Hitchcock Heightens into Hilarity

The 39 Steps

Imagine if someone took the grandaddy of the chase film, a classic Alfred Hitchcock mystery/thriller, and turned it into a laugh-out-loud farce. Well, the result is this play that features nonstop action and parodies the 1935 Hitchcock film. That movie had been adapted (four times, in fact) from a 1915 novel by John Buchan. And while this theatrical script overflows with diabolical murders, criminal  intrigue and villainous spies, and is filled with a large cast of colorful characters, the gimmick of this theatrical version is that only four actors play all the roles. Therein lies the source of humor for this Monty Python-like comedy.

The original script for the stage version was written by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, where the play premiered in Yorkshire, England. In 1985 it was revised and finessed by Patrick Barlow. The farce opened in London’s West End in 2006, where it played for nine years. Two years later “The 39 Steps” transferred to Broadway, where it played for two years, earning the hit production two Tony Awards, before moving to an Off-Broadway theatre.

This comic theatrical treatment of the Hitchcock adventure thriller film classic never takes Buchan’s pre-WWII spy story seriously. Gavin Lee portrays Richard Hannay, the main character. He’s a British bachelor living a comfortable single life in London. One evening he attends a show at the London Palladium. The presentation features an act called Mr. Memory, a man with photographic recall of trivia. Suddenly, Hannany’s evening is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious blonde. Her name is Annabella Schmidt and she seems immediately smitten by Richard. Suddenly gunshots are fired and the frightened woman claims that her life is in danger. Worming her way back to Hannay’s flat, Annabella claims she’s a spy. She says she’s uncovered a nefarious plot by a group, hiding in the Scottish Highlands, called “The 39 Steps.” They plan to steal vitally important British military information to share with the Nazis. 

The comic conceit of this play is that one actress, Caitlin Gallogly, and two actors, Zuhdi Boueri and Tom Detrinis, play all the remaining 150 characters. Therein lies the humor because this is all accomplished at breakneck speed. The production makes effective use of some lightning-fast quick costume and wig changes (thanks to the designs by Rachel Boylan and Brittany Crinson), a great deal of gender switching and even the portrayal of a few animals. Scenic designer Angela Weber Miller’s clever stage setting provides versatility with an ability to transform before our eyes. Lee Fiskness’ lighting, Ray Nardelli’s sound design and the projections created by Anthony Churchill all aid in creating the mysterious, ever-changing locales of the story.

Now, I’ve seen several productions of this ingenious comedy and have enjoyed it anew each and every time. This is actually the second production of “The 39 Steps” that I’ve seen at Drury Lane, but there’s a problem with it this time around. The cast is certainly talented. British actor Gavin Lee does a monumental job as Richard Hannay. He’s quick, clever and moves with a fluidity that’s one of his signature talents. Lee might be remembered for his portrayal of Squidward in “Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical,” both in Chicago and on Broadway. He’s also starred as Bert, the chimneysweep, in the Broadway and National Tour of “Mary Poppins,” in addition to countless other memorable musical roles. Here he is the perfect choice for playing Richard Hannay.

The supporting cast is also very good, as well. Caitlin Gallogly, who plays the comedy’s three leading ladies, boasts a large resume of roles. Her broad portrayal of German spy, Annabella Schmidt, is quite funny, although at times she’s difficult to hear or understand. Her coy portrayal of Margaret, a Scottish farmwife attracted to Hannay, and who tries to help him escape from the villains, is sweet. But it’s her performance as Pamela, a British woman who Richard first meets on the train, and later at a Scottish political rally, where Ms. Gallogly gives her best performance.

Both actors who play the Clowns demonstrate unlimited stamina and some crackerjack theatrical talents, as they portray everybody and everything else in the play. Some of their standout characters include Mr. Memory and his able Assistant, the evil Professor Jordan, the Sheriff and his Deputy and a hilarious elderly Scottish couple who run the inn where Richard and Pamela, now handcuffed together, must hide out.

One of the problems in this production seems to be the wide Drury Lane stage. In order for most comedies to work they need to play so fast that the audience can understand the clever dialogue while being denied the time to consider the insanity of the situation. While the Oakbrook venue is perfect for big musicals, like “A Chorus Line,” and epic melodramas, such as the recent “Murder on the Orient Express,” this particular play works best on a smaller stage. The comic action, which should be swift and snappy, is often slowed down by the shifting of scenery and the amount of space the actors must cover. 

In addition, Johanna McKenzie Miller has certainly directed this production with skill and a knowledge of what makes audiences laugh. But unfortunately a few of the scenes are muddied with too much silliness. There are times when the schtick goes on far too long and the humor simply becomes lost. There’s very little laughter at these times because the audience seems to be thinking, “Okay. Enough. We get it. You’re beating this comic bit to death. Let’s get on to the next moment.”

With a nod to the modern-day spy thriller, and lots of over-the-top comedy, “The 39 Steps” is played strictly for laughs. Hitchcock is most definitely heightened into hilarity. Broadway and London theatre star Gavin Lee is an inspired choice for the leading role. In addition to the wonderful performances, there’s plenty of references to other Hitchcock films. Some of the recorded incidental music, for instance, comes from the soundtracks of his other movies, which is a lot of fun to identify. There are many puns and theatrical allusions to the Master’s other movies, such as “North By Northwest,” “Strangers on a Train,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo” and others. Fans of the Hitchcock catalog of hits will enjoy recognizing these as the play races to its climax. This hilarious theatrical parody of the movie that launched the spy/adventure/thriller/chase genre of film is a great way to spend a Summer afternoon or evening.      

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 21-August 13 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.