39 Steps

39 Steps

Union Square Theatre

August 5, 2015

Photo courtesy of 39 Steps

Director Maria Aitken’s remounted 2008 Tony Award winning production of 39 Steps is now playing at the Union Square Theatre.  It is a highly entertaining and farcical rendition of the Alfred Hitchcock 1935 thriller.  It is a must see for theatre goers who enjoy creative, out-of-the-box interpretations of classic, well know works.

The script is adapted by Patrick Barlow.  The Hitchcock suspense is surpassed by tongue in cheek humor and slapstick comedy.  The stage effects are low-tech, created by smoke and lighting.  Events like hanging off the side of a train, dangling from a bridge, being hunted down by a pair of biplanes, a crowded wild party in an adjoining room, and a chase scene on the roof of a train car are all cleverly achieved through pantomime, shadow puppets, and bold and focused reactions by the actors. 

Photo courtesy of 39 Steps

The advertisement boasts that four actors play 150 roles.  Arnie Burton, Billy Carter, Robert Petkoff, and Brittany Vicars are delightful, amazing, and funny.  Their characterizations are crisp and their timing is impeccable. 

The production has a style of its own.  It is witty and charming.  Take a friend and have a fun night out.

Domenick Danza