BWW Reviews: Town Hall Arts Center Presents Perfect Comedic Timing with THE 39 STEPS

Town Hall Arts Center presents the new twist on the Alfred Hitchcock classic THE 39 STEPS (adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan) playing now through May 5th. Combining a spy thriller with farcical comedy and ingenious theatrical invention, THE 39 STEPS is an engaging, fast-paced whodunit that celebrates the magic of theater. Closely following the story line of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film, the play features more than 100 characters brought to life by a cast of just four actors - all putting their many side-splitting skills to the test in this wildly entertaining experience.

Filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense and infused with wit, melodrama and vaudevillian antics, this show was an absolute delight to watch. If Monty Python had been challenged to write an Alfred Hitchcock Mystery episode, then this would so be it! This made for a hilarious evening that the audience just loved. James O'Hagan Murphy truly shone as the charming and debonair lead, Richard Hannay. He certainly got a workout in this physical role and you could tell that he had an enormous amount of fun with it. His leading lady (wonderfully played by Mackenzie Paulsen) was also superb and had that perfect blend of innocence, sarcasm and melodrama for the many roles that she played. The clowns (comically played by Eric Mather and Seth Maisel), or Town Hall's dynamic "Laurel and Hardy" really stole the show and hats off to them for showing such range for the dozens of characters that they portrayed. I especially loved the literal "hat trick" and it brought down the house in thunderous applause.

Director and Choreographer Robert Wells deserves a standing ovation for his keen grasp of comedic timing and was able to infuse this into the production from beginning to end much to the delight of the audience. His blocking was totally effective and physical staging absolutely spot on. Lori Worthman was quite thoughtful in her interpretation of the set and used simplicity to her advantage for 33 different scenes. I love the video screens used to add dimension to the many scenes and only wished that she had used all 3 screens. You could tell that lighting designer Seth Alison and sound designer John Rivera had full access for this inventive show and used so many fun effects to enhance so many scenes. I especially loved the train chase scene. I also have to give a special shout out to prop masters Tammy Williams and Melissa Sipes for keeping everything organized for this prop heavy play and never missing a beat. Costumes by Laura High were also varied and helped to found simple enhancements to add to so many characters.

If you want an evening of big laughs and complete amusement, then don't miss this one! THE 39 STEPS is tickling audiences now until May 5th at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton, CO. For tickets or more information, contact the Town Hall Arts Center at 303-794-2787 or online at www.townhallartscenter.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Ensminger

Clockwise: MacKenzie Paulsen, James O'Hagen Murphy, Seth Maisel and Eric Mather

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