Looking for a laugh? I mean the kind of side-splitting laugh that we all need right now? Look no further than the absolutely madcap, uproarious production of “The 39 Steps” currently running at South Pasadena Theatre Workshop. Follow me on this; the play is a Monty Python-esque parody of classic British spy thrillers based on a John Buchan 1915 novel which became an Alfred Hitchcock film which then became a 1996 play that was then adapted in 2005 by Patrick Barlow and went on to become one of the longest running smash hits in the West End. So, murder, mystery and intrigue? Check. Deliriously precise, fall-down funny physical comedy by a talented, crackerjack cast? Check!
Andrew Tippie plays the unflappable, pencil-moustached Brit, Richard Hannay, who stumbles into an international spy conspiracy when a beautiful German spy is mysteriously murdered in his London apartment. Per her instructions, he flees to Scotland and leads police and dastardly villains on a manhunt that includes a train, a bridge, Highland escapes, a multitude of characters and being handcuffed to a gorgeous and feisty woman named Pamela. Believe it or not, this story is told by only four actors. Destini Huston plays the German spy, a woman named Margaret, and Pamela while Jeremy Schaye and Austin Hall play what the show calls Clown 1 and Clown 2 (Sam Bass takes on Clown 2 in alternating performances). Which means that Schaye and Hall take on some 100 roles! It’s insane but they somehow pull it off in a most extraordinary display of physical dexterity that is astounding.
Destini Huston is a revelation as German spy Annabella Schmidt, working-class Margaret and spitfire companion, Pamela. She gives a sensual, intelligent performance (her German accent is a hoot) and has that “can’t take your eyes off her” charisma that captivates. Tippie gives a tour de force performance of Hannay that has you rooting for him in every ridiculous scenario, cheering him on as he literally climbs, crawls, and jumps his way up and down ladders, across tightropes and through windows. It’s exhausting and exhilarating to behold.
It’s impossible to remember every character that Schaye and Hall so masterfully inhabit, but it is a breathtaking ride through every kind of class of Brit and Scot, from train conductors to newsboys, salesmen to policemen, spies to performers and incomprehensible Scot innkeepers. They swap out hats and beards, skirts, furs, and wigs. It is so very funny and completely mesmerizing.
The cast has brilliant chemistry that director, Sydney Walsh, deftly brings together in a seamless feat, as if you’ve just watched an ensemble cast of 30. For the trivia buffs, there are Hitchcock references throughout – see if you can spot them. The Clay Wilcox set is practical yet incredibly clever, incorporating ladders and rigging for the various chase scenes with moody and mysterious lighting by Leigh Allen. The Nick Foran sound design is almost a character unto itself, providing its own hilarious moments.
This show is challenging to say the least, but this production and these actors make for an absolutely rollicking, gut-busting evening of entertainment worthy of your time in these dog days of summer.
The 39 Steps is now playing through September 1, 2024, at South Pasadena Theatre Workshop located at 1507 El Centro Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
Performances run Fridays: August 2, 16, 23, and 30 at 7:30pm; Saturdays: August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 5:00pm; Sundays: August 4, 11, 18, 25, and September 1 at 5:00pm.
Tickets start at $30, and information can be found on their website: www.SouthPasadenaTheatreWorkshop.com.
Producing team: Stephen Godwin, Sally Smythe, and Sam Cass. Lighting Design: Leigh Allen. Scenic Design: Clay Wilcox. Sound Design: Nick Foran. Costume Design: Michael Mullens. Production Stage Manager: Samantha Burkett. Assistant Stage Manager: Jacqui Kolker.
