ERIKETA COST
Special to the Leader
“The 39 Steps” was a true form of escapism with its slapstick humor, sound effects and 1930s setting.
The Performing Arts Company (PAC), a student-run theater group, held the performances last Thursday and Friday night.
Characters were dropped on their heads and into forward roles. Actors stood on top of chests while flapping their jackets as to mimic wind hitting them on top of a moving train.
The clever physical effects that encapsulate physical comedy were endless and they all had the audience actively engaged and roaring with laughter.
Each actor, excluding the protagonist, played several different characters with effortless transitions.
The play involves protagonist Richard Hannay (freshman musical theater major Ian Hayes), who is accused of murdering a woman Annabella Smith (sophomore BFA acting major Grace McCulloch).
Before her death, Smith mentions her effort to escape a spy group to Hannay.
She briefly mentions “The 39 Steps,” but only to leave the audience wondering all throughout the play what it means.
Throughout the show, Hannay attempts to find the spy group, all while hiding from police and meeting several different zany characters and love interests.
Of these love interests is a woman named Pamela (Grace McCulloch), who at first deeply distrusts Hannay.
The two of them find themselves eventually fighting their dissonance to work together and go after the spies.
Although the show was comedic, there always can be special messages to be taken away.
Sophomore BFA musical theater major Emmett Wickersham, who portrayed one of the clowns, introduced the idea that Hitchcock’s work demonstrates that every day holds snip-its of interesting people, adventures and spontaneity.
Perhaps the excitement of life isn’t in murder mysteries, but rather in the people encountered, relationships formed, and experiences gained through each day in the journey.
“Interesting stories happen everyday. The play features a lot of stories that are zeroing in on one specific, private moment in time,” Wickersham says. “You can find importance in the small everyday things.”
Wickersham adds to the idea that a strong community within the cast itself is crucial to conveying these messages properly.
“Building community and trust is integral,” he said. “It goes with the idea that if you are in trouble, you have your friend to pick you up.”
Along with a strong community there must be strong talent, too. And every cast member in the show exuded talent and intense connection to their characters.
Each actor and actress’ face was lit with enthusiasm and engagement all throughout the show. Their character’s energies and idiosyncrasies fed off one another.
Changing from character-to-character in a smooth fashion seems like it should have been challenging. MuCullough, who played Pamela, Annabella and Margaret, didn’t seem all that phased.
“For each character I lucked out because they are each such distinct women, so it wasn’t hard to switch,” she said.
Director Monica Lynch and Assistant Director Shawn Sprankle were behind the scenes guiding the younger actors with their expertise all throughout the process.
“My director and assistant director were a huge help with figuring out each woman, so it made it more fun rather than intimidating,” McCullough added.
Not to mention how hard it must be to create a romantic chemistry with another actor and make it so convincing and electric.
The chemistry between characters Hannay and Smith was so fiery, that the anticipation for the two to kiss lasted the entire time.
The supporting roles Emmett Wickersham, David DeCaro, Brianna Ross, Jouhn Boughton, Noelle Crites and Jong Sang Rheu were each hilarious in their own individual way, and each worked the stage with a spring in their step.
PAC’s “The 39 Steps” was a perfect embodiment of a strong community of talent. Each character encouraged the audience to successfully escape to the 1930s for one night.