An eighth-grade cast directed by Jason Kruger recently staged an incredibly fast-paced, laugh-laced romp through Alfred Hitchcock's film classic 39 Steps. The drama students' hilarious physicality and vocal talents shone in St. Andrew's version of the Tony Award-winning hit show. The rapid-fire scene changes and complex sound effects in the 1930s comedy spy thriller entertained Founders Hall audiences Dec. 5-6. The Broadway spoof of the 1935 film features murderous mayhem, villains and heroes, the London Palladium, a Scottish moor, and both train-top and airplane chases.
The story is a familiar portrayal of one man's flight from wrong accusations and the authorities. Romance comes from his being handcuffed to a woman whom he ultimately marries after the true villains are exposed. In the role of Richard Hannay, the pursued protagonist, Davison Thompson led the talented ensemble that included Mark Ashworth, Cole Baker, Sarah Ballard, Joel Campbell, Daniela Cos, Julie Gester, Caroline Graves, Natalie Jacks, Gracen Kelly, Caroline Rogers, Trey Shepherd, Caleb Short, and Caroline Weber. Freshman Sarah Hudson, a technical theater student, ran the sound board for the performances while senior Tom Brady operated the light board.
On the 39 Steps program, Mr. Kruger noted that staging 39 Steps was not as easy a task as he had anticipated. "Wow, was I wrong. This show has been incredibly challenging from the style to the dialects, set changes... Farce comedy, that's where the real acting happens." Or as Richard Hannay would say, "Crikey’, golly, absolutely beastly."