"An Entertainment" -- indeed!

I'm always up for a tall tale, as long as that tale is well-spun. And they rarely come better than the story of "Shipwrecked: An Entertainment" now on stage at the Phoenix Theatre in downtown Indy. Now, before you have the young'uns look away from the screen, I must note that unlike much of the Phoenix fare, this show is very much all-ages. I'd even recommended it for kids, and at 89 minutes long, it won't try their patience.

As for the story, related by the man who lived it, Louis de Rougemont (who bears a striking resemblance to Charles Goad), I find myself describing it as a cross between "Our Country's Good" and "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" -- but with little of the dark seriousness of the former and a lot of the childish whimsy of the latter. According to the informative display in the Phoenix lobby, there was a Louis de Rougemont living in the 19th century, and he did sail to Australia -- likely becoming marooned for a time. As for the rest, you'll just have to take Louis at his word.

Mr. de Rougemont (born in France, but raised an Englishman) has accomplices in telling his tale. Sara Riemen, a very familiar face to Phoenix patrons, takes on roles including Louis' mother, the ship's captain and Louis' Aborigine wife. Eddie Curry, usually seen at Beef & Boards, comes downtown to help in various roles, most notably Louis' faithful dog. A couple of stagehands lurk in the background to supply sound effects and changes of scenery, in their own way adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the play.

Though it looks low-budget, you get a story of high adventure. Did he go all those places? Do all those things? Maybe. I know there's that adventure-hungry boy within me who wants to believe; who doesn't want to hear conflicting, more drab explanations; who will forgive a man for confusing wombats with flying bats; who has no problem imagining a man riding on the back of a sea turtle.

So, even if you only have an "inner" child, bring him or her along and see this show, weekends through Nov. 8 at 749 Park Ave. (corner of Park and St. Clair, just north of Mass Ave). Call 317-635-7529.