In the play adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s, The 39 Steps, Richard Hannay (John Behlmann) goes on a quest to clear his name after he is framed by spies for the murder of a young woman (Annabella Schmidt), he met after going to the theater one night.
His journey takes him across all of England to Wales, and then to Scotland, and then back to England, trying to find a mysterious Englishman living in the Scottish highlands. The story is told by four actors, each acting out multiple parts, with the exception of Behlmann. Jamie Jackson and Cameron Folmar act out some 30 different parts during the course of the play.
The overall story is told with lots of props on the stage with Jamie Jackson and Cameron Folmar portraying random side-characters such as policemen, Inn owners, a family in the Scottish highlands, and passengers on a train. Kate Maccluggage portrays Annabella Schmidt, the spy in the opening scenes, Pamela, a passenger on a train and has a further role in the story, and Margaret, who is the lonely wife of a Scot living in the highlands.
The stage on which the story takes place is artfully crafted, portraying a Broadway musical with meticulous decorations on the stage, as well as a red velvet curtain. The theater itself is small, but the building plays host to other off-Broadway plays. Outside the theater is a lounge with various art deco pieces and bars.
I give this performance of The 39 Steps a 9 out of 10 for the story, an 8 out of 10 for theatrical layout, and a 10 out of 10 for cast performance. This was a stellar performance with an amazing cast, and you should most certainly see this show.
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