UF Theatre Program to Stage Hilarious Hitchcock Adaptation, ‘The 39 Steps’

Six comic actors. More than 50 characters. One thrilling, hilarious noir adventure. Don’t miss the University of Findlay Theatre Program’s staging of “The 39 Steps!”
Directed by Meriah Sage, the play will be staged April 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., and April 15 at 2 p.m. at the John and Hester Powell Grimm Theatre in the Frank J Egner Center for the Performing Arts on campus.
Tickets are $6 for the general public, and can be purchased at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts box office by visiting www.marathoncenterarts.org, calling 419-423-2787 or visiting the center at 200 W. Main Cross St. UF students, faculty and staff will be admitted for free with a valid University I.D.
Inspired by Hitchcock’s iconic film and the classic spy novel, this Broadway hit plunges you into the world of Richard Hannay, an ordinary man forced to go on the run after aiding a mysterious woman. From the shadowy streets of 1930’s London to the wild moors of Scotland and beyond, “The 39 Steps” traces Hannay’s madcap quest to keep government secrets out of the wrong hands.
“This will be a fun night of exciting chase scenes, with more than 50 zany characters played by a talented, six-person cast. It’s packed with laughs, and made complete with an on-stage plane crash, missing fingers and, of course, some good old fashioned romance,” said Sage. “This play is pure entertainment, with bold performances and wildly inventive stagecraft.”
Sage noted the “The 39 Steps” was selected for its adventurous nature.
“We wanted to end our theatre season with a spring comedy that would challenge our students as well as showcase their talents,” Sage explained.
The play is adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, and is based on the novel by John Buchan.
“The 39 Steps” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
This production will also feature live Foley sound effects and live piano.
The cast list is as follows:
Richard Hannay: Blake Bush
Pamela/Margaret/Annabella: Abbey Bumbledare
Clowns: Brent Hoggatt, Riley Klauza, Elijah Garman and Andrew Peatee
Assistant Director: Jonda Krontz
Stage Manager: Molly O’Reilly
Assistant Stage Managers: Abigail Land and Kordell Harr
Costume Design: Kathy Newell
Set and Lighting Design: Dr. Carl Walling
Properties: Jessica Leszkowicz
Technical Direction: Matthew Stimmel
Foley Sound Artists: Landon Smith and Amber King
Pianists: India Miller and Demetrius Dunson
Wardrobe and Quick Change Artists: Jill McKinny, Leah Chizmar and Abbi Starcher