A: Is for Art that Entertains

There have been many Literary Hoaxes that enrapt an audience and when discovered send them into a mob scene. The most recent untruth was woven by The Rosenblats in Angel at the Fence. At first this story touched the heart of it's readers until it was discovered that it was a lie. Herein lies the crux of what Shipwrecked! An Entertainment The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont as told by himself is about. Louis de Rougemont tells his tale of adventure that left England spellbound in the 19th century. In Donald Margulies' play, de Rougemont, a would-be explorer, invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival and celebrity. Dare to be whisked away in a story of exotic islanders, rustic vessels and the high seas. Shipwrecked! examines how far we're willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world. As Louise de Rougemont Michael Countryman adds just the right amount of credibility, charming boyishness as he draws us into the magical realm of his imagination. Jeremy Bobb and Donnetta Lavinia Grays play all rest of the characters, sound effects and animals and nearly steal the show. Grays shines as the greedy captain and Bobbs is sensational as Louis' dog, Bruno, the Queen of England and as a scientific disbeliever. There are no spectacular effects on this bare stage, it is the art of storytelling itself that is the star and it shows in a time of overstimulation why this form has lasted so long. Neil Patel's open set allow for a clear voyage. The lighting by Stephen Strawbridge was effective and the Victorian garb designed by Michael Krass was seamless. But it is the music and sound design by John Gromada that dominates this production. Directed with intelligence and wit by Lisa Patterson this production by Primary Stages is truly and Entertainment. Playing until March 7th at 59 East 59th