The 39 Steps
Alfred Hitchcock shot his movies on location, infusing the everyday - like crows on a telephone line - with menace. The 39 Steps, a highly theatrical (albeit lighter than air) take on Hitch's 1935 movie, has no such luxury. The show must generate effects on a bare stage with only trunks, chairs, a wardrobe, and four performers in an aerobic workout that would challenge the hale and buff. Much of the fun comes from seemingly spontaneous inventions, as when Michael Hannay, the harassed Brit, must climb through a window but only has the frame. Since Ted Deasy plays Hannay throughout (and quite well), the other three actors juggle an estimated 130 characters (backstage quick changes must resemble a sale-table frenzy at Nordy's). Claire Brownell's range from the sultry to, in a touching portrait of a Scottish woman, the truly forlorn. They create so many instantly credible beings, Scott Parkinson and Eric Hissom must dream in multiple personalities.
Worth a try.
When
Ongoing until Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hours
| Sundays, 2pm & 7pm |
| Tuesdays, 7:30pm |
| Wednesdays, 7:30pm |
| Thursdays, 8pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 2pm & 8pm |