Speaking with one of the leads in the show, Anna Gilchrist (‘21), she said that “BHS students should watch this show because it’s an incredible part of BHS history!” She is excited to be a part of the first virtual winter play and knows it will be “fantastic.” Gilchrist plays the comedic Detective Fix, an egotistical sleuth with a mission. She says that for her, acting has changed a great deal. To this optimistic lead, this show is a “fun creative challenge” to convey emotion while not together.

So what are you waiting for? There is no need to pack your bags- you aren’t going anywhere. But Phileas Fogg sure is! The show premieres on January 29th, and has 3 more shows afterward. Be sure to check out the website for all the info and links to watch it when the time comes, and be sure to watch out for yours truly making an appearance!