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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
An entertainer, played by Samuel T. Martin, freshman of Hot Springs, South Dakota, spins plates Tuesday during "The 39 Steps." — Photo by Teri Robinson
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Take steps to see new show

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An entertainer, played by Samuel T. Martin, freshman of Hot Springs, South Dakota, spins plates Tuesday during "The 39 Steps." — Photo by Teri Robinson
An entertainer, played by Samuel T. Martin, freshman of Hot Springs, South Dakota, spins plates Tuesday during “The 39 Steps.” — Photo by Teri Robinson

“39 Steps” is Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 spy-thriller of the same name.

Before you go and see the play, put down this review and go and watch the original (it’s on YouTube), because there are nuances that you might miss out on.

The protagonist, Richard Hannay, played by Derek Phelps, senior of Sidney, is the only consistent character in the cast of four.  Phelps had strong delivery on all of his lines.

Hannah Clark, senior of Littleton, Colorado, plays the part of three characters; the assumed German spy, Annabella Schmidt, Scottish housewife Margaret, and Hannay’s de facto love interest, Pamela. I had initially thought Clark’s German accent was a little off, but after watching the original, I think it was pretty on point.

Wacey Gallegos, junior of Ainsworth, and Sam Martin, freshman of Hot Springs, South Dakota, play a host of other characters, often simultaneously rotating through hats and coats, constant costume changes that make for comedic gold. My favorite was Martin’s Scotch Inn owner and Gallegos’ “Doctor Jordan,” (I like characters that share my last name). Martin has the Scotch accent down pat, but Gallegos could use a little work when he portrayed the sheriff.

Beyond the acting, the costuming, props, and lighting were on point.  There were several special effects that were impressive as well, especially the “air chase scene” with the “crash” at the end (you’ll have to see it to know what I mean).

The only complaints I really had with the production were the relative wimpiness of the fog machines, which might be a possible future item for the student government to invest activity fees in. The sound at the beginning of the show, (specifically the laugh tracks and clapping), also made it difficult to hear the lines, but I got over that rather quickly as the show progressed.

The set designs are minimal, which is why I think you need to watch the original to get a full feel for what all is happening in the show, but they managed to make all of the action still work across minimal bits that ended in a hilarious parody of the original.

It’s a little more than “39 Steps” from your dorm room to M-Hall, but even if you have to crawl, make sure you catch this absurdly, funny show.