If you’re an Alfred Hitchcock fan, you will love CVRep’s production of The 39 Steps. Based on John Buchan’s 1915 novel, the thriller deftly fleshes out a common Hitchcock theme: An innocent man must clear his name after being accused of a crime he did not commit.
Hitchcock’s 1935 film was a great success, and was a defining moment in his career. There were three subsequent films, including a 1978 version with Robert Powell in the lead role. A stage adaptation premiered in 2005 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, but with a twist: Just four actors play all of the characters, adding a comedy element to the story. The play opened on Broadway in January 2008; it received six Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Play.
In the film, “The 39 Steps” refers to the clandestine organization of foreign spies collecting information on the British military. In truth, the phrase originated when Buchan’s younger sister was counting the stairs down to the beach at a private nursing home where he was convalescing from a duodenal ulcer. There were actually 78 steps, but Buchan cut that number in half to make a better title.
The story begins as Canadian Richard Hannay (Matthew Floyd Miller) is vacationing in London. He meets the mysterious Annabella Schmidt (Ashley Morton), who tells him she’s a spy in great danger. Her concerns prove prophetic when, after inviting herself back to Hannay’s apartment, she is murdered. Unjustly accused of the crime, Hannay goes on the run from police. His adventures take him through the Scottish moors, and along the way, he meets a cavalcade of characters, including the lovely, spirited Pamela (Morton again), with whom he may find romance.
The 39 Steps is ambitious and fast-paced, with a lot of special lighting, sound and visual effects. Fortunately for valley audiences, CVRep pulls it all off beautifully.
The ensemble is stellar. Miller is perfectly cast as the frantic and confused, yet always-dapper Richard Hannay. When police issue statements about the murder suspect they’re after, Hannay is described as “handsome, with dark, wavy hair and piercing brown eyes.” Miller’s Hannay is suave, funny and a joy to watch onstage. His English accent is spot-on.
Morton is superb as Annabella, Pamela and a meek farmer’s wife named Margaret. Morton commands the stage and makes each character distinct; both her German and English accents are quite good.
Louis Lotorto (Clown #1) and Christopher Shaw (Clown #2) are both amazing. Juggling numerous roles, from constable to train conductor to innkeeper (and his wife) to master of ceremonies at London’s Palladium Theatre, these two actors are splendid. Their transformations are complete, so much so that it’s sometimes hard to believe there are only four members of this cast.
Special mention must be made of the use of physical comedy and mime in this production: These actors nail it—particularly in the train scene, as they convey the movement of the locomotive, entering or leaving the compartment, or bracing against the wind when a window is opened. It is a master class. To pull all of this together successfully, you need an extraordinarily skilled director. CVRep wisely chose Jamie Torcellini to do the job—and an outstanding job it is.
Congrats to sound designer Joshua Adams for the wonderfully effective music, both pre-show and throughout the production. The always-dependable Jimmy Cuomo works his magic again here, with constantly changing, simple sets that are just right. Kudos also to lighting designer Moira WiIkie; the lights, sound and special film effects (including a brief homage to Hitchcock) take this production to a whole new level.
With four actors portraying this many different characters, hair, makeup and costumes can make a huge difference. Lynda Shaeps and Zoe Trautmann bring their “A” game here.
CVRep’s production of The 39 Steps has it all—murder, international intrigue, love, sex (almost), humor, moody music, excellent acting and top-notch technical effects. Don’t miss it!
The 39 Steps will be performed at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, Dec. 22, at the CVRep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Cathedral City. Tickets are $80 (opening night, Dec. 12, is $110), and the running time is just more than two hours, with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.
