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John Buchan’s The 39 Steps
by Patrick BarlowPerformed September 2013
(September 17 - 28, 2013)
at the Ron Maslin Playhouse
(10 performances: part of the regular season)
Directed by Sandy Wynne
Technical Direction by Karl Wagner
CAST
| RICHARD HANNAY |
Mike Hammond |
| ANNABELLA/PAMELA/MARGARET |
Allison Harris |
| CLOWN |
Gordon Walls |
| CLOWN |
Andrew Williams |
| CLOWN | Paul Behncke |
PRODUCTION STAFF
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
As a kid growing up I loved the black and white movies of the 30’s and 40’s and I could often be found in a garage, a basement, a park....putting on a show with friends and whatever costumes and props we could find, create or mime. My involvement in The 39 Steps has been a joyous one, partly as I’ve had a chance to reflect on these aspects of my past.
Theatre magic lies at the heart of Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of The 39 Steps story. Four actors, with a “let’s put on a show” bravado, lovingly pay tribute to Alfred Hitchcock’s early talking film version of John Buchan’s spy thriller novel. Cobbling together whatever set pieces, props, costumes and wigs are at their disposal, the players do their earnest best to capture the entire 1935 film epic on the stage.
Of course, the undertaking of such a daunting task produces the fast-paced mayhem of quick character changes and the comedy of the inexact execution of best-laid plans. The moments of “planned imperfection” are part of the production’s charm and the audience will root for the actors as they confront these challenges.
Rehearsing and planning the production aspects of The 39 Steps is proving to be a huge treat for me. An enormous amount of intensely creative collaboration is afoot.
Actors are digging deep as they explore their many unique characters and the play’s theatrical and comic moments, while trying to balance the twin concepts of homage and send-up. Mike, Allison, Gord and Andrew have been fearless risk-takers; their blood and sweat, required by the many physical demands, have been mixed with much laughter.
Given the apparent simplicity of the staging, the efforts of the production team, put together by husband/producer Paul, and under the capable direction of Karl, are paradoxically sophisticated. The scenic, sound, music, lighting, costume, props, and special effects designers provide much of the 1930’s era texture. They assist the actors to take on the conventions of several film genres of the period: the spy thriller, film noir, melodrama and even early romantic comedy. Keep an eye open for the occasional nod to Hitchcock’s films in particular.
As we in the theatre know, without Katie, her stage management team and the crew scurrying, unseen, backstage, much of the onstage magic would not be possible.
The engaging performances by the actors and the evocative technical presentation of location, period, and high action should provide a lively evening of entertainment for you, our audience. Please sit back and enjoy all 39 Steps!
