Even if you saw the 2012 Over the Ledge production and/or the 2013 Riverwalk Theatre production (both of which I enjoyed thoroughly!) you’ll not want to miss Williamston Theatre’s amazing, cuckoo-clockwork version of The 39 Steps film noir spoof adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock.
Master director John Lepard has intricately choreographed this comic thriller. It’s not a musical, but many of the contortions/coordinations seem to qualify as dance — or maybe fight choreography? Some bits are so clever as to warrant spontaneous applause from our matinee crowd.
Dapper Ryan Patrick Welsh shines as the handsome, harried Richard Hannay, charmed and endangered by Caitlin Cavannaugh seductively versatile as contrasting femme fatales, Annabelle, Pamela and Margaret. Emily Sutton-Smith and Patrick Loos are a joy to watch as the two amazing “Clowns” becoming every other character under the sun, morphing seemingly simultaneously.
The impressive media projection design (Dustin D. Miller) combined with excellent and well timed sound (Lucas Nunn) and lighting (Shannon T. Sweitzer) elevate this production. It is truly cinematic as well as artfully theatrical. The projections not only set the backdrop for many locales, but some are actual movies putting the train in motion and showing some hilarious live-action puppet business.
Williamston is an up-close-and-personal, small-ish venue that can/should sell out for this treat of a show. It was full for our matinee — so reserve your seats soon. The show continues through August 16. Remember, Williamston now has Thursday Matinees as well as Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets and info at williamstontheatre.org.
Master director John Lepard has intricately choreographed this comic thriller. It’s not a musical, but many of the contortions/coordinations seem to qualify as dance — or maybe fight choreography? Some bits are so clever as to warrant spontaneous applause from our matinee crowd.
Dapper Ryan Patrick Welsh shines as the handsome, harried Richard Hannay, charmed and endangered by Caitlin Cavannaugh seductively versatile as contrasting femme fatales, Annabelle, Pamela and Margaret. Emily Sutton-Smith and Patrick Loos are a joy to watch as the two amazing “Clowns” becoming every other character under the sun, morphing seemingly simultaneously.
The impressive media projection design (Dustin D. Miller) combined with excellent and well timed sound (Lucas Nunn) and lighting (Shannon T. Sweitzer) elevate this production. It is truly cinematic as well as artfully theatrical. The projections not only set the backdrop for many locales, but some are actual movies putting the train in motion and showing some hilarious live-action puppet business.
Williamston is an up-close-and-personal, small-ish venue that can/should sell out for this treat of a show. It was full for our matinee — so reserve your seats soon. The show continues through August 16. Remember, Williamston now has Thursday Matinees as well as Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets and info at williamstontheatre.org.
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