AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS

BASED ON JULES VERNE'S CLASSIC BEST SELLER

BOOK, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY YARON KAFKAFI

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FOUR MAJOR PRODUCTIONS – ONE ENDURING MUSICAL

Since its premiere in 1999, Around the World in 80 Days has received four major productions in Israel, returning in 2007, 2017 and 2026. Each revival has introduced the musical to a new generation of children, parents and grandparents, demonstrating its lasting appeal as a theatrical adventure for audiences of all ages.

1999

2007

2017

2026

ALL-STAR CASTS

Across its four productions, the musical has featured many of Israel’s leading actors, singers and comedians. The central role of Passepartout, the comic heart of the story, has been played by some of the country’s most popular entertainers.

A PROVEN BOX-OFFICE SUCCESS

Across four major productions, the musical has demonstrated enduring commercial appeal. Its combination of a universally recognised title, popular leading performers and storytelling for the whole family has repeatedly brought new audiences to the theatre.

A CLASSIC AHEAD OF ITS TIME

Written in 1872, Jules Verne’s novel imagined a world becoming smaller, faster and increasingly interconnected. Beneath the excitement of the journey lies a deeply human story about different cultures meeting, the balance between reason and emotion, and a man discovering that love matters more than winning.

The Synopsis

London, 1872. Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and impeccably punctual English gentleman, wagers £20,000 that he can travel around the world in just eighty days. Accompanied by his newly appointed French valet, Jean Passepartout, he sets off on a race against time.

Unknown to Fogg, Detective Fix believes that he is the man who recently robbed the Bank of England and follows him across the globe, waiting for the warrant that will allow him to make an arrest.

In India, Fogg and Passepartout rescue Princess Aouda, who joins them on their journey. As they cross continents and oceans by train, ship, elephant and hot-air balloon, the logical and emotionally guarded Fogg gradually discovers courage, friendship and love.

When Fix finally arrests him upon his return to England, Fogg appears to have lost both the wager and everything he has risked. Only then does he realise that the journey has given him something far more valuable. But one final surprise may still allow him to reach the Reform Club before the clock strikes nine.

FAITHFUL TO JULES VERNE

Unlike adaptations that relocate or modernise the story, Yaron Kafkafi’s musical remains faithful to the spirit, period and central journey of Jules Verne’s novel. Set firmly in 1872, it invites younger audiences to discover the original adventure and the fascinating world in which it was written. Conceived in the tradition of the classic family musical, the show combines a sweeping story, comedy, romance, dance and a melodic theatrical score, without sacrificing the intelligence or emotional depth of the original.

THE GRAND 2026 PRODUCTION

In August 2026, Around the World in 80 Days returned in its largest and most ambitious production to date. Directed by Tsedi Tsarfati, the new staging features a large cast, extensive choreography, elaborate period costumes, spectacular scenery and a newly arranged score recorded with a large orchestra.
The production brings Verne’s journey to life through trains, ships, elephants and a hot-air balloon that travels above the audience, while preserving the humour, romance and emotional heart of the musical.

Starring
Daniel Litman as Phileas Fogg, Israel Katorza as Passepartout, Chen Amsalem as Princess Aouda and Orel Tsabari as Detective Fix.

Directed by
Tsedi Tsarfati
Choreography by
Omer Zamri
Musical Direction by
Yonatan Perlman
Set Design by
Adam Keller
Costume Design by Ella Kolesnik
Lighting Design by Ziv Voloshin
Produced by toMix Theatre

ACCLAIMED BY CRITICS

Across four productions, critics have praised the musical’s intelligent storytelling, memorable score, energetic staging and ability to captivate children and adults alike.

Yehuda Biton
"HaAretz" - Dec. 5, 1999

Meticulous, energetic direction and catchy, varied music combine staging and storytelling into a harmonious theatrical whole.”

Anat Lev-Adler,
"Yediot Ahronot" - Dec. 12, 2007

“A rare family musical that respects children’s intelligence – two hours overflowing with pleasure.”

“Israel Hayom”
December 2017

“An ambitious, fluent and enjoyable production that holds the attention of children and parents alike.”

"Maariv"
August 2026

“A must-see for the whole family this summer.”

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The Theme Song

Performed by the 2017 cast.

Starring Harel Skaat, Zvika Hadar, Roni Dalumi and Hannah Laslo.
Directed by
Avichay Hacham.
Produced by
Mayan Zelner

2026 Trailer

Performed by the 2026 cast.

Starring Daniel Litman as Phileas Fogg, Israel Katorza as Passepartout, Chen Amsalem as Princess Aouda and Orel Tsabari as Detective Fix.
Directed by Tsedi Tsarfati
Produced by toMix Theatre

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TWO SCENES WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Selected scenes from the acclaimed 2007 production, offering a glimpse of the musical’s humour, storytelling and score.

Around the World in 80 Days

Starring Lior Ashkenazi and Eli Jaspan
Directed by
Yaron Kafkafi
Produced by Yochelman-Asher Productions 2007

A Difficult Man

Starring Eli Jaspan as Passepartout
Directed by
Yaron Kafkafi
Produced by Yochelman-Asher Productions 2007

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A MEMORABLE THEATRICAL SCORE

The score combines sweeping ensemble numbers, comedy songs, romantic duets and recurring musical themes that accompany Fogg and Passepartout across the globe. Songs from the musical have been recorded for each of its major productions.
1999 – Original Cast Recording
1999
2007 – Revival Cast Recording
2007
Revival Cast
2017
2026 – Grand Revival
2026
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Video Clips Archive

2017

  • Around the World in 80 Days - Main Song
  • Around the World in 80 Days - 2017 Trailer
  • Around the World in 80 Days - Complete Show

2007

  • Around the World in 80 Days

    Video clip from the 2007 production.

  • Around the World in 80 Days

    The 2007 production - complete show.

    Directed by Yaron Kafkafi
    Produced by Yochelman-Asher Productions 2007

1999

  • Around the World in 80 Days - 1999

    All the songs from the 1999 first production of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. The cast members are telling the story in their own words.
    Directed by
    Yaron Kafkafi | Produced by Yochelman-Asher Productions 1999

  • Would You Look At Me?

    Galit Giat stars as Princess Aouda, who has fallen in love with the English gentleman who rescued her but cannot persuade him to notice her feelings.
    From the original 1999 production.
    Directed by Yaron Kafkafi.

  • Around the World in 80 Days

    Video clip from the 1999 production. (Directed by Rani Saar)

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respects our kids' intelligence

the music is catchy and diverse

fluent and enjoyable