"39 Steps is Non-Stop Hilarity."
by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
If you want side splitting laugh a
minute entertainment then see Tony Award Winning Hit Comedy thriller, "39
Steps" at the Cabaret Theater. What
an uproarious experience in minimalistic stage effects with maximum hilarity.
Four players take you through the twists and turns of a comedic plot using
1940's or Mel Brooks type music spots to hi-light the intense
"drama." Sorry, no drama just
madcap hysteria.
It's interesting to note that
everything old is new again as the original globe theater had no curtain to
rise and fall between scenes and 39 Steps was not much different. The Cabaret Curtain fell possibly once during
intermission. In Shakespeare's time a
wall and a door were used to signify comings and goings, in this slapstick
comedy there was no wall, just a door. For comings and goings and quick changes
of characters costumes and being able to actually see some of that going on,
added to the comedic impact of the actors.
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| Allan Snyder and Luke Halferty, photo: Matt Polk |
There is no lack of talent either
on the part of the actors, Quinn Patrick Shannon and Allan Snyder are the
perfect clowning partners reminiscent of old time comedy such as the Keystone
cops and Abbot and Costello playing multiple parts of spies, law enforcement
and husband and wife (yes wife) villains and innkeepers. Please don't discount the element of
outrageous drag in this play. Did I say
39 Steps has something for everyone? And it' s hard to believe that with all
this hilarity the show could be G rated, not even PG.
The femme fatale of the play, Megan
Pickrell also moves easily between three parts from the manipulative spy to the
farmer's wife and the aloof career woman. On the other hand Richard. Luke Halferty as Richard Hannay only plays one
part through multiple assumed identities that allows for everything from comedy
to drama and slow motion silent film effects.
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| Luke Halferty and Quinn Patrick Shannon, photo by Archie Carpenter |
The Director Guy Stroman deserves
huge commendation for a great work of comedic art. This is also the one time that I must mention
the technical side of the show and all deserve equal kudos. Scenic Desinger Tony Ferrieri, loved
"the car and its lights."
Lighting Designer, Andrew David Ostrowski, were you responsible for the
dancing stick puppets? Costume Designer
Stephanie Shaw, what genius in designing quick changes for comedic transition
of characters! Sound Designer Bob
Bollman's precision with sounds at the mention of "39 Steps" and the
scenes behind the opening and closing of doors! And not to be left out Production Stage
Manager Tim Brady! All I can say is,
"wow."
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| The cast, photo by Archie Carpenter |
Enough! Enough, I could write for
hours about this play. This reviewer
personally thinks it is the best play that the CLO has done at the
Cabaret. Just go see it, it runs thru
August 14, 2016. And bring the out of
town visiting relatives, they will love it too.
Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning podcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal. But better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities.
