“Call me Ishmael” is one of the most recognisable opening lines in literature, and the story of Moby Dick isn’t a mystery to many people. This was both a strength and a drawback of Ross Ericson’s one-man reimagining of the tale: familiarity with the text makes it easier to enjoy, but it leaves few surprises.
A solid, warm, and often funny performance, but lacking spark
Pared back and relaxed, this incarnation of Moby Dick is tucked away in the corner of a tavern, the stage set with a single sail, a tankard of booze, and a projection of the sea. Ishmael, played by Ericson at an unwavering pace from start to finish, recounts the fateful and spiritual hunt for the great white whale.
Condensing Moby Dick into an hour’s script is no mean feat, and Ericson delivers a solid, warm and often funny performance, switching through the cast of characters with ease. But while the world-building and character work are strong, a little more light and shade in pacing and performance to make contemplative moments more impactful would have served the highs and lows of the story well.
The show could have benefited from more energy in the elements around the script too - some variation in lighting, projection or the addition of some evocative, scene-setting sound design. Any of these would have brought the story further to life and illustrated the vivid world Ericson was working hard to build.
While an easy and entertaining way to spend an hour with an engaging performer, the show’s simplicity may have come at the cost of the spark needed to stand out in a crowded Fringe.
