The 39 Steps” is a combination of comedy, mystery, and circus on stage in a production based on Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie. Pete LaBriola of Pennington (Pierrot Productions) and Ruth Markoe of Lawrenceville (TheaterToGo) present it at Kelsey Theater on weekends from Friday, January 31, to Sunday, February 9.
Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of the film is a rapid fire recreation of Hitchcock’s 1935 classic mystery thriller film. The cast of four actors re-enact all of the characters, locations, and famous scenes from the film with just a few props and a lot of theatrical ingenuity and split-second quick changes.
Andrew James Gordon of West Windsor portrays one of the Clowns who plays numerous characters. Born in Melbourne, Australia, he graduated from High School North in 2010 and from the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. His past work includes portraying characters at FAO Schwartz and the Disney Store in New York City as well as an internship at New York Classical Theater. His parents are Jill Poyner Gordon and Neil Gordon.
The play centers on a man meeting a mysterious woman who entangles him in a web of murder, espionage, and intrigue that keeps him running from the authorities to uncover the truth about the 39 steps. Along the way he meets an assortment of characters played by two actors (the Clowns) who switch personas at breakneck speed.
There will be several special events during the run. An opening night gala and reception will be held in the lobby on Friday, January 31, after the show. A talk back with the cast and creative team will be held after the performance on Friday, February 7. On Saturday, February 8, there will be an Alfred Hitchcock Look Alike contest after the show. Audience members will be invited to appear with their best Alfred Hitchcock impersonation.
Listen carefully to hear hidden references to some of Hitchcock’s memorable movies. Also remember that Hitchcock always made a cameo appearance in his films.
The 39 Steps, Kelsey Theater, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Comedy mystery. $18. 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheater.net.
