Theatreworks’ talented artistic director Robert Kelly has done
it again with his creative handling of Patrick Barlow’s rendering
of
”
The 39 Steps
”
. This well cast murder/spy thriller moves at a quick clip. It
slips here and there, but it entertains and is beautifully offered
by each artist playing multiple roles.
Theatreworks’ talented artistic director Robert Kelly has done it again with his creative handling of Patrick Barlow’s rendering of “The 39 Steps”. This well cast murder/spy thriller moves at a quick clip. It slips here and there, but it entertains and is beautifully offered by each artist playing multiple roles.
Rebecca Dines, Mark Anderson Phillips, Dan Haitt and Cassidy Brown are masters of the outrageous comedy art and deliver delightful – nearly perfect – performances. They are a pleasure to watch. Their timing and delivery is almost flawless.
Barlow uses a broad brush, painting the four actors in their portrayals of more than 100 characters. There are more than 50 costume changes that transform their persona with a flick of a hat, jacket or wig before your eyes. The timing is intricate, a little staccato and was a little off on opening night. But I’m sure it will smooth out with a few more performances in the hands of these pros.
The clever use of minimum props is at times ingenious and adds to the hilarity of the production. For example, four large trunks and a bit of steam double as seats on a train and also act as the roof of the train that the characters do a typical Hitchcock chase scene, flapping their coats to give the effect of wind and rain; A bunch of old mismatched chairs and a podium create a getaway car; A charming toy train moves across the apron of the stage to shift the plot from London to Scotland; Movable doors and windows become ingenious props that tickle the funny bone and create a mental picture of what could possibly be next in this off-the-wall adventure done completely tongue-in-cheek with a homage to Hitchcock.
This is a truly blatant, inane parody of his most recognized movies. Anyone familiar with Hitchcock’s 1935 spy thriller “The 39 Steps”, which starred Robert Donat and Madeline Carroll, is no doubt wondering if I am writing about the same story. It is – with an outrageous burlesque comedy twist that keeps the audience giggling and groaning.
Robert Kelly directs this whacked out group like a conductor performing Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice in triple time. These actors must really sleep well especially when they sometimes do two shows in one day.
For anyone who is a Hitchcock fan, this might be the ticket to lighten up a bit. To those who aren’t familiar with his genius, it’s time to get acquainted, rent the movie and then see this show. You will definitely have an interesting experience.
***
‘The 39 Steps’
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Through: Feb. 20
Tickets: $24-$79
Details: (650) 463-1060 or www.theatreworks.org.
