INTERVIEW: ’39 Steps’ keeps adding steps with new NY production
The 39 Steps is one of the most successful theatrical events of the past few years, having played an extended run in London’s West End and on Broadway, off-Broadway and around the world. The farcical comedy is based on Alfred Hitchcock’s memorable movie and features a small cast of actors portraying many, many characters. The proceedings get pretty silly only a few minutes into the play.
The show, written by Patrick Marlow, is being mounted this summer at the Southampton Cultural Center in Southampton, New York. The cast includes Rafe Terrizzi, Hannah Tova Wolff, Ian Harkins and Cori Hundt. Craig J. George directs the theatrical melee.
The plot surrounds a detective who finds himself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game involving spies, murderers and soon-to-be victims. On paper, the play may seem dreadfully bleak, but it’s all tongue in cheek. Think Agatha Christie by way of Monty Python.
The new production will host a special “Murder Mystery Opening Night Party” Saturday, July 15 to celebrate the run of performances. If that doesn’t work, audiences can catch the madcap comedy through Sunday, July 30.
Recently the cast exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about all things Hitchcock. They decided to answer the questions as one ensemble. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How challenging is this show from an actor’s perspective?
It’s a challenge, but a wonderful one. In rehearsals, it’s our jobs to be meticulous about differentiating the myriad different characters we all have to play. There are accents, voices, walks and costumes for each character that we all need to make specific and keep straight in our minds. Then, we have to seamlessly blend them all together now that we are in tech and running full rehearsals.
A massive amount of credit also has to go to our design team. They were finally the ones who pulled it all together for us and set us in a world where we could play around, and I think their quality work shows itself in this show.
Did you use the original movie as inspiration?
Absolutely. We had a wine night as a cast and watched the movie twice now. There are definitely parts of the movie we send up and joke about, but that is our job.
What’s it like to work with director Craig J. George?
How Craig George is able to put up with the four of us and our shenanigans, not to mention the massive amount of work he has had to do, while still being a steadfast rock to us all and staying beautifully coiffed, we will never know. He has repeatedly gone above and beyond his role as director to transport items, to publicize the show and to pitch in acquiring props. His eyes lit up when we first started talking about the show, and he has turned it into a really beautiful spectacle.
How difficult is it to keep track of all the characters and voices?
We regularly aren’t able to drop the characters backstage. It’s strange, but once you’re in the character’s costume, it’s not so much about keeping the character straight in your head as it is letting them go.
Why do you think The 39 Steps has become one of the most successful plays of the past decade?
I think so much credit has to be given to the initial West End and Broadway runs. I remember thinking when I first saw the London run of the show what a fun time I had. Then, there’s how malleable the show is. It can be played on a huge Broadway scale, or it can be played very simply. And at every point, it is guaranteed to entertain.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The 39 Steps at the Southampton Cultural Center in Southampton, New York, continues performances through Sunday, July 30. The production will host a “Murder Mystery Opening Night Party” Saturday, July 15 at Veterans Memorial Hall. Click here for more information and tickets.
