80 Days Around the World

2023. 02. 10.

The concert theatre production of 80 Days Around the World, based on the adventure novel by Gyula Verne, will be performed at the Pesti Theatre from 11 February. The 121 roles in the story will be performed by three comedy theatre actors, Eszter Novák, seven members of György Selmeczi's musical theatre class and the orchestra Lóci spielt. Zoltán Karácsonyi plays the world-travelling Phileas Fogg, Balázs Szántó his servant, István Hirtling the detective who chases them around the world, and Lóci Csorba plays Gyula Verne. A stage with transforming characters, props that transform from elephant to boat and a story full of twists and turns, culminating in songs with live orchestral accompaniment.

Phileas Fogg is an English gentleman who lives his life to a precise schedule. He makes a ridiculous bet that he can travel around the world in 80 days, because the timetable says he can. Only the world throws up not only at the timetable, but at Mr Fogg's plans, and a madcap journey begins on trains, boats, horses, elephants, ice-sailboats and all manner of other vehicles. "A sudden idea, an unexpected thought, can sometimes turn our whole lives upside down and set in motion a series of events that can change the way we see the world and our relationships. My character Phileas Fogg finds himself in this situation as a result of a sudden bet. Out of his strict daily routine, he has a series of adventures during his 80-day journey around the world. But the physical journey is nothing compared to what he must experience emotionally. He finds himself confronted with a new, unfamiliar universe, which is none other than love. And as we know, love conquers all!" says Zoltán Karácsonyi.

The joint production of TRIP, Vígszínház and Kult 2 is directed by László Magács, while the music and lyrics were written by Lóci Csorba.  In addition, the orchestra Lóci plays is not only an accompanist but also an active participant in the play. The album Lóci spielt, which includes 12 songs from 80 Days Around the World, has already been released, and a video clip of one of the emblematic songs, Egy Herr immer Herr, has been produced. "I have always admired the actors. In fact, I think I was afraid of them, because they could be bigger in a pub, a café or a house party than I was, until I got my guitar and tuned it with great difficulty. But during the 80 days of rehearsals, we got a glimpse into the incredible work that actors and student actors do. I had to realise that they weren't trying to brush me, the musician, off the track, but that they were working well at this speed, with this repertoire of gestures. And I, as a musician, can do what I do best: tell emotions and stories in song, the way only music can. I'm very happy to be able to do this in this legendary place, the Pesti Theatre, in such fantastic conditions, with these excellent partners", says Lóci.

"It is a huge energy for all of us on stage that live music is an integral part and fabric of the storytelling, thanks to the orchestra that plays Lóci. The Jean Passepartout I portray is a straightforward, honest and honest man who, from the very first moment, gives his new owner all the support he can on his journey and never questions him. He enjoys life and his philosophy is: live in the moment." - adds Balázs Szántó.

And why, according to István Hirtling, should everyone see the show? "I recommend 80 Days to everyone, from 8 years old to 180 years old, because you're sure to hear good music, you're sure to be entertained by good lyrics, you're sure to have a great experience and you're sure to hear me play Fix before I settle down in Ibiza! Come to the Pest Theatre to travel around the world with us!"

YouTube - Around the world in 80 days - One gentleman always gentlemen (music: Lóci plays, vocals: Karácsonyi Zoltán):

https://youtu.be/7QChaGC1y2A

Details and more: https://www.vigszinhaz.hu/80_nap_alatt_a_Fold_korul