Photo by Michal Daniel
The Arizona Theatre Company’s production of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” is a modern day melodramatic mash-up. Its director Joel Sass explains it as a piece of “euphoric and unabashed storytelling” that could only exist on stage.
The play, featuring just four actors playing 150 roles is a madcap experience for the audience and the performers, and uses every trick in the book to transport the audience into a variety of worlds.
Born out of an English production and morphed into a four-act play that was in New York for an extended run, this production comes to Tucson via Minnesota which will feature the same cast and director when it hits the Temple of Music and Art stage this month.
Sass describes the play as having “transformative performances” from the actors who need to have solid acting chops as well as musical skills, clowning ability and excellent timing.
“The play is a fun challenge to produce and perform in,” says Sass, due to the quick costume changes and rapid pace of the story.
When mild-mannered Richard Hanney finds himself with a dead body in his lap at the theatre, he begins an outrageous journey that takes him from England to the Scottish Moors and back, meeting an ever growing cast of characters whom may or may not help him solve the mystery of the 39 Steps.
Drawing inspiration from Hitchcock, Monty Python and classic spy novels, the production also is played with a wink and a nod to the audience, who must be in on the joke.
“The audience is invited into the conspiracy of make-believe” says Sass, which makes the experience all the better for both them and the performers.
A winner of two Tony Awards in 2008, the original production was the first Broadway play to jump down to an off-Broadway run when it closed—a testament to its staying power. It has also has become a staple around the country due to its fun and daft performances that appeal to a broad cross-section of audiences.
Director Sass says, “If we’ve done our job, you’ll leave with a spring in your step.”
Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” is on stage at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., January 14-February 4. Tickets available at ArizonaTheatre.org or by calling 622-2823.
