By Marilyn Jozwik
It’s hard to put a label on “39 Steps,” Waukesha Civic Theatre’s latest offering. It has elements of a number of genres. At heart, it’s a spy-action-thriller-comedy yet there are shades of parody and spoof.
It is truly a theatrical hybrid that this cast of four, playing more characters than I could count, pulled off brilliantly. It is a most ambitious production that requires not only a skilled cast, but incredible staging to create scenes that sometimes make you feel like you’re watching a movie. There is never a dull moment.
The show is an adaptation based on John Buchan’s novel and a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film.
Under the direction of Laura Kloser, the show travels at a dizzying pace, at times looking like a Charlie Chaplin silent film, Monty Python bits, a dash of James Bond action, even a taste of Vaudeville. It’s a theatrical potpourri that is totally entertaining. The Father’s Day matinee audience loved it with their frequent laughter and applause.
Richard Hannay (Zach Sharrock) is questioned by train conductors (Tom Aldridge, left, and Madison Penzkover) after a woman (Becky Cofta) complains of his behavior in a scene from Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “39 Steps.”
The story centers around Richard Hannay (Zach Sharrock), who is living a rather boring life in 1939 London. Hannay muses in his apartment that, “No one would miss me. I wouldn’t miss me.”
Hannay’s life is suddenly turned upside-down when a strange woman, a spy being chased by assassins, is found murdered in his apartment. All fingers point to Hannay as the murderer. Hannay realizes he must find who’s behind the murder in order to clear himself, as he goes on the run – from the police and the assassins. And I do mean run! He’s chased outside of a moving train car, he jumps off a bridge over water, he’s kidnapped by baddies in a car that’s stopped by a flock of sheep. There’s even a hilarious shadow scene of a pursuing bi-plane that crashes! All done through amazing stagecraft.
As Hannay, Sharrock is all over the stage – running across the top of a train, jumping through windows, somersaulting his way to freedom, dragging a woman who he is handcuffed to him through the Scottish countryside, all while keeping a convincing British accent and a charming demeanor. It’s got to be one of the most demanding roles imaginable and Sharrock is totally up to the challenge.
Tom Aldridge, left, and Madison Penzkover portray one of dozens of characters during Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “39 Steps.”
Becky Cofta plays all three women Hannay becomes involved with during his escapades and often has to match Sharrock’s Hannay energy step for step. Her three distinct characters include mastering different accents and attitudes, adding another marvelous performance to the mix. Sharrock and Cofta have wonderful comedic timing and keep up the breakneck pace of this spy thriller.
But the icing on this delicious production are the incredible performances of Tom Aldridge and Madison Penzkover, who are billed as Clown 1 and Clown 2. During the show they play dozens of characters. They open the show as Mr. Memory (Aldridge) and his assistant (Penzkover) at a Vaudeville show and go on to be train conductors, policemen, assassins, innkeepers, young and old, men and women, heroes and villains, Cockney and Scottish -- dozens of characters Hannay meets during his flight. Sometimes, standing in one place, Aldridge or Penzkover will make a quick change of costume, demeanor and accent to become a totally new characters! Truly two amazing – and often hysterical -- performances.
Evan Crain’s hardworking set uses a video screen for information, a curtain at the back of the stage to create scenes (including a dance party), upper balconies, windows and doors for characters to romp. Characters themselves move set pieces with agility and comedy, making for a seamlessly entertaining production.
Lighting and sound also play important roles, helping to create mood and dynamic scenes as well as to create the sense of movement. D. Corey Helser is the lighting designer, while Liam Ledford handles sound.
In all its parts, “39 Steps” equals a most entertaining whole.
If You Go
Who: Waukesha Civic Theatre
What: “39 Steps”
When: Through June 22
Where: 264 W. Main St., Waukesha
Tickets/Info: 262-547-4911/www.waukeshacivictheatre.org