Jules Verne started it all with his 1873 novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.” A couple of movies followed years later, one producing an award winning song.

Now we have a stage version, adapted by Mark Brown and directed by Mark Torres that tells the expansive story, using five actors on a small stage to represent 37 characters traveling over seven continents in 80 days.

It’s a clever concept, and it works most of the time, thanks more to the actors and director than the author, who tends to drag out the story over a long, sometimes tedious first act and a much better and concise second act.

Scenic Designer Michael E. Martineau has created a set that begins and ends at a train station and, thanks to some imaginative props and a second level bridge, represents places traveled on Phileas Fogg’s great adventure.

Russell Garrett is great as the wealthy Londoner who bets his friends 20,000 pounds that he can travel around the world in 80 days, at a time when railroads and steamers were the main mode of travel. (No hot air balloons in this version.) The play requires the audience to use their imagination, as simple props are used to create illusions of ships, railroad cars and major world locations. One scene, brilliantly created, involves the entourage traveling on an elephant. You have to see it to believe it.

Four of the actors play a variety of characters that Phileas meets and travels with. Quick costume changes, some as simple as a hat and others much more elaborate, plus an effective use of lighting by Anthony Reed, allow for scene changes.

Jonathan Fisher, Actor 1, with 15 roles, multi-tasks with perfect timing, as he changes not only costumes but accents and attitudes with ease. This is Fisher’s, a regular at Cranston’s Epic Theatre, second role at OSTC, and I see a good future for the talented actor.

David Groccia, a RIC grad, follows with nine roles, including the pivotal Detective Fix, who follows Fogg around the world, believing he is a bank robber.

The lovely and talented Minita Gandhi plays three men before emerging as Aouda, an Indian princess who is rescued by the uptight Fogg, eventually falling in love with him and bringing him out of his shell.

Rounding out the cast is Matt Jones, who has two roles, the main one being Fogg’s French butler.

The actors worked together fine on opening night, doing the best they could with some of the corny, satirical humor. I found the pace a bit too slow at times, but I’m sure it will pick up by the time you read this.

“Around the World in 80 Days” is light fare at a time when there are a lot of heavy plays going on around the state. If you want a couple of hours of light, fluffy comedy with some clever gimmicks and good acting, this is the play for you.

At Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick, through November 22. Tickets range from $34-$49. Call 921-6800 for reservations.