"The 39 Steps" is a Hit

I finally got a free night to attend “The 39 Steps”, an adaptation of the 1935 Hitchcock film, here in Lake Forest at the newly opened Modjeska Theatre. The play is nothing like the film. Instead of the Hitchcockian thriller, we have a mad cap, laugh-a-minute spoof with slapstick, clever repartee, and an incredible use of stage and props.

The plot points from the film and the play are identical, and fans of the film will recognize the storyline, but put aside your predilections and be prepared to spend the night laughing.

Christopher Sullivan is Richard Hannay, the protagonist played in the film by Robert Donet. Sullivan looks like a young Peter O’Toole from “The Ruling Class” and he’s the glue that holds the play together showing remarkable stamina for a role that is physically demanding. His flair for comedy is apparent.

Beautiful Halley Tweter plays a variety of roles - a mysterious and seductive foreign agent, a newly married young Scottish lass from the Highlands, and the daughter of a Scotland Yard detective who becomes romantically involved with Sullivan (the role played by Madeline Carroll in the film). Tweter can be both romantic and funny, and she adapts a number of different accents to add to her performance.

Matt Dallal and Sean Burgos play a variety of roles, usually as part of a team of detectives, spies, or stage performers. Their chemistry is marvelous and individually they both display huge talent. Dallal is riotous in his roles as the wife of the villainous Professor Jordan or the wife of an Inn owner in rural Scotland. Burgos uses his talented vocal abilities to full advantage, and his timing is immaculate in scenes that require mind-boggling coordination. At times Burgos seems to be channeling Sydney Greenstreet, Jackie Gleason, or Orson Welles. Dallal, on the other hand, vacillates between Jerry Lewis or Mike Meyers.

Bottom line – for a first production, “The 39 Steps” was fun filled and entertaining. It bodes well for the future of Modjeska Playhouse.

PS – When you go, get there a few minutes early. It’s open seating. Of course, with only 49 seats virtually every seat is a good one.

FWIW – Modjeska is offering a limited number of tickets at $15, which is 50% off. Go to https://www.goldstar.com sign up and look for Modjeska Playhouse.

In the picture, Chris Sullivan is center top, Matt Dallal is center bottom, and Sean Burgos is on the right with Halley Tweter on the left.

RBw