“39 Steps” Play Is Soon To Be Showing Here In Kettering, OH

Cari Zahn
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Fans of all genres can come together this weekend and next for a production of “The 39 Steps” at Kettering’s Playhouse South Theatre.

Originally a book by John Buchan, then an Alfred Hitchcock film, and even later adapted for the stage by playwright Patrick Barlow, “The 39 Steps” has all the appeal of a suspense thriller with a the light-hearted comedic aspect thrown in the mix.

Theatre students may appreciate this show even deeper for all of its nuances, according to Mary Snapp, UD theatre alumnae. Snapp is playing Pamela, the lead female role, as well as Mrs. Higgins and a few “others” or “extras” in the play.

“Theatrically, it’s a very interesting show because of the built-in aspect that most of the actors play multiple roles,” Snapp said.

“From an acting standpoint of going from dumpy little Mrs. Higgins to the love interest heroin on the train three minutes later, it’s a lot.”
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The play is originally meant for a cast of only four, but the actors in this production are still finding it a challenge at six people. Director Becky Madden, who had been eyeing the show for years in terms of wanting to direct it, had to be very particular when looking for actors to cast in these few roles.

“The need a great sense of timing to get the fast-paced, comedic aspect,” Madden said.

“Somebody not afraid to get up there and be embarrassed.”

One such person is Jack O’Connor, who caught Madden’s eye for the lead role of Richard Hannay. O’Connor spent a lot of time with the character in order to portray him well.

“Here, the characters are reacting to a situation,” O’Connor said.

“You have to invent the entire character and then put him into stressful situation. It’s a lot of imagination.”
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Aside from the main cast, there are other actors, set builders, crew, customers and more that have worked to make this show what it is.

“The whole production is fantastic,” O’Connor said. “You can go see a film any time, but this is something that is fleeting and and will only be happening for six nights. It’s going to be great.”

See “The 39 Steps” March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8:00 p.m., as well as March 4 and 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Playhouse South, 3750 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, OH 45429.

Standard admission is $15. Students, seniors and military admitted at $13.

Photo Taken from pinterest.com