By LeAnna Hamblin
Weber State University Theatre goes bold when presenting Alfred Hitchcock’s comedic mystery, The 39 Steps at the Val A. Browning Center in Ogden, Utah. Based on the novel by John Buchan and adapted by Patrick Barlow, director Tracy Callahan has masterfully created a pleasurable experience for the audience to be immersed in this classically comedic tale of mystery and murder. Richard Hannay (Christian Clarke) finds himself thrown into the middle of an international spy ring and is sought after by the police who want him for a murder he did not commit. All the while, he is on a quest to uncover and prevent an international secret from being revealed.
Physical humor and perfectly timed punchlines help bring the story of Richard Hannay’s impossible adventures to life. Clarke is dynamic while playing this leading man. He is naïve and innocent as his story begins at the theater to take in a show and relax on his London vacation. Clarke is quick to change his portrayal from naïve to determined. When Richard Hannay finds himself with a murdered woman in his apartment, he knows he must get out of town quickly. And after meeting some colorful characters on the train, he finds himself more determined than ever to get away. Clarke uses his physicality to portray the getaway in which he climbs off and travels across the top of a train and then jumps off a bridge. The story he tells with his movement is impressive. Clarke is commanding onstage. His presence is undeniable, and the other actors follow his lead when it comes to engaging the audience.
Sarah Michelle Jensen gracefully uses her talent to portray Annabella Schmidt, Margret, and Pamela Edwards, three very different characters who have their own stories to bring to life. As Annabella, Jensen is mysterious and seductive, pulling the innocent Richard into her world of spies and secrets. When Richard is accused of her murder, we see the end of Annabella and Jensen introduces us to Pamela, who inadvertently gets pulled into the mayhem. While portraying Pamela, Jensen is passionate and determined. She brings a strength to Pamela that is refreshing to see onstage in a leading lady. Her natural beauty only adds to the character. The third character we see from Jensen is Margret, the oppressed, Scottish housewife, who will never look at life the same after meeting Richard Hannay. Jensen is sweet and impressionable as Margret. Jensen and Clarke have an undeniable chemistry onstage, which is especially difficult to accomplish with three different leading ladies being portrayed.
I have experienced actors playing several characters in one show, but never like Megan McLean and Gabriel Priest who play Clown 1 and Clown 2, respectively. These two actors put their hearts and souls into their performances. The effort and energy required is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in a performance. McLean’s and Priest’s comedic timing with each other, as well as with Clarke and Jensen is perfect. After attempting to keep count of their many costume and character changes, I lost track. The changes are quick and seamless, forcing the audience to keep up with what is happening from one moment to the next. During one scene, McLean changes from detective to inn keeper, while Priest changes from inn keeper to detective and back to inn keeper all within less than one minute and using each other’s costume pieces.
The show would not be possible without Mover and Shaker 1 (Gabriel Priest) and Mover and Shaker 2 (Hunter Jex) who act as part silent actors and part stage crew, creating scene changes so smoothly the audience barely realizes the story has progressed to another location. Priest and Jex are invisible when they need to be and, at other times, an important presence, allowing the actors to progress the story. This is not an easy feat considering most of the set pieces and props, designed by Cully Long and DJ Pike, are exposed onstage throughout the entire show.
The costume pieces, designed by Catherine Zublin, are intentional and well used in telling the story. With many actors playing several characters, it is necessary that the pieces be easily transferable. It is obvious that much thought and care went into designing each piece. Lighting designer William Peterson and sound designer Grace Heinz do an impeccable job helping set the mood and ambiance of each scene. Several times throughout the performance, there are very intricate lighting and sound cues that must be perfectly timed in order to be effective. Each cue was precisely executed.
Hair and make-up designer Cynthia Johnson uses several different techniques throughout the show to achieve the desired character development. The wigs she creates for each character add to the story and help the audience know important parts of the character. Although there is not traditional choreography, choreographer Jaycee Harris uses choreography to allow the characters to interact with each other and develop the story.
Weber State University Theatre’s The 39 Steps at the Val A. Browning Center in Ogden, Utah is a delightful evening filled with comedy and mystery. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this show and makes a perfect date night.
Weber State University Theatre presents The 39 Steps, Adapted by Patrick Barlow, Novel by John Buchan, Movie by Alfred Hitchcock.
Weber State Theatre, 1901 Circle Rd, Ogden, Utah 84408
February 21-22 and 26-29, Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 PM; Matinee, Saturday, February 29, 2:00 PM
Tickets: $8.25-$13
Contact: 801-626-6437
Weber State University Theatre Facebook Page
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