LEWISTON — The Public Theatre will take audiences on an epic comedy adventure with an inventive version of “Around the World in 80 Days” opening on Friday, Oct. 14, and running through Oct. 23.

“Theatrical magic” are the key words, said director Janet Mitchko, who has been conjuring on-stage typhoons and elephants for several weeks in preparation for this family-friendly whirlwind of a show based on the classic Jules Verne tale.

“In our trip around the world, we travel by train, ship, sledge and elephant, doing it all with four chairs, one table, a few trunks, several pieces of fabric and lots of theatrical magic,” Mitchko said. Audiences will be wondering, “How did they do that?” she said, describing the show as just right for people who marvel at the magic of live theater.

The cast of five professional actors from New York and across the country will bring a total of 39 different characters to life in the span of two hours.

Phileas Fogg and his faithful French servant, Passepartout, face stampeding elephants, raging typhoons and runaway trains in this race across seven continents to win a bet.

Starring as Fogg is Robin Bloodworth; Passepartout is played by David Mason. Bloodworth appeared in TPT’s productions of “Art,” “Fiction,” and “The Woman in Black.” Mason was in TPT’s “Last Mass at St. Casimir’s” and “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani. Most recently in Maine, Mason starred in the latest Cariani play, “Last Gas,” at Portland Stage Company.

Chasing Fogg around the world will be Michael Frederic as Detective Fix, as well as other assorted characters. Frederic has been on-stage at TPT in multiple roles in “A Christmas Carol,” as well as in “Deathtrap.”

New to TPT audiences and playing a man of many hats and costumes (16 characters in total) will be Dan Matisa. His roles range from a Brooklyn sea captain with a peg leg to a British consul.

Joining this jolly group of men on the journey will be Audra Wahhab as the lovely Indian princess Aouda.

A large share of the show’s theatrical magic is created by Jonna Klaiber, costumes; Bart Garvey, lights; and Neil James, sound. All the action takes place in front of a giant clock designed by Amber Callahan.

“This is a joyful play,” Mitchko said. “It’s silly, sweet and really funny; and it shows us how we are all changed when we are in new places with new people.”

TPT’s “Around the World in 80 Days” is not like the famous 1956 movie, which had a balloon as a focal point, Mitchko said. TPT’s production follows the book, which did not feature a balloon.

Mitchko, who also is TPT associate artistic director, said this adaptation is by Mark Brown. It had a successful off-Broadway run a few years ago. Film and theater legend Orson Welles’ extravagant 1946 musical version flopped after 75 performances.

“This highly entertaining comedy adventure is similar in style to the fast-paced imaginative concept of the current popular play ‘The 39 Steps,’” Mitchko said. That play is a comedy take on the old Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Go and do

WHAT: “Around the World in 80 Days”

WHEN: Oct. 14-23; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: The Public Theatre, 31 Maple Street, Lewiston

TICKETS: $18 for adults, $5 for children 18 and younger; call 782-3200

MORE INFO: www.thepublictheatre.org