Review of "Shipwrecked!"

        Anyone who loves listening to yarns will be pleased with the engaging storytelling in Barksdale Theatre’s new production of “Shipwrecked!” An Entertainment – The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougemond (As Told by Himself).

         In the production, Louis takes the audience through the chapters of his life, living out adventures that often resemble the stories his mother read to him when he was a sickly child. At 16, he sets off on his adventure, befriending a surly sea captain who is off to find pearls in the Coral Sea. After a violent storm, Louis finds himself shipwrecked on an island with his canine companion. After a few years the two are rescued by Aborigines one of which becomes Louis’ wife. When he eventually returns to England, Louis writes his memoirs and is heralded as a hero until people begin questioning the validity of his story.

         Joe Inscoe takes on the role of Louis with boundless energy, creating a convincing portrait of a man awed by the world around him. As he does in other roles, Inscoe gets to the soul of the character where he finds everything from childlike wonder to doubt. He also interacts with the audience in a comfortable way that fits into this incredible yarn quite nicely.

         Inscoe is joined on stage by two actors – Carolyn Meade and Scott Wichmann – who play various roles. Meade moves from loving mother to a gruff sea captain to Louis’ Aboriginal wife with ease and quickness.

         Wichmann draws the biggest laughs as Louis’ canine companion. His portrayal of the pooch is a close to the real thing as it gets. He nails the dog’s curious and puzzling expressions as well as its frenzied movements and natural panting. Wichmann is also a hoot as Queen Victoria and endearing as a young boy who finds disappointment in his hero.

         Even though it’s sparse, Brian Barker’s set is extremely effective, especially the puppet-theater-style curtain that serves as a backdrop for behind-the-scenes action. The use of sound devices that are in eyesight of the audience and create everything from a crackling fire to a listing ship amplifies the storytelling aspect of the production.

         “Shipwrecked!” is an entertaining yarn. The one-hour-and-45-minute intermission-less show feels a bit long but keeps your attention nevertheless. The show runs through October 24^th at Barksdale Theatre.