For the first 80 minutes or so, the Jungle Theater’s latest production rolls along like a pastiche of every 19th-century adventure you’ve ever read, with dangerous sea voyages, deserted islands, lost treasure and true love at every corner. Then, in a few moments, the play turns into something deeper, richer and ultimately, much more satisfying.

Subtitled “The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself),” this play by playwright Donald Margulies has taken a fanciful Victorian story -- and the less fanciful truth beneath it -- and crafted a piece that flies by, rarely pausing for breath. The play is inspired by the real Louis de Rougemont, a 19th-century man who spun an amazing story of his 30 years marooned alone and among the Aborigine people of Australia, where he eventually found a happy life. The play spins around his recollections, and the reaction upon his eventual return to London.

Narrated by Louis and assisted by a small crew of actors, puppeteers and Foley artists, the man’s 30-year journey from London to being shipwrecked near Australia and back is told in broad strokes. There’s a breathless, picaresque quality to it all, but underneath it all is a character baring his soul to us all, with wonder and heartbreak at every turn.

Michael Booth carries the biggest acting load of the evening as the title character. As both narrator and key player, Booth shifts with ease from his own character’s different roles, while also providing a solid center for the audience to grab hold. In multiple roles, Emily Gunyou Halaas, Stephen Cartmell and Edwin Strout have a grand time, taking on parrot-loving captains (Strout), Louis’ native love, Yamba (Halaas) and a loyal dog and Queen Victoria (Cartmell).

The entire production has a whimsical tone, from the clever sound effects and riffs from the Foley artists to the delightful shadow puppets (created by Open Eye Figure Theatre’s Michael Sommers). Director and set designer Joel Sass has packed the stage and the production with plenty of clever twists, all of which brings the magic of the story to life -- in all of its twists and turns. The real story of Louis de Rougemont is included in the program, but I recommend saving that for after the show -- it’s best to let “Shipwrecked!” unfold on its own mad course.

“Shipwrecked!” runs through June 28 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis. Tickets are $28 to $36. For tickets and information, call 612-822-7063 or visit online.