The 39 Steps - Westport Country Playhouse

The Westport Country Playhouse kicks off its 2024 – 2025 Season of Laughter with the amusing The 39 Steps.  Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film of the same name, as well as the John Buchan novel, this humorous romp reenacts the film…with just four actors.  There is the intrepid hero, Richard Hannay who, as is common in Hitchcock flicks, is wrongly accused of murder while, at the same time, chasing spies without being snuffed out himself.  There is a romantic interest and enough adventure, oddball characters, and derring-do to satisfy any audience member.

 

The Cast of The 39 Steps.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Patrick Barlow, who adapted the show from the source material, has dreamed up what seems like a limitless number of inventive verbal and visual gags.  The playwright closely follows the story’s well-known premise so even individuals unfamiliar with the plot can easily follow along.

 

Director Mark Shanahan keeps the action barreling forward at a rapid clip.  The flow is greatly enhanced by Movement Coordinator Steve Pacek’s dexterous work with the actors.  The cast seems game for anything the director throws at them, which includes a heaping dollop of physical humor, giddy wordplay, and dry, British wit.

 

Sharone Sayegh, Joe Delafield and Evan Zes in The 39 Steps.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

There are pauses, usually for schtick by actors Seth Andrew Bridges (Clown I) and Evan Zes (Clown 2), who portray what seems like an infinite number of eccentric and devilish characters.  The most entertaining scenes are those with little opportunity to linger, but even those moments that tarry too long are usually saved by the antics and quick change artistry of Bridges and Zes.  Ryan Rumery’s Sound Design adds an audio component to these hijinks.

 

Joe Delafield, as with all Hitchcock heroes, brings a honorable, self-importance to his role as Richard Hannay.  The actor, who occasionally seems to channel his innermost John Cleese (of Monty Python fame), rightly plays the straight man to facilitate the tomfoolery on stage.  Sharone Sayegh is dastardly sweet as the international spy Annabella Schmidt and appropriately flustered as the heroine Margaret.  Seth Andrew Bridges and Evan Zes probably have the most fun in the production.  They are constantly changing characters, adding accents, and clowning around as they portray, well I lost count of how many people they impersonate.  If there is one standout within the ensemble of performers it is Evan Zes, who’s nonstop comedic prowess is inspired.

Sharone Sayegh and Joe Delafield in The 39 Steps.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

 

James J. Fenton’s quick-changing Scenic Designs are full of whimsy and creativity and helped by J. Dominic Chacon’s sometimes moody Lighting Design. The pleasure of Jeni Schaefer’s Costume Designs are their quantity, variety, and versatility.

 

The 39 Steps runs through November 9 at the Westport Country Playhouse.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.