'Shipwrecked' is a delightful escape | Arts & Culture

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, ArtsWest has repeatedly surprised me with delightful productions and exceptional performances. Spending Wednesday evening “Shipwrecked!” with Louis de Rougemont, played by the fantastic Doug Fahl, was an absolute treat.

With the credibility of modern-day storytellers capturing headlines, the final production of ArtsWest’s current season is especially timely.  

“Shipwrecked! An Entertainment,” begins as a show within a show. Louis de Rougemont, an alleged traveler extraordinaire, tells his far-fetched life story: being marooned on a deserted island, encountering aborigines and, of course, riding atop sea turtles. What starts as fame and fortune leads to despair and self-reflection by Louis.

“Shipwrecked!” becomes more and more appealing with each passing scene. Fahl moves from amusing to enchanting as his character’s story develops. But his talent truly shines in his character’s darker moments.

Beth Cooper is equally convincing and impressive in a number of roles while Nick Edwards and Emily Rose Frasca keep the show joyful and fulfill the “entertainment” portion of the its title.

Props serve as an additional character in this show, as they illustrate Louis’ storytelling. We recommend sitting in the theater’s center section for the full experience.

Additionally, prepare to sit for just under 2 hours without intermission.

If you are looking for an evening of escape and adventure, treat yourself to “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment,” ArtsWests’ final show if the 2011-2012 season before its next season kicks off with “Amy’s View,” Sept 7.