GW’s 14th Grade Players opened their production of “The 39 Steps” Thursday night in the Lisner Downstage. The show is directed by Andy Brown and runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
“Be ready to laugh,” insisted Brown. “I think that we’ve made a really funny production but if the audience doesn’t get into it then it throws the actors out of the game.”
This fast-pace and unique script means sophomore actors Kevin Palermo and Jon Weigell play about 35 roles. “It’s different from any other show partially because it’s a four person cast, which means we do approximately 75 characters,” said Palermo.
The script is based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie, which was ranked the fourth best British film of the 20th century by the British Film Institute. The story is about an Englishman who felt desperately bored and decided to take off on some wacky adventures. “It’s really a crazy farcical spy story and one [heck of] a ride,” said actor Josh Bierman who plays Richard Hannay.
“The 39 Steps” continues Friday and Saturday evening at 7 and 10 p.m. Though tickets are selling fast, they are on sale at the door for five dollars. “It’ll definitely be worth it for a show with so many twists and a lot of fun,” said actress Angelina Hoidra who plays Annabella, Pamela and Margaret.
Other upcoming student theater shows include “The 8th Annual Musical Cabaret” running Feb. 13-15 at Lisner Downstage, “Romeo and Juliet” running from Feb. 20-22 at the West Hall Theatre, “Rapture, Blister, Burn” from March 27-29 and “The Importance of Being Earnest” from March 27-29 at the West Hall Theatre.