Theater Review: Film Noir comes to Brigham’s Playhouse with “39 Steps”

With just a peek through the sheet into a world of espionage and feats of derring-do, you find yourself immersed in the Brigham’s Playhouse production of “39 Steps.” If you find this title somewhat familiar, it’s likely due to its original version: Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film. Adapted several times over, this version by Patrick Barlow is a farcical romp meshed with an improvisational feel, and yet it remains closest to Hitchcock’s native text. Featuring a cast of four portraying 40 different characters and a set comprising three trunks, two ladders, four boards and a sheet, “39 Steps” is a dynamic and droll show with a make-do resourcefulness.

Playing the charismatic — and frankly luckiest murder suspect in the world — Richard Hannay, is David Huntsman.

Armed with a spot on British accent, Huntsman skillfully brought every word to life with a suave debonair, enhanced by a picture-perfect pencil mustache.

Annie Huntsman is the femme fatale of the show. Playing three different characters — Annabella, Margaret and Pamela — she successfully bounded between each with a subdued grace that would carry great in film. Although there were moments of falling out of her accents, she rounded out the show with a quiet yet feverish sass and intensity.

Completing the cast are the riotous and non-stop comical duo: Jamie Young and Kelly Olsen.

Under the characters of “Clown 1 and Clown 2” in the playbill, these two are so much more. In my professional opinion, they are the show. With endless thigh-slapping humor, Young and Olsen played the remaining 36 roles. From show entertainers, thugs, and cops to sassy women, animals, and more, they make it impossible to sit still through each character, as you are literally laughing until your side hurts.

Brian Owen, a guest director from New York, hit a home run with this show. His use of the set and the space of the intimate theater was brilliant. The blocking of numerous scenes shows a skillful and stylized eye for theater. A highlight of “39 Steps” was the chase in the train scene, which led out onto the side and on top of the moving train. Another which must be mentioned was the high-intensity chase from the fighter planes –brilliant!

Original music by Taylor Williams, replete with accents and sound effects, fittingly scored this “39 Steps,” and the costumes by Tina Forsyth were accurately simple and understated but hit with a hysterical bang when needed. Doug Knapp’s set was make-shift in the most perfect way. Using a minimal set with the cast as the stage hands through each set change set the nuances and style of the show.

Equipped with small sets; quick scene, costume and character changes; and brilliant blocking and set design, “39 Steps” from Brigham’s Playhouse packs a punch and doesn’t let go. While the energy slightly lagged at the rise of the second act, it quickly picked right back up, and the laughter never stopped. Comically innovative, this show is one for the books for theater in Southern Utah. Film noir has come to Brigham’s Playhouse.

“39 Steps” runs through Feb. 13, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Get your tickets now at: http://www.BrighamsPlayhouse.com, or by calling (435) 251-8000.