After a glorious evening watching “Sweeney Todd” at the Midtown Arts
Center, my producer/husband Roger and I happily returned last Friday to
see “The 39 Steps,” running Thursdays to Sundays through March 7 in
Midtown’s Dinner Theatre.
This slapstick version of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “who-done-it” didn’t knock our socks off as did “Sweeney,” but it still provided an enjoyable evening.
Playwright Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of “39 Steps” is a farcical version of the master’s magnificent film — an adaptation that did very well on Broadway.
But slapstick requires flawless timing. Unfortunately, the comedic timing was stymied by a cumbersome set, designed by Lori Northman and constructed by Jeff Jester.
The key element was a roundtable designed to make quick set changes. One would have to redefine “quick” to suit this slow-moving turntable, which took 30 seconds to make a half rotation, rather than the planned 15 seconds. Thirty seconds is a long time to wait when scenes last less than five minutes.
I’m told the “39 Steps” team had difficulty getting assistance in creating its set because of the attention paid to building the new Studio Two. With both “Sweeney Todd” and “The 39 Steps” opening on the same night, I’m sure all were a bit overwhelmed.
Still, audiences don’t receive a price reduction because of technical difficulties, so I was pleased the audience appeared greatly amused throughout.
In this farcical adaptation, four actors play over 100 roles, and by-and-large succeed with much wit.
All the actors were sound, although Daniel Harkins as Clown #2 delivered many of his lines at top volume. This was frequently unnecessary as he was fitted with an excellent microphone. Still, his physical comedy was sublime.
Nicki Casseri, as Annabella Schmidt/Margaret/Pamela, showed the best timing and comedic ability, although her co-actors weren’t far behind.
Based in New York, Ms. Casseri holds a SAG-AFTRA card and is particularly fond of stunt acting, a skill that allowed her to make the most of her assigned pratfalls.
While the rest of the cast bounces from character to character, Nate Huntley inhabits the character of Richard Hannay throughout. Hannay is the poor fool who stumbles into the misbegotten doings of an international spy network.
Mr. Huntley handles the “straight-man” role with great aplomb, moving seamlessly from unwitting victim to the man who saves the day.
And last but certainly not least is Andy McCain, who formerly starred as Sir Robin in Midtown’s highly successful production of “Spamalot.”
Mr. McCain carries over many of his Monty Python mannerisms, which immediately draw us into the farcical aspects of the show. This was an unexpected surprise, but then who expects the Spanish Inquisition to pop up in the middle of a Hitchcock story?
Director Eric Mather does his best to hold the center, despite the turtle-speed turntable. He assigns his actors to perform little bits and extended lines to fill the extra time. It works, but only to a point.
Hopefully, Midtown will fix this sticky wicket before this weekend’s shows as all else on display is quite good, including the scrumptious dinners.
For more information, call 970.225.2555 or visit MidtownArtsCenter.com. Ticket prices range from $49 to $59 and include your dinner, but appetizers and dessert are extra.
For more reviews, listen to Kate Forgach's Tattle Tales on KRFC 88.9
This slapstick version of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “who-done-it” didn’t knock our socks off as did “Sweeney,” but it still provided an enjoyable evening.
Playwright Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of “39 Steps” is a farcical version of the master’s magnificent film — an adaptation that did very well on Broadway.
But slapstick requires flawless timing. Unfortunately, the comedic timing was stymied by a cumbersome set, designed by Lori Northman and constructed by Jeff Jester.
The key element was a roundtable designed to make quick set changes. One would have to redefine “quick” to suit this slow-moving turntable, which took 30 seconds to make a half rotation, rather than the planned 15 seconds. Thirty seconds is a long time to wait when scenes last less than five minutes.
I’m told the “39 Steps” team had difficulty getting assistance in creating its set because of the attention paid to building the new Studio Two. With both “Sweeney Todd” and “The 39 Steps” opening on the same night, I’m sure all were a bit overwhelmed.
Still, audiences don’t receive a price reduction because of technical difficulties, so I was pleased the audience appeared greatly amused throughout.
In this farcical adaptation, four actors play over 100 roles, and by-and-large succeed with much wit.
All the actors were sound, although Daniel Harkins as Clown #2 delivered many of his lines at top volume. This was frequently unnecessary as he was fitted with an excellent microphone. Still, his physical comedy was sublime.
Nicki Casseri, as Annabella Schmidt/Margaret/Pamela, showed the best timing and comedic ability, although her co-actors weren’t far behind.
Based in New York, Ms. Casseri holds a SAG-AFTRA card and is particularly fond of stunt acting, a skill that allowed her to make the most of her assigned pratfalls.
While the rest of the cast bounces from character to character, Nate Huntley inhabits the character of Richard Hannay throughout. Hannay is the poor fool who stumbles into the misbegotten doings of an international spy network.
Mr. Huntley handles the “straight-man” role with great aplomb, moving seamlessly from unwitting victim to the man who saves the day.
And last but certainly not least is Andy McCain, who formerly starred as Sir Robin in Midtown’s highly successful production of “Spamalot.”
Mr. McCain carries over many of his Monty Python mannerisms, which immediately draw us into the farcical aspects of the show. This was an unexpected surprise, but then who expects the Spanish Inquisition to pop up in the middle of a Hitchcock story?
Director Eric Mather does his best to hold the center, despite the turtle-speed turntable. He assigns his actors to perform little bits and extended lines to fill the extra time. It works, but only to a point.
Hopefully, Midtown will fix this sticky wicket before this weekend’s shows as all else on display is quite good, including the scrumptious dinners.
For more information, call 970.225.2555 or visit MidtownArtsCenter.com. Ticket prices range from $49 to $59 and include your dinner, but appetizers and dessert are extra.
For more reviews, listen to Kate Forgach's Tattle Tales on KRFC 88.9
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