By: Jodi Pack, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
If you hate to laugh and don't like fun...definitely DON'T go see The 39 Steps, Abridged at the Whatley Center this weekend. On the other hand, if you want to have a great time enjoying high-energy, interactive theatre - you should definitely check it out! The production will continue with shows at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and a final matinee Saturday at 2:30.
The NTCC Theatre department, under the brilliant direction of Page Petrucka, opened the show Thursday night at the Whatley Center. There was an air of expectation as the audience looked onto the almost bare raised stage awaiting the opening lines. Jonathan Swiger, as the lead Richard Hannay, burst onto the scene with a flourish and set the tone for the next hour of shenanigans.
It took a moment for the audience to orient themselves to the fast-paced British-accented dialog and quick set changes, but the strong performance by the entire cast made it easy to suspend reality and join Richard on his quest to find out more about the mysterious 39 Steps.
"I really had no idea what to expect from this show, but I am very impressed," said Madison Speight, NTCC sophomore, "I love how the cast used the audience in a way that made them part of the play. NTCC has some future famous actors on their hands."
With the exception of Swiger, the rest of the cast played multiple roles with increasing levels of hilarity. Lexie Humber brought an understated humor to the production with her contributions. While probably the least prominent of her roles, I found Humber's portrayal of the lazy, bag-pipe playing Mr. McGarrigle the most hilarious.
Michael Vance showed an exceptional range of ability as he played several characters - more than one of which involved bath robes. Persefany Rodriguez was fantastic as the mysterious Annabella Schmidt and her over-the-top comedic charm added a layer of hilarity to the whole production.
Star Williams, a newcomer to the NTCC stage, did an outstanding job portraying the staid Pamela Edwards as she got pulled into Richard's world against her better judgement. Amanda Lange was great as Compere and I particularly liked her unique interpretation of Waterfall and Roaring Torrent.
Last, but certainly not least, was the genius of Ro'Shaun Allen, who played the Stagery Wizard - a role that is hard to describe, yet was perfectly timed and increased the humor of the show considerably.
The 39 Steps runs about one hour and is fun for the entire family. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, kids and veterans. NTCC students get in free. Get your tickets online at www.whatleycenter.com or at the door. Don't miss this great opportunity for affordable fun this weekend!
