The 39 Steps: A Payton Players’ Production

#entertainment, Arts and Entertainment, Reviews

The 39 Steps: A Payton Players’ Production

“A talented cast brings ‘The 39 Steps’ to life in a comedic and thrilling production, filled with plot twists and theatrical delights.”

Paw Print Staff

May 30, 2024

2–3 minutes

#review, #walterpayton, Payton, Reviews, theatre

By: Alexa Gola

*With Richard Hannay in a tight spot, performers take a drive through the countryside. Photo courtesy of Leah Galibois*

It’s Friday evening, the end of a long week of classes on the brink of AP exams. Where better to unwind than a Payton Players’ production of “The 39 Steps,” performed in Payton’s in-house black box theater?

Opening with a protagonist Richard Hannay’s theatrical monologue declaring his grand need for entertainment, the talented seventeen member cast quickly brought this comedy to life. While some actors remained constant in their roles, others wore as many as six hats (and occasional wigs), keeping me and my fellow audience members on the edge of our seats.

*Hannay joins a pair of salesmen in a train compartment, heading away from London. Photo courtesy of Leah Galibois*

Shortly after his initial complaints, Hannay was swept up into the adventure of the lifetime, taking us along with him. From becoming the prime suspect of a murder to playing investigator to a conspiring spy organization, he found himself chased from London to the Scottish countryside and back again.

Beyond the humorous thrill of the chase, there was plenty of amusement to be found along the way. In his efforts to avoid arrest, Hannay dug himself into still more trouble, quite literally finding himself bound to a woman, Palema. Their relationship was certainly an adventure, to say the least.

*(Left to right) Hannay, a pair of policemen, and Pamela aboard the set’s train. Photo courtesy of Leah Galibois*

In spite of Hannay’s antics, my personal favorite scenes belonged to Mr. Memory and his compère. With delightfully synchronized choreography and a healthy abundance of theatrical bows, the duo truly brought the theatrics to the theater.

In addition to their spectacular theatrics, Mr. Memory and his compère helped bring another of my favorite aspects of “The 39 Steps” to the stage: plot twists. From the start of Hannay’s journey to the cast and crew’s final bows, the storyline took several directions I never would have expected, contributing to the magic and message of the play.

Though Richard Hannay and his adventures have illustrated the importance of being careful what I wish for, I’m very excited to see the Payton Player’s fall production. Whether it might be another comedy or a performance more serious in nature, I look forward to seeing what the incredibly talented cast and crew do with their characters, costumes, and set!