Around the World in 80 Days at OSTC

Ocean State Theatre Company will be running what’s being billed as “the original amazing race” this month with their latest production, a new stage adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days. On stage now through November 22 is the epic tale of adventurer Phileas Fogg, who has made a ridiculously large bet that he can circle the globe in a record-setting 80 days. On his tail every step of the way is Detective Fix, who believes Fogg is actually a wanted criminal on the run. Directed by Broadway and regional theater actor/director Mark Torres and adapted by Mark Brown, the show features a five-person cast portraying 37 characters and according to the press materials, promises an evening of “danger, romance, and comic surprises.” Local actor David Groccia of North Providence started performing professionally just a week after graduating from RIC and will be making his third appearance at Ocean State as the determined detective. David took some time out recently to chat about the show, this business of show and North Providence pizza.

Marilyn Busch (Motif): Congrats on your role(s?) in Around the World in 80 Days at OSTC! I understand that there are at least a million different characters that you and the other cast members play in the show.  Please tell me you get to play either an elephant or a typhoon!

David Groccia: I play nine different characters in this show. For most of the show I play Detective Fix from London who chases Fogg around the world, thinking he is a bank robber who recently stole a large sum of money. The other characters I play range from a few different people in India, to a daft court clerk, to an American train conductor and even a British maid.

MB: What is it like working with director Mark Torres? His resume is longer than my arm!

DG: Working with Mark has been great. He really understands this story and has clearly done so much research about the piece, the time period and the various locales. For this show we’re using a unit set that hides some surprises. So we’re able to rearrange parts of it and bring out some other pieces to suggest the different countries, train cars and boats throughout the show. We spent a lot of time figuring out how these different locations work so the audience is able to understand where we are. Sound design also plays a major role in this production. We’re using music from each country as we transition from one to the other, and because our set and staging is so minimal, a lot of sound effects are used as well. Overall I think we’ve found a creative way to tell this massive story.

MB: What’s the biggest challenge for you as an actor in this show?

DG: This show is just one major challenge (laughs). Each different character requires a different accent, voice and physicality. Transforming from one to another can sometimes be a bit challenging, but for me — that is the fun of it! I love being able to create these different characters.

MB: You graduated from RIC in 2014 with a BA in musical theater and a BA in history? How did you swing a double major and still find time to perform?

DG: It was very busy time throughout my college years. I was going to class, going to rehearsals and working a part-time job. It meant for many long days, but it was definitely worth it. Before I started college I never had any formal voice or dance training, and I always wanted to be able to perform in musicals, so I decided I wanted to spend an extra year. Even though it was a long time and a lot of work, it was worth it because I was able to perform and learn. And the great thing is, I have super supportive parents who are my biggest fans and cheerleaders! I’m so grateful for that.

MB: How does the experience of performing professionally now compare with your college days?

DG: While I was at RIC, I was very active in the theater department and I performed in about 12 shows during my years there. My first professional job actually started the week after I graduated. One of the great things about working professionally is watching some of the most experienced actors work. I’m able to learn so much from them and continue to grow, the learning never stops — even out of school.

MB: How did you realize that you were meant to be a performer? Was there one specific moment for you that told you this was your calling?

DG: I’ve always been performing, even when I was a child in the backyard. I always knew it was something I wanted to do. The first time I really got into it was my freshman year in high school. Originally it was something I was too afraid to pursue because of a lack of experience and how difficult it can be to be a performer. Originally I planned to be a journalist. But after my first semester of college, my heart was really calling to theater and I decided it was the thing I had to do — and I’ve never been happier.

MB: What was your very first acting role?

DG: My first role ever was in preschool. We did a version of Little Critter’s Christmas Book, which was exciting for me because “preschool David” was a big fan of the Little Critter books. I was supposed to be playing Santa, but the kid who was supposed to play the present decided he was too scared to say his line. So I (of course) said “I can say his line, too!” So even though I wasn’t cast as Little Critter, I did get an extra line.

MB: As you approach opening night, can you tell me what is your favorite part of creating a show?

DG: It’s always hard to choose a favorite part of the process. But I would have to say it’s doing scene work. I love being able to play around with a character, try different things, see what works and what doesn’t. A close second would be getting the show in front of an audience. There’s nothing like being up there and hearing an audience laugh or being able to hear a pin drop because they’re so engaged in the story. I enjoy knowing that I can entertain someone and make their day a little better.

MB: What cool things can people expect from this play?

DG: I think the audience is going to love how Fogg’s journey around the world all comes together. We’re going to be making an elephant and riding it around stage, and make different boats to sail through the sea. So I think the audience is going to love seeing the creativity and spectacle of the show.

MB: OK – and here’s the lightning round:

What is your dream role that you have YET to play?

DG: One day I’d love to play Bobby in Company.

MB: What is your dream role that you will probably never, ever, get cast as but would DIE to perform?

DG: I don’t think anyone would ever do a production of Guys and Dolls with Adelaide in drag, but if anyone is, I’m available.

MB: Favorite musical (film or stage)?

DG: Always such a hard question! Most of my finalists would be Sondheim shows, but I’ll go with Assassins. My favorite musical movie is, and always has been, The Sound of Music.

MB: Who do people say you look like?

DG: I’m never really told I look like anyone famous. However, I have been compared to a koala bear or a parrot.

MB: Last show you saw in NYC?

DG: I took my friend to see Something Rotten for his birthday, the day the Tony nominations were announced!

MB: Where’s the best pizza in North Providence?

DG: Is there a good pizza place in North Providence?

You can see David onstage in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days now through November 22 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. Visit OceanStateTheatre.org for full schedule and more information.