Geffen Theater
Running through July 27
“Fun for all ages” generally means a play will be thoroughly enjoyable for those under the age of 9, but anyone above that age will find the play entirely without message or purpose. Fortunately, Donald Margulies’ new play “Shipwrecked!” defies the common use of the phrase.
“Shipwrecked!,” now playing at the Geffen Playhouse, stars Gregory Itzin (President Charles Logan on “24”) as the adventurer Louis de Rougemont. The play tells the story of Rougemont’s fleeting fame, as he speaks directly to the audience about his experiences of being shipwrecked, seeing flying wombats and riding sea turtles. The play is reminiscent of a child’s story time.
Rougemont’s character is overwhelmed by a sense of obligation to tell his tale and a grand sense of self-importance. Itzin’s frequent gesture of throwing his arms out magnificently can be vexing, but his character is overall charming and endearing. It is nearly impossible not to get caught up in his story of being marooned, defied and of becoming an overnight sensation.
The set is a simple arrangement of pieces that are reconfigured depending on where the scene is supposed to take place. While the lack of a true set allows for less distraction, it is counterbalanced by the ridiculous nature of the players and their frequent roles as the opposite gender and even a different species. The players are also entrusted with the task of producing all the sound effects, ranging from the sound of Rougemont’s simulated back flips to the sound of a storm. Such sound effects bring life to the dull moments and lessen the already miniscule gap between the actors and the audience.
In theater, the fourth wall is the imaginary line that separates the interaction between the actors and the audience members. In “Shipwrecked!,” this wall is torn to pieces. At one point during the play, Rougement stopped mid-monologue to bless a woman in the audience who had sneezed. At another time, he jokingly reprimanded a woman whose phone rang, all the while maintaining his character.
Flaunting clever design and a joyful outlook on story telling, “Shipwrecked!” does not fail to entertain. Although several moments of the play are geared toward young children (such as a dog playing an instrument), there are certainly messages and themes that seem directed at older audience members.
The play matures rapidly. It begins a simple childhood adventure tale but transforms into a work about the societal need to have a public figure to defy and then tear down.
David Margulies’ flair for the dramatic is readily available as the play progresses. With a set admittedly reminiscent of “Our Town,” sound effects concocted with little subtlety, and a charismatic main character, one cannot help be entertained by this lovable joyride of a play.
Though there is the occasional distraction, the fast moving plot and the imaginative staging quickly reclaim the viewers’ attention. While Rougemont’s life and fame invariably plummet as the play closes, it is impossible to not sympathize with a man so tormented by his life and society.
“Shipwrecked!” possesses every element of a classic adventure tale and more. It acts as a commentary on society and the destruction of dreams. The play truly is for all ages. So while a child would enjoy the adventure, it takes an adult to understand the deeper themes.
All in all, you just might end up feeling like a kid during story time. And quite frankly, this is one story you don’t want to miss.