“Monty Python meets Alfred Hitchcock.” That’s how the madcap adventure that is Patrick Barlow’s play, The 39 Steps, has been described. And Trinity College School audiences were treated to plenty of laughs – and thrills – as the School presented its spring play, May 25th to 27th in the Dick and Jane LeVan Theatre.
When it was first written in 1915 by John Buchan, The 39 Steps was “considered the first modern spy novel,” explains Mr. Greg MacPherson, director of the TCS production. He adds, “Buchan is considered the creator of this classic formula: take a seemingly ordinary human, draw them into a mystery they vaguely understand, give them an assignment to carry out; put roadblocks at every turn, take away the ability to seek help from authoritative figures or organizations, do not allow them to know who they can trust – and make sure time is of the essence.” The popular novel became the basis for a 1935 film, adapted and directed by Hitchcock. But when Barlow got his hands on the story, he turned it on its head, playing for fun with a very small cast running wild on stage to recreate the entire film.
The action begins when bored and weary traveler Richard Hannay (Silas Hodges) returns to London and has a chance encounter with a secret agent – Annabella Schmidt (Bria Chalovich). Annabella entrusts Hannay with highly sensitive, confidential information, knowing that her life is in grave danger. After she’s murdered – at his flat no less! – Hannay is the assumed suspect and must go on the run to unravel the clues of this spy thriller in order to protect national security and clear his name. Throw in a love interest named Pamela Edwards (Kenna Beatty); a lonely but helpful farmer’s wife (Naomi Datti); the theatrical performer, Madame Memory (Emily Hartleib); and, of course, a skeptical police inspector (Peter Hassard), and you have all of the elements for a rollicking adventure. Central to fueling the fast-paced story, the “cast of clowns” took on multiple roles throughout the show. This spirited and versatile group included Atticus Hodges, Wolfgang van Gulik, Emerson Goodyer and Tanay Langhe.
The small but mighty cast was aided by a similarly small but mighty crew working to keep the non-stop action going during each performance. Joining Mr. MacPherson behind the scenes were producer, Ms. Lisa Redmond, and student director Amelia Maggi. Stage manager Sarah Egan led a talented crew including Kennedy Adams, Riley McKernan, Risi Chen and Reese Martin.
Lending support to the production were Ms. Sally McKay-LePage, Mr. Bill Walker, Dr. Greg Hodges, Mr. Victor Svenningson ’74 and Ms. Jennifer Ower. And thanks go to the facilities & IT services department, including Mr. Dale Heffernan. One special aspect of this production was that it occurred during Reunion Weekend, including a Saturday matinee performance, arranged with the assistance of Mrs. Tricia Mandryk in the philanthropy & alumni office.
The 39 Steps wrapped up an exciting line-up of theatre productions at TCS, the first academic year with no pandemic restrictions in place since 2018-2019. It was fitting to end the year with our community gathered together for a couple of hours of shared laughter and edge-of-your-seat fun. Thank you to the entire cast and crew for your dedication and your endless energy!
