Meet Richard Hannay.
For the next two weekends I have the pleasure of starring in a production of ‘The 39 Steps,‘ based off Hitchcock’s classic film. The above photo is used in the show; my character is on the run for most of it, and a pair of policemen use the above photo just prior to a chase scene on a train (yes!).
What’s great about this show is it’s a comedy, yet still uses much of Hitchcock’s original dramatic screenplay. Believe me, it works. It’s a small cast – just four of us – though the show is populated by something like 140 different characters (seriously). The bulk of that is done by two “clowns” played by Doug Bishop and Dreux Lewandowski. Sue Powell plays three separate characters. I play Richard throughout.
The four cast member thing is slightly misleading; our crew working behind the scenes is every bit as important as the players on stage. This show is so fast-paced, with so many props and set pieces and costume changes and so on, that we actors rely heavily on the folks backstage. Yes, that’s true of every production, but even more so on this one. It’s that crazy. Couldn’t do it without ‘em.
Hard to believe, but this is my first stage show in seven years. I’ve so totally enjoyed jumping back into this, back home with Theatre 7, and feel we’ve really got something fun for the audience. If you’re in the area the next two weekends, I encourage you to come check us out!
