Ahoy! Surfside sends literary characters on a silly adventure in 'Moby Dick Fractured'

What happens when you take a literary classic and give it a little twist of comedy? You get stories like you've never seen before.

That recipe for comedy gold works for Surfside Playhouse, which presents its sixth offering in the popular "fractured" series with the theater's season closer, "Moby Dick Fractured." The irreverent and raucous twist on Herman Melville's classic opens June 16 for a run through July 2.

Surfside Playhouse’s artistic director Bryan Bergeron appreciates the continuing comedic endurance of the “fractured” concept. In the past, he has applied it to Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Robin Hood, Dracula and the Three Musketeers.

This time, Bergeron chases Melville's great white whale with an original script and a wacky sense of humor.

"'Moby Dick Fractured' is fast paced, silly and filled with incredibly diverse content that has only one goal," Bergeron said. "To deliver fun in large quantities."

If you think you know the story of Ishmael, Captain Ahab and Moby Dick, set your expectations aside and prepare for a wild ride.

"From the first scene, the audience understands that they have no clue as to what to expect. Taking patrons on a journey where they can’t predict the outcome is a strong ally to comedic response," Bergeron said. "Surprise!"

The familiar characters are there, but with a few twists and additions. When sailor Ishmael and his cannibal friend Queequeg sign on as crew on Captain Ahab's ship, the "Peaquad," they find that the vessel is crewed by colorful characters. There is a fortune teller who can only make predictions after things happen, an inept group of mutineers, a raft filled with spying women, a crafty stowaway and a "Save the Whales" activist.

This all adds up to an evening of fun and laughs. "In my mind, it’s long form sketch comedy,” Bergeron said. "The basic premise is to choose a universally known piece of public domain literature, pick out a few plots points and write a spoof on that source material."

Looking for more to do? Our top picks in Melbourne, Suntree, Cocoa for June 16-22

No money? No problem. Here are five free, fun things to do in Brevard for June 16-22

'Avenue Q' opens at Henegar Center: Grown-up comedy with puppets, profanity and heart

Surfside's actors, which includes all ages from kids to adults, look forward to the "fractured" show every season, in part because of the way the show evolves after it is cast. While Bergeron starts with an outline and basic character sketches, the writing begins in earnest once the actors are in place.

"The comedy is written specifically for the actors who are cast in the show, allowing me to capitalize on the performer’s strengths," he said.

New scenes are delivered to the cast throughout the rehearsal process. "The biggest joy is when the characters take on a life of their own and lead me on a comic direction I didn’t recognize at first," Bergeron said.

Audiences look forward to the annual "fractured" shows as well. Bergeron has a clear mission in presenting the show.

"We have only one directive," he said. "To make sure they have fun."

If you go

'Moby Dick Fractured'

Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 2

Tickets: $25 to $28

Info: 321-783-3127

On the web: surfsideplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Moby Dick Fractured' at Surfside Playhouse