The 39 Steps by Stage 2 Theatre Company a comedy with murder, love, and some quick costume changes. Having a cast of only four people would limit some productions on the number of characters, not in 39 Steps Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka do a great job with the quick costume and accent changes that are often played up for comedic effect. Not only that but Catherine Dukelow does a great job playing the love interest with fire and wit. And least of all Liam Jeffery who takes the audience on an adventure and has the audience rooting for him taking down the foreign spy and clear his name. Antony Ferguson, the director, and scenic designer made a great choice in his cast and in choosing set pieces for this production as it certainly added to the comedy in this production. Also, the supporting team that helped with lights and sound did a great job not only adding to the environment but also the comedy of the show.
Director Ferguson makes interesting choices in choosing to have a cast of only four with so many parts to fill, but in this production, it works and adds many comedic moments that ordinarily would be absent. The coordination of the lights, sounds, sets pieces, and actors combine into a comedic powerhouse and prove that this is a director with a big picture of his production. There is a moment in the play where Becker and Tabaka switch back and forth between characters on stage with just a simple set-piece that allows for the focus to be entirely on the actors.
As in any show, the actors do a great job pulling the audience into the universe of the show and make the audience want to root for them. Dukelow did a great job with her three characters and with the accent that her first two characters have are done so well and even lead to some comedic moments and add an enjoyable piece that is the hilariousness of an accent. She also plays well with the other actors on the stage with her. And Jeffery does a great job of giving the audience someone to root for and sympathize with throughout the show as Richard Hannay. Jeffery also has many memorable comedic moments like the monologue at the beginning of the show that is not inherently funny but with his actions, it turns into a funny moment. And this all without mentioning Becker and Tabaka as they carry the comedic beats of the show with quick on and off-stage costume changes and hilarious accents there is no doubt that these two were the highlight of the show.
The designers of the show should be proud of themselves even though the set pieces were simple they perfect for a show where it is all about the simple things and meta-ness this way done by Ferguson. The sound production done by Abi Carlson was done well as it adds many beats to the show that take it up to that next level. Also, to the credit of the costume designers, Megan Borgerding, and Stella Vantsdal deserve a shout out as this could have just been another small detail but they play it up for yet another well-done joke.
All in all, this is show there laughter is in high demand and the jokes are top-shelf. There are so many moments that are full of suspense, intrigue, and murder and it is the actors who bring an enthusiasm that is infectious to the audience. Everyone involved in this show can be very proud of what they have done as it is a show that warrants seeing again just to if there are more jokes to catch.
Comedy, murder, odd love, and mystery. UMD Stage 2 put on a beyond excellent presentation. Between the cheesy, immensely funny, situational comedy, the amazing secondary actors, and the ability to convey visuals in eccentric ways, this play was everything a viewer could ask for. Liam Jeffery as Richard Hannay, a framed murderer on the run from spies across Europe. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker as secondary characters, absolutely fulfilling the roles necessary to make this play what it was. Finally, Catherine Dukelow, playing multiple estranged loves of Richard Hannay. All four, pulling this staging together to create a comedic masterpiece.
The director and scenic designer, Antony Ferguson, picked a cast of beyond well versed actors/actress; each having their own special and individual quirkiness that made the play feel really well done. Eukariah Tabaka, Austin Becker, and Catherine Dukelow do an unbelievable job at making the cheesiness of this production hysterical, but so professional. The viewers witness the costume changes, the set changes, and the character changes, but it is done in such a manner that it completely makes the play what it is, giving the play its identity. A specific moment where this is shown is when Tabaka and Becker switch between a total of 5 or 6 characters in a minute and a half. Both trading off between a newspaper boy, a train goer, a policeman, a ticket collector, and an old lady. All of this costume/character changes happened right in front of the audience's eyes, but that was the beauty in it, the raw comedy unfolding in front of the viewers eyes.
Jeffrey plays a substantial role in presenting the story line to the audience as Richard Hannay, but lacks no humor. His story is filled with exuberant amounts of laughter and odd moments. His subtle jabs at his peculiar loves or his unconventional approach to certain situations make this play what it is. A scene that comes to mind is when Annabella Smith is stabbed in his flat, and after she passes he begins to make it laughable visual. He attempts multiple different ways to remove the body from his lap; when he finally does, he puts a glass in her hand, pours her a drink, and proposes a ‘cheers’ to her dead body. It would also be appropriate to add that his persona/appearance fits his role perfectly; the slicked back hair and the pencil mustache create the ultimate image of a 1920’s male.
In conclusion, everyone involved in this production should be exceptionally proud of themselves. From the director, to the actors/actress, to the sound and stage crews. This play was one that needs to be seen, a true laughable comedy. UMD Stage 2 shows that students themselves can put on a magnificent performance all while still learning and understanding the craft.
The 39 Steps is comedy gold! Alfred Hitchcok’s 1935 dramatic thriller was spun around and twisted upside-down by adapter Patrick Barlow as he reimagined the film as a comedic play. Dramatic murder scenes are made humorous with the ridiculous acting, minimal props, and the fact that numerous roles are played by the same few actors. Director Anthony Ferguson did an excellent job in casting as well as managing the hilariously chaotic performance. This was not an easy task to pull off with its frequent scene changes, fast-paced plot, and the limited cast pulling off so many evolving roles. Ferguson was also the scenic director. He directed a number of scene changes (with the help of two stage hands) using a limited set on stage. He used a door, window, ladder, table, and a chair for a majority of the settings. He was able to use them for several different houses, a hotel, a train, a car, a jail, a stage, and even a forest. The limited props played a big role in the comedic side of things. The audience laughed as balloons were used as a flock of sheep, a dummy was used as a dead body, and 4 chairs were a car. During one chase scene, a ladder was used as a bridge while the people running on the bridge were symbolized by their hats being held up. Liam Jefferey played the lead role as “Richard Hannay”, suspect for murder. Catherine Dukelow played several female characters throughout the play. They played their roles incredibly well, but the real stars of the show were Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. The pair managed to hilariously fill the roles of almost every other character needed throughout the performance. They flipped between characters with an outfit change, switching hats, or simply changing an accent. In one humorous scene Tabaka switched roles so quickly using a hat and wig that he actually played two people and had a conversation with himself. The limited number of cast members was endlessly entertaining for the audience. The 39 Steps was an exceptional performance that did an excellent job of keeping the audience not only invested, but laughing in every scene. An absolute must-see!
If there was ever a theater production to fling open its doors and welcome raw comedic action, it is The 39 Steps. Originally written by Patrick Barlow and ambitiously directed by none other than the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Antony Ferguson, this show was destined for complete innovative brilliance. Ferguson explains his desire to direct this show as it is overflowing with “physical comedy, dramatic heights, and willingness to go places where stage shows rarely do.”
With The 39 Steps featuring approximately forty roles, things were bound to get interesting as a cast of a mere four took on the challenge. Liam Jeffery, Catherine Dukelow, Austin Becker, and Eukariah Tabaka appeared to be having an absolute hay day, playing off of each other’s hilarious mannerisms and dialogue. An actor would have as many as three hats and three totally different roles to switch between in a single scene, right in front of the audience’s eyes.
Multiple personal choices were embraced by the actors in their constant debacle of characters. At times, it was rather confusing, wondering who was who and what character was saying what. With two or three actors doing a change of two or three characters in one scene, the plot got fuzzy at times. To clear things up, one may suggest in addition to switching a hat and an accent, one challenge themselves further and explore even more dramatic transitions. Perhaps each character has their own individualized body posture. Creating a stance for each character may diminish audience confusion as well as add yet another comedic aspect. A few improvements would enhance the utterly hilarious role flips and keep the audience in a constant state of laughter.
It was grounding to have Jeffery hold onto his character of Richard Hannay throughout the show as the other performers continued to swap roles. If he would have been in a state of constant shifting as well, the whole play would have lost its footing. He did an excellent job staying in character through the cast’s shenanigans.
The shining stars of the show were the designers. Sound designers, Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg hit the audience with impeccable timing to match the scenes. Drew Check, the lighting designer, made bold choices that only enhanced the actors’ comedic choices. The costume designers, Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal, played a fantastic hand in creating costumes that helped the audience differentiate one character from another. And the costume changes were completed at an impressive pace. Dresser Casper Pichotta got the actors changed in the blink of an eye, fully dressed as a completely new character.
The most impressive feat accomplished was the casts impressive skills to inspire the audience with such joy. The show was relentlessly action packed, hurtling boisterous, unique characters at anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing it. With the work of all those involved, The 39 Steps production was truly larger than life.
The 39 steps is a comedic masterpiece, and anybody who was able to see it was certainly in for a treat. The 39 Steps was a play about espionage and intrigue, but was a complete spoof on original Alfred Hitchcock works. The play works so well with it’s low budget simply because the nature of the play. The main character Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jefferey, was framed for the murder of a woman (played by Catherine Dukelow) and has to flee all across europe to try and solve the mystery of the 39 steps. Dukelow also plays two other quasi-love interests for Hannay, and in almost every case the shenanigans that ensue are quite humorous. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker play every other role in the show, and in my opinion they carry the whole show, making quick and rapid clothing changes, which often happens on stage, and that is what makes it that much funnier. All four of them on stage together flesh out their various characters and make the whole show an absolute wonder to watch.
Antony Ferguson was the director and set designer, and did an excellent job. The props and set was very minimal, but that made the true part of the play, the characters and comedy, really shine through. The 4 people who ended up being cast were truly amazing, and the two amle secondary characters had a truly wonderful chemistry together in their various comedic scenes. There are many instances of Tabaka’s and Becker’s rapid changes between characters, but one of my personal favorites was when the two innkeepers switched between the two ‘police officers’ who were actually henchmen for the dastardly professor. The switches are quick and play a crucial role in the comedy of that particular scene.
That is not to say that Jefferson isn’t humorous as the main character as well. There are many scenes that he is hilarious in, like the female spy’s death scene, but my personal favorite is when Dukelow’s character and Jefferson’s were handcuffed together at the inn, and while she is trying to take off some of her wet clothes hannay is attempting to eat a part of his sandwich, which when viewed is indescribably funny. Eventually she tires of this and slaps the sandwich from his grasp. The best part of this scene however is when Jefferson then picks up the last part of his sandwich and eats it: comedy genius.
From the comedic scenes to the somewhat serious scenes, from the amazing lighting to the great soundboard, The stage 2’s production of The 39 Steps is absolutely amazing, and I would go to it 5 more times without a second thought. Everyone who worked on this production should feel proud of the final product.
Serving as a unique comedy sequence, The 39 Steps instantly engulfed the audience on a two hour journey based on Alfred Hitchcock’s well known movie adaptation on the 1915 novel by John Buchan.
UMD Stage 2 Theatre Company creatively wove murder, lust, corruption, love and comedy into a theatric that included over 40 characters with just a four-person cast. Actor Liam Jeffery did a superior job portraying the adventure stricken and “honorable” spy, Richard Hannay. While Catherine Duklow delivered a unique interpretation on all of Richard Hannay’s love interests and his brief but deadly interaction with Anabella Schmidt. It is also tremendously hard to overlook the many talented performances by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka who were able to quickly and efficiently change characters every few seconds on stage to enhance the theatrical production. With the on-stage character changes, it was impressive that both actors were able to switch dialects and accents simultaneously with no delay. German, Scottish, and British accents were just a few that made an appearance on stage. Although each cast member played a crucial role in carrying out such a dramatic and hilarious production, Becker’s and Tabaka’s multiple character changes on stage added the most audacious and mind-boggling moments to the play.
Although the acting was phenomenal, the show would not have gone off with a BANG as it did without the dazzling directing and scenic designs from Antony Ferguson. The set was minimal, but the impact was massive. With two main components to the stage, the door and a window, it was astounding to see the cast act interactively and uniquely with these stage props. At one point, the door and window were positioned to act as a moving train, and a ladder was used as a bridge. Smaller props made an appearance and added comedic value. When Richard Hannay was being pursued by two policemen on the train, a stagehand held a fan pointed at the actors to include humor and the effect of wind- this was especially imaginative. These props and design of the stage was immaculately showcased through the ingenious lighting by Drew Check and Jennifer Kroon-Nelson, and their lighting effects paired well with the decisions made by the sound designers, Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg. Each department did a wonderful job contributing to the overall performance, but Ferguson’s overall directing skills gave the audience the theatric of a lifetime.
Apart from all the action and stage props, the costumes allowed for an even more authentic experience. Each character (no matter how small) had uniquely thought out designs that pronounced they were living before World War II. Wigs, pipes, glasses, facial hair, jewelry, and bottles of booze all added to the genuine feel of the theatric. Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal each did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life through their handy costume work.
All in all, every person who invested their time in this performance each contributed to a spectacular production. The 39 Steps gave the audience everything they could have asked for- comedy, death, despair, love and mystery. This production kept the audience on the edge of their seats with knee slapping comedy much like Richard Hannay kept the criminals guessing what he would do next.
39 steps was a very interesting play that consisted of alcoholism, humor, death, crime, survival, romance, and misunderstanding. Originally written by Patrick Barlow and re imagined by Antony Ferguson, this show was a very nice use of 2 hours of my time on opening night. Ferguson wanted to take 39 steps which was originally very dramatic into something that all audiences could enjoy and he succeeded in doing just that.
Because The 39 Steps featured approximately forty roles, things were very interesting as the cast of four took on the challenge. Liam Jeffery, Catherine Dukelow, Austin Becker, and Eukariah Tabaka showed to be have a lot of fun, playing off of each other’s funny movements and improvising. A couple times during the play, Becker and Tabaka had three of their characters in the same scene so they would change characters by simply changing their hats and accents. It was very funny to watch because I have never seen that before in a play and they did a good job of remembering their lines and staying in a nice flow throughout. This really showed why the four of them were chosen to be in the production. All four of them are very skilled and really made it turn out very good.
The story was very easy to follow and the designers did a great job of being quick on scene changes. I noticed that they didn’t have curtains like most plays do so the designers just shut off the lights so it was harder for everyone to see what was going on on the stage while the scene was changing. At one point in the play the characters were on a bridge and were holding on for dear life and it added some comedic value to it the designers brought out a ladder to represent the bridge and the actors held the hats that their characters were wearing to represent them on the bridge. The actors did a great job of not breaking character because everyone attending found this very humorous.
The way that everyone involved was able to change the original 39 steps from a very dramatic work into a very funny work shows just how good the Stage 2 team is and it will keep getting better and better every year.
The 39 Steps by UMD's Stage2 Theatre company provided a plethora of hilarious, dramatic and romantic elements that connect with each other on multiple levels. The play revolves around Richard Hannay, who is played by Liam Jeffery, and the amusing journey to clear his name. However, Hannay meets unique individuals and causes chaos everywhere he goes. To begin, the intimate setting of the black box theatre creates the perfect ambiance for this type of performance. The actors really made use of the small space, made it seem vast and give it depth throughout the performance.
The director, Antony Ferguson, chose to have only four actors in the entire play. Ferguson attempted to create a unique independent performance that differs from other traditional performances. He does this through his artistic choices as both director and also scene designer. Hannay is played by Liam Jeffery. He delivered a smashing portrayal of his character through his long monologues and charm. Catherine Dukelow took the role of three love interests of Hannay throughout the play. Each one of those characters more in depth than the other. She flourished with her distinct accents. The other two actors of The 39 Steps, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, took on many differentiating roles. Some of the actors actually had to play two characters in the same scene. This required elaborate rapid costume changes for the actors. In one scene in particular, switching hats to become a different character. Both Becker and Tabaka simultaneously created unique characters, provided hilarious comedy, and seamlessly continued the story of the play.
Ferguson’s stage design of this particular production was simplistic, but effective. The set was minimalist, but also easily recognizable. Ferguson did a remarkable job as scene designer by creating the various locations. By using a ladder, boxes, a table and two walls, The 39 Steps was easily understandable. Also, the lighting by Jennifer Kroon-Nelson started off as a noir obscurity that kicked off the production. Later on, Nelson created a dazzling ambiance that showed both drama and hilarity. Especially in the final scenes of the second act, Nelson utilized lighting to highlight the emotions of that particular moment. The costume designers, Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal, helped transform the world of The 39 Steps into the past. From Dukelow’s various wigs and dresses, Jeffery’s coats, to Becker and Tabaka’s hats and quick changes, the costume designers elaborately created the characters through their costuming. Dukelow’s Annabella Schmidt is dressed seductively and reflected the noir beginning of the first act. Also, the designers overcame the challenges of Becker’s and Tabaka’s rapid various characters and they helped provide even more comedic delight through their costuming.
All in all, The 39 Steps gave a powerful punch of dazzling, dramatic, and hilarious joy. Each element of the production was intricately planned to astonish and delight. The 39 Steps presented iconic imagery in a new way. Ferguson attempted to innovate the theatrical performance experience and give it flair to a new generation of theatre goers. This production proves that UMD’s Stage2 Theatre Company is thriving in their experimental innovation and talent and should be witnessed.
The production of The 39 Steps was an experience like never before! Filled with comedy, suspense, and romance, The 39 Steps brought it all to the table! There were scenes that made the audience hysterically laugh, jump in their seats, and “ooh/ahh” from watching a sweet kiss. The performers did a wonderful job of maintaining the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance because it was so entertaining it was difficult to take your eyes off! For someone like me who walked into the performance knowing nearly nothing about the history of the production, the fact sheet included in the program was extremely helpful. There were minor details such as this that made the experience much more enjoyable.
The 39 Steps was directed by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s very own Antony Ferguson. Ferguson did a tremendous job of including and creating minor adjustments that added humor which made the performance even more comedic and entertaining. Ferguson had a limited amount of time to direct and revise this production, but he managed to create a performance that exceeded all expectations. He did a phenomenal job of limiting the cast to four incredible actors.
The main character, performed by Liam Jeffery, did a wonderful job of acting a difficult character. He remained focused throughout the entire production and adjusted to any unexpected events, such as his sandwich falling from his hand and he proceeded by eating it anyway. Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, two actors that performed as a number of different characters, performed a fantastic performance. They were required to switch from one accent to another in the span of a second, and they did so seamlessly. These two gentlemen did a wonderful job of portraying a number of different characters by just the quick switch of a hat or sometimes with an extra moment to change outfits completely. The actress, Catherine Dukelow, did a wonderful job as well as adjusting to unexpected events, such as her wig falling off in the middle of a line. Neither her nor Jeffery allowed that to distract them. Each of the actor’s creativity was evident throughout the performance.
Emily Bolles, a member of the shift crew, did a phenomenal job of transforming the space in short amounts of time and the scenic designer (and director), Antony Ferguson, did a fantastic job of designing pieces and props that portrayed a number of different scenes and locations throughout the entire performance. For someone whose first time attending a performance on a black box stage was The 39 Steps performance, he/she may have assumed that the options would have been limited for scenes. It was noticeable that there was a limited supply of props, but the props used were more than sufficient in differing the spaces from one other. Ferguson designed wonderful scenes that carried the audience all the way from the city of Marylebone to the exterior of a moving train. The options were not limited because of the creativity of Ferguson. The costume designers, Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal, portrayed a number of different characters with a limited supply of designs. They made it as easy as possible for the actors to transform into a different character as quickly as they could. The dresser, Casper Pichotta, made the transformations from one character to the next as quickly as she could and because of that the performance was not delayed at all. The 39 Steps was seamlessly performed by wonderful actors and was directed spotlessly by Ferguson.
The 39 Steps, a play centered around mystery, wonder, love, and a murder most foul. The 39 Steps is set in London in the 1930’s. It begins with the main character Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery. Hannay is a simple man, bored of the usual everyday sights, sounds, news, and people of London. He attempts to cure his boredom by attending the theater, meeting Annabella Schmidt, a german spy played by Catherine Dukelow. From there he embarks on a journey that will take him all across the UK. From scottish police to german secret society leaders, The 39 Steps is sure to keep you on your toes.
Directed by UMD’s Antony Ferguson, The 39 Steps takes slapstick comedy to a new level. With only 4 actors playing over 40 characters, it's hard to picture how they achieve such a difficult task. Using many costume changes, hats, wigs, and voice changes, the actors can change their character in an instant. However, only 3 of the actors are doing all of these character switches. Jefferys character Richard Hannay, stays the same throughout the entire play. Catherine Dukelow plays most of the main female roles and the side character roles are played by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, two hilarious and talented actors.
The set was very minimal because of all the scenes and quick changes that had to be made right then and there in front of the audience. Using your imagination was critical as there were no backdrops, some props were used more than once and in totally different ways, and actors were changing character right in front of you whether you caught on or not. The many different uses of the door frame and window frame were endless. At one point the stage became a train and at another, it was just a simple inn. The creativity of the set designer, Ferguson, really showed. Costumes are even more challenging. Actors have to change quickly to keep up the illusion. It didn’t prove to be a problem for any of them. Characters switched in an instant, from their clothes to their voice to even their mannerisms.
What was really special was seeing it twice. There were many subtle changes that you would only notice if you were part of the production. Going on opening night and then the next night was great because it was easier to understand the second time and enjoy it thoroughly but also fantastic for picking up the minor details they changed from the first night to the second. A few examples are: The map Hannay used to find Alt Na Shellach became comedically bigger as he struggled to unfold it. Dukelows “Annabella Schmidt” wore a different dress. The old man character “Mccroqadale” wore round glasses. All of these little things made the show better.
The Stage 2 production of The 39 Steps fulfilled the expectations Director Antony Ferguson set for the Introduction to Theater Arts class. He promised drama, many, many female love interests, and a few dramatic deaths. As a fellow UMD student remarked “Mr. Memory deserved better!” at the end of the production, it is safe to say that yes, Mr. Memory did in fact, deserve better.
The 39 Steps: a drama, comedy, romance, multi-acting and unique play. Stage 2 put on a super creative, wonderful performance. It was crazy, from the acting, sound, lights, costumes, and much more. The purpose of the performance was to entertain the audience in a way to make them laugh and amazed. A lot of physical activity was used throughout the performance, which helped express the humor. Antony Ferguson, the director and scenic designer, did an amazing job. The stage manager, Emma Loney, also gets a lot of credit. Although there were few, the props used in the show were very unique. The two main props, the window and the door, had multiple purposes in different scenes. For on specific scene, they were positioned to be an imaginary train. Another unique prop was the ladder. Its purpose was to represent a bridge. Smaller props were also used to add humor. Balloons were represented as sheep and a fan was held to emphasize the extreme wind. The different props made it lively not only for the actors, but also the audience members. The lighting and music also had a big impact on the production. When the music and lights went on as the door opened and off as the door closed, it brought lots of laughter. Likewise, it was fascinating only having four actors playing the roles of multiple people. Their skills showed throughout the entire performance. Each actor made the scenes funny and interesting. Liam Jeffrey as Richard Hannay, on the run to reveal the secrets of The 39 Steps. Catherine Dukelow as the woman, playing the role of multiple woman in love with Richard Hannay. Her sassy attitude helped portray her appropriate character. Finally, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, playing numerous characters. These include a newspaper boy, an old lady, a policeman, a ticket collector, a dog, a train goer and more. They adjusted sufficiently to different accents and characters in front of the audience. Overall they did an amazing job and had a great performance. In conclusion, the overall performance by Stage 2 was wonderful. Everyone involved in The 39 Steps played a significant role and has true skill. The audience was laughing and hooked every scene. It is a must see, humorous play. Grace Gaustad
The production 39 Steps directed by Anthony Fregusion is a comedic thriller with a hint of a unique love story. The audience follows the main character Richard Hannay as he tries to clear his name of murder and save the country. Liam Jeffery, who portrayed Hannay in this production, did a wonderful job on keeping the audience intrigued on his journey. Hannay runs into a few love interests along his way, all played by Catherine Dukelow. The actors flowed well together and made the love feel real to the audience. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker played several different characters throughout the performance and they did so very well. The actors constantly switching between characters added comedic relief to the production. Many of the characters switched back and forth between accents, each new accent was just as realistic. These different accents also helped make sure the audience knew the difference between all the characters. All four actors did an amazing job portraying so many different roles.
The stage was small but Fregusion made the most of it. The main props included a door and a window. These objects were constantly being moved to portray different places. Fregusion also used other small objects to enhance the performance but nothing that took away from the acting. The costumes were a major part of the production, considering they were always switching back and forth. The costumes were all put together well and fit the characters personality perfectly. The audience was able to see the actors switch back and forth between characters on stage. One scene consisted of Tabaka and Becker constantly switching back and forth. The scene was added for comedic relief and it worked well. The lighting enhanced the scenes and made some simple conversations funny. The set was designed well and worked just right for this performance.
Overall, this performance was impressive, dramatic, and funny. All four actors executed their several roles perfectly. The production allowed the actors to show how impressive their acting skills truly are. The scenery, costumes, and lights all had a large contribution to this performance and making it so great. Fregusion’s production of 39 steps was a success.
The production of The 39 Steps was a fun and exciting experiment. The 39 Steps had it all from comedy, action, romance, mystery, murder, and more. The performance was wonderfully executed from all aspects. The performance was very funny and entertaining drawing and holding the attention of the audience and making the audience react to what was going on as they felt as if they were there. The 39 Steps is based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie and was written by Patrick Barlow. The script was written very well while being so comedic but allowing for serious events to happen to. The 39 Steps was directed by the University of Minnesota Duluth student Antony Ferguson. Antony did a very good job directing this play in the little time that they had to prepare for the performance. The play was very entertaining and hilarious, and it was because of decisions Antony made and the actors’ skills and decisions that really made the performance. Antony while being the director also served as the Scenic Designer. The space that they had to perform was very small, but Antony was creative and was able to convey the scene with no backdrops and very few props. He was able to show the city of London, to the country, to being on a train with few props because of how the actors interacted with them. One thing that stood out was the London Bridge being portrayed as a ladder and using hats to show where the people were located on the bridge. He was also able to have a rolling prop be a window, a train, and more with the help of his amazing actors. The actors did a phenomenal job with this piece. For the scenes, they were able to portray the train by hanging out the window and acting as if the wind was blowing them off. To begin Liam Jeffery played the lead of the play, Richard Hannay. He did an amazing job staying in character and being serious during funny scenes. He did a good job adjusting to what happened, an example being his sandwich falling on the ground and him still eating it. Catherine Dukelow played three different women in this performance. She did a very well job differentiating them not only by changing costumes but by giving each one their separate personality by using different accents and by acting differently as the different characters. Lastly, the ensemble was played by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. These guys did an amazing job as the two of them had to split over twenty roles between the two of them. They were able to portray all the characters so well by using so many different accents, looks, and personalities. At some points in the performance, they had to perform two or three roles at the same time, and they were able to do this by switching accents and hats/wigs. Another major part of this performance was the costume designers. They were important because with only four actors and having over thirty parts you need a way for the audience to differentiate between the characters. They did this by using different hats and wigs, which allow the guys to each portray women parts. They also were important as they helped with quick stage changes as the actors needed to change quickly so they could get back on stage. One last thing that stuck out was the lighting of the performance. The choices made a large impacted on how the scene was perceived. The lighting helped improve the scene in Act one when the two stalkers were standing outside of Hannay’s Flat and the light would go on and off as Hannay opened and closed the blinds. Also, at the very end of the play, as Mr. Memory was dying, they dimmed the lights and when he came to life again, they came back on and then slowly faded to turn completely off symbolizing his death. Overall this production of The 39 Steps directed by Antony Ferguson was very good and was put on beautifully by the actors. It fulfilled its purpose and provided a fun, entertaining, and exciting night for the audience.
Murder, humor, romance, and more! The 39 Steps has it all. From the thrilling events of shooting and stabbing, to the comedic interactions between the actors, to the intense love interests, you know the production will be an experience like never before.
The 39 Steps was originally written by the 1915 novelist, John Buchan, then directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who turned it into a film in 1935, and then lastly directed by the incredibly talented Antony Ferguson from University of Minnesota Duluth’s Stage 2 Theatre Company. Antony Ferguson accomplished great success in casting his characters, nailing the multiple scene changes, and achieved humor like no other.
The cast was limited to four actors, Richard Hannay, The Woman, Clown 1, and Clown 2. Liam Jeffery portrayed Hannay remarkably with the perfect amount of charm and wit. From his lengthy monologues to his adventure driven nature, I believe no one else could’ve played a better Hannay. Catherine Dukelow perfected the role of multiple women in the show. In each of her roles, she did an excellent job creating each woman uniquely. She gave them their own character not only through their costumes, but through their personality and attitudes. Clown 1 and Clown 2 were played by the insanely hilarious and talented Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. They made taking on the task of over twenty roles look easy! Some examples include a Milkman, Policeman, Train-goer, Old Lady, Newspaper Boy, Mr. Memory, and even a Baby. They both represented the various characters flawlessly through their accents, attitudes, and looks. Tabaka and Becker gave the play such comedic improv that impressively kept the story flowing. The Stage 2 production of The 39 Steps was overall outstanding. The audience was hooked the entire time and laughed at almost every scene. There was constant humor and delight radiating from Dudley Experimental Theatre and director Anthony Ferguson inspired us all. The amount of hard work that everyone involved put into the play in such a short period of time just shows how amazing of a team Stage 2 is.
The 39 Steps had everyone laughing out loud and took comedy to another level! With only a little over two weeks of preparation, UMD Stage 2 made it seem like they’d been rehearsing for months! You’d think that a play with as many roles as The 39 Steps would be impossible to do with only four people, but Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka took on the challenge with seemingly endless costume changes. Liam Jeffery did a spectacular job of playing the role of Richard Hannay. He was just a person who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Catherine Dukelow, who played Richard Hannay’s love interests, also gave a unique comedic takes on all her scenes. Director/scenic designer Antony Ferguson did a marvelous job with not only picking an exceptional cast, but also making do with such little props. One part in particular where this showed was when the train door in one scene was also used as a window in a later scene. Ferguson also had a keen eye for the cast with all four members fitting perfectly with their role. To make it even better the timing of the light effects by lighting designer Drew Check and light board op Jennifer Kroon-Nelson was amazing. An exceptional scene happened towards the beginning of the play outside of Richard Hannay’s apartment. It showed Hannay looking out the window and then a spotlight came on showing two men standing under what looked to be a lamp post. All of these things combined with only two weeks of preparation is just a tremendous effort by Antony Ferguson and his crew. Each actor came with their own set of traits that helped spiral the play into what it was. Liam Jeffery who played as the main character Richard Hannay did a fantastic job of adjusting to unplanned scenarios. One of which was when Hannay’s suitcase fell open. He just played it off and closed it while drawing almost no attention that it wasn't supposed to happen. Richard Hannay’s love interests played by Catherine Dukelow also did a fantastic job. She brought a variety of attitudes and also put her own unique spin during scenes. Last but not least, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka did a fantastic job of fitting into so many roles. From Scottish to German accents they nailed all of them and did so while playing over 40 roles. Overall the play was a huge success. With the comedy, romance, and drama all adding up to make a work of art. Bravo to everyone who worked on and helped make The 39 Steps possible. This play is a definite must see.
The 39 Steps, a Stage 2 production, left its audience laughing uncontrollably. This play was a great way to start out the year in the UMD theatre department because of its fast pace, humor, and audience engagement. Playwright Patrick Barlow adapted The 39 Steps from the screen version which was originally a drama. This play however, is anything but that. The way he wrote for two actors to play an abundance of roles made the show so unique and a real treat to watch.
Antony Ferguson, the director and scene designer, was able to pull off an immense feat with putting on this show. He was able to pull together all of the different chaotic aspects involved in it without it feeling like a trainwreck to the audience. From lighting details and sound cues to creative use of set pieces and this show had it all. One set piece was used in almost every scene as something to represent a different location, and the different lighting effects during some of the scenes added a lot to what the actors were already doing so well. He chose a cast that worked so well together, and made decisions that took the show to a whole new level which made it surprising to learn they had only had 14 rehearsals to pull it all together.
The cast of The 39 Steps was small, but mighty. Between the four of them there were a lot of different characters to fill. Liam Jeffery who played Richard Hannay was the only actor who didn’t have to fulfill multiple roles, but his role was integral in keeping the show grounded. He was the one constant amidst all the chaos without lacking an ounce humor. The two clowns played by Eukariah and Austin Becker were a hoot. The way they were able to switch from one character to the next with a flip of the hat, and a smooth transition to a new accent was astounding. Switching back and forth between the innkeeper and his wife and the two detectives during one of the scenes was hilarious to watch. Those two kept the energy up, and if they ever got tired they hid it well. Catherine Dukelow played three different women with very different personalities and backgrounds. Her characters’ interactions with Hannay and the other characters were so fun to watch because she made each one uniquely funny.
The designers involved in this play had a lot of area to cover. With three actors playing a multitude of characters in couldn’t have been easy to try and figure out how to dress each one to look different, but have a simple costume change at the same time. Part of what made this show so funny was that it wasn’t perfect, and they didn’t try to bite off more than they could chew in terms of elaborate costume changes and set design. With a show that has as much going on as this one did adding more could be disastrous.
This show was funny, action packed, and full of great moments. The director, cast, designers, and crew were able to create a show in which the audience could leave feeling not only like they had their daily dose of laughter, but with an appreciation for all of the work that goes into making a show successful.
Tragedy, love, dramatics, and adventure all dressed up in a comedic suit and tie. The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow performed this past weekend through the Stage 2 Company at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental Theatre. The 39 Steps is a comedic play based on the Hitchcock film of the same name about action, espionage, and mystery. Throughout the play, four actors cycled through 150 characters, countless costume changes, and 32 scenes.
Director Antony Ferguson masterfully blocked the scenes to flow right into one another. It appears that Ferguson meticulously chose his cast from a large pool of talent that the UMD theatre department has to offer. Ferguson could have added a few members to the ensemble for less chaotic costume changes, however he decided to keep the original casting suggestion and his played out well for the cast giving them a more close-knit and honest reactions on stage.
Ferguson also doubled as the production’s scenic designer. He set the Dudley theatre up like a traditional proscenium stage feel, but with the intimacy of a blackbox theatre space seating around 75 patrons. The set had a very minimalist feel with the stage painted black as well as all of the largest scenery. Although this choice seemed bland at the beginning, it gave the shows lighting a beautiful platform to portray different scenes and provide that classic film noir feel.
Throughout the play audience members are brought from London to Edinburgh and back through the narration of Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery, to clear his name and save his country. Jeffery’s perception of the character was brilliant and he brought lots of comedic timing and color to the character. Playing his opposite, was actor Catherine Dukelow as the play’s femme fatale. Through the course of the show, Dukelow put on three different characters all distinct with their persona, accent, and wig. During both acts, the audience never took their eyes off either Dukelow or Jeffery through the duo’s dynamic banter and mishaps. Framing the duo’s performance are Austin Becker (Clown 1) and Eukariah Tabaka (Clown 2), who together play 140+ characters through the course of the two acts. If either of these actors weren’t on stage they were in the wings doing a quick change for their next entrance, and throughout the whole performance both Becker and Tabaka did a fantastic job of maintaining their energy.
The 39 Steps kept the audience in a constant state of laughter with multiple bits in every scene along with an already comedic script. The producers and actors for this show collaborated together for three weeks and performed show seamlessly with ease, excitement, and passion. The audience left the theatre with stomachs aching from their laughter and anticipation for the rest of the Stage 2 Theatre 2019-2020 season.
The Thirty-Nine Steps is a great way to start off the season of musicals and plays! Stage 2 did a great job bringing this comedy to life and is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. The location was a great choice as well. Even though this play is mainly a comedy, but it is also filled this drama, romance, and mystery. The Black Box made the performance even more engaging and was the perfect setting for this play.
This play is about a man, Richard Hannay, who is trying to clear his name after a woman was murdered in his home. He travels all over the country trying to find the 39 steps, which will help prove he’s innocent. As he travels across the country, he comes across many different characters. In the end the antagonist loses and he gets his name cleared and even gets the girl.
Antony Ferguson was a great director and did a great job with this play. His choice of location was great. He did a good job of putting this play together and made this comedy very enjoyable. The actors and actress he chose were also a great choice.
Richard Hannay was performed by Liam Jeffery. He did a fantastic job of bringing this character to life. His performance was very entertaining. In this play Richard Hannay is trying to clear his name and to stop the antagonist from getting very important information that could hurt the country.
The woman in this play was performed by Catherine Dukelow. She did a great job of making the most out of every character. Her accents were great, and her acting was very good as well! She switched roles with no issue and as that can be difficult, she made it seem smooth and easy.
Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka did a great job tying this whole comedy together. Their different accents and characters were hilarious and entertaining. They are both great actors. In this play alone they took on the roles of cops, women, entertainers, the main antagonist, etc. They did a fantastic job playing all of these roles and made this play the comedy it is!
The stage in the Dudley Theater is sparsely set for the opening scene of The 39 Steps. Twisted Comedy, unexpected love and violent murder will play across this virsatile stage, by the Stage 2 theater company. Quick scene, character and costume changes play into the comedic aspect of this performance directed and designed by Anthony Ferguson; based off of the original play adapted from an Alfred Hitchcock movie by Patrick Barlow.
Director Anthony Ferguson selected actors not only versatile in roles but those that are able to think quick on their feet. With a cast of four and a high character count, Ferguson found quick, clever ways to use comedy in order to make these transitions smooth. Instead of making scene and custom changes discreet they were made obviously, even exaggerated at some points in order to enhance the scene displayed. In one scene particularly Eukariah Tabaka switched between a scottish man, to an officer and back again on stage. The comedy of this scene helped it flow naturally instead of the awkward pauses that would have ensued if Tabaka were to have rushed on and off the stage to change. Ferguson took many risks for the sake of comedy and it helped the scenes bland naturally.
The set design (designed by Ferguson) was simple as well as versatile and the audience watched as windows became trains, doorways than back again. Many props and flats were used for different purposes in many different scenes. The sparse stage encouraged imagination to be used by the audience with the help of the actors. Lighting also helped depict the time of day as well as scenery clues. The up and down of the lights at the end helped portray the life entering and leaving the body of Mr. Memory as he spewed the information. Without these additions this scene may have been hard to understand but the message was clearly delivered.
As in any performance it is the actor’s job to bring their world to life and make it a reality for the audience. With a small cast and a high amount of characters the pressure was really on, and it was executed very well. Becker and Tabaka (Clown #1 and #2) switched between their many roles with grace. Not only were costume changes done but entire characters had to stand out amongst the rest; each had to have an individual personality. Catherine Dukelow also did a really good job at making all of her female characters stand out from one another. Dukelow created very specific personalities that truly shone through in the different scenes, as they were needed. Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery was a very three-dimensional character. Jeffery did an insanely good job of making Hannay feel real and his struggles were relatable (to an extent).
The cast of The 39 Steps and all those involved put on an extraordinary performance. From the lead actors, to the stage hands, to the costume designers everyone should feel proud of all the time and effort that they put into this show, for it truly was successful.
The 39 Steps by University of Minnesota Duluth’s Stage 2 Theatre Company was an extremely entertaining show that connected comedy, drama, romance, thrill, suspense, and more all together to make an outstanding show! It felt as if the audience was on the chaotic journey through the UK with Richard Hannay played by Liam Jeffery and his experiences ranging from running away from the germen secret society members to running from scottish police to finding a little bit of romance.
Antony Ferguson one of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s own was the director and scenic designer of The 39 Steps and did an excellent job with the play and the outcome was very impressive with such little time he had to direct this play. Antony made the decision of only using four actors to play many different roles within the play. He succeeded with this because the actors he chose fit each role they played exceptionally. Antony, also being the scenic designer worked with a very small space yet made it so it could become a kitchen, motel, train, a car, and other different props to create different scenes with very little space.
The cast consisted of 4 actors exceptionally playing many different roles in The 39 Steps. The actors switched roles with a whole costume change or just as simple as a different accent or a change of hats yet could be easily noted that it was a different role being played. The main character Richard Hannay was played by Liam Jeffery, the Woman played by Catherine Dukelow, Clown 1 played by Austin Becker, and Clown 2 played by Eukariah Tabaka. Hannay was very serious in moments portraying his character well but he also lacked no humor in scenes ranging from the women spy’s death to trying to eat his sandwich while handcuffed to Dukelow’s character. Dukelow played 3 different women in the play, she gave them all different and unique personalities, accents, and changes in hair/costume. She also fulfilled Hannay’s romance with each character. The very talented Becker and Tabaka playing Clown 1 and 2 really brought the comedy to 39 steps. These two were quite impressive how they played many roles with just a switch of a hat or accent or wig. The most impressive part with these two was at the train station when they ranged from a Newspaper boy to a Policeman to an old lady and more.
The designers for The 39 Steps nailed all aspects of design from costumes to lighting to the sounds. The lighting was key to when Mr. Memory was dying, as he died the lights dimmed to dark but when he came back alive for a short period the lights came back on slowly, then went pitch black assuring us that he was dead. The different hats and costumes were essential in showing the audience that roles were switched.
Overall The 39 Steps was a phenomenal play due to everyone involved having exceptional talent. They had the audience laughing out loud, cheering, and very engaged and intrigued in the production.
Stage 2’s The 39 Steps is The Exact Definition of Chaotic Comedy
Four actors, three weeks and over one hundred fifty characters may sound like a trainwreck waiting to happen, but with the help of director Antony Ferguson, this train made it straight to the station, even if it got there with a suspected murder hanging off of it.
Playwright Patrick Barlow was successful in taking the 1935 film based on the John Buchan novel “The 39 Steps” and turning it on it's head, this comedic take paired with the creative directing of Ferguson was sure to be successful, and that reigned true from the moment a ladder became a bridge and a bunch of balloons became a flock of sheep. The creative liberties didn’t stop there though, as Ferguson made the decision to make this rather character heavy play be performed by only four actors.
Leading-man Liam Jeffrey didn’t waste time showing just why he got the role of mundane Londoner Richard Hannay. In a show full of performers constantly changing parts, Jeffery was the only constant, and had the rather difficult task of keeping the audience grounded in an otherwise lofty performance. He supplied a performance that showed his talent in character elevation, giving layers with his voice inflection and reactions that reaches farther than a simple stage direction. His delivery of complete annoyance near the end seemed easy enough to portray, but his facial expressions showed the true romantic tension of his situations, whether his character was aware of it or not. A multidimensional actor can make or break a performance, and in this case it made that performance, not to mention Jeffrey’s impressive ability to keep a straight face while being regularly berated by comedic act after comedic act.
The majority of female characters were played by Catherine Dukelow, who undoubtedly could have a career as a voice actor if her current situation doesn’t work out. Even if she hadn’t changed costume for each character, the difference in role would be obvious due to her remarkable accents and overall change in stage presence for each one. From the German spy, to the Scottish wife, Dukelow dazzled the stage with her instant change in demeanor from part to part. That being said, her ability to not break amongst the total tom-foolery surrounding her, could’ve been revisited just to assure total immersion and rid the show of a few on stage chuckles.
Perhaps the most intriguing of performances were those of the clowns, conveyed by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. Once again a lot of the wow factor comes from their vast skill in accents and impersonations but in this case it also stems from the frequency, speed and depth in change. Despite the fact that some characters weren’t shown for anymore than 2 minutes, there was a feeling of story that came with each. For instance, the submissive-dominant relationship between the innkeeper and her husband was present the moment the characters grazed the stage, yet at the literal drop of a hat Becker and Tabaka would become these Three-stooge type police/spy duo on the lookout for Hannay. Luckily any slip up in character for the “clowns” just added to the comedic over arch of the performance.
Ferguson’s child-like, playful directing style coupled with the witty character acting presented by the cast made for a lively production that was so wacky it was impossible to not crack a smile if not fall in love with the whole show. -Sophie Druckrey
UMD Stage 2 Theatre company brought the show The 39 Steps to Duluth and the final product had me laughing at every step. Going into the show, it’s unclear what the mood is going to be but that is established almost right away.
Having a very small cast of 4 and a small budget, they played with what they had and made the best out of it, leaving the audience in tears of laughter. The lead protagonists Richard Hannay (played by Liam Jeffery) and Pamela (Catherine Dukelow) guides the audience through this slapstick espionage love-story that is The 39 Steps. Other than those two roles, all of the other characters in the show (about 25 other roles) are played by one of two actors, Eukariah Tabaka or Austin Becker. These two time and time again stole the show with their hilarious jokes and physical comedy. Whether it be the quick costume and accent changes, or the chemistry between the two, the audience could always be guaranteed a laugh when these two share the spotlight. The lighting and sound used for the show perfectly encapsulated the “low budget” look this play had.
The vision director Antony Fergusson had for this show was phenomenal. Making such a great show on such a limited budget really shows there’s no excuse for a show not to be funny. In fact, the lack of budget this play was showing made The 39 Steps all the funnier. Most spy movies and shows are packed full of these blockbuster action sequences. But when in Fergusson’s show, they basically mock the absurdness of the action by playing it down so low that the sarcasm is literally leaking off the stage. Anywhere from using a ladder and hats for a train chase scene to using sheep as balloons, it goes to show anything can be funny if you’re creative enough.
The Stage 2 production of the 39 Steps is the funniest show I have seen in a long time. Even within the entertainment realm, whether that be movies, tv shows, or any other form of it, this type of humor beats it all. To the actors, director, stage manager, tech, they all deserve praise for bringing such a hilarious show to the audiences of Duluth. - Camden Mast
With only having four actors, a small budget, and only 3 weeks to prepare for a conundrum of a romantic comedy, Antony Ferguson and his team of the UMD stage 2 did a spectacular job and shocked a large portion of the audience members with their stunning ability to perfect nearly everything that occurs within the play “The 39 steps”. Originating from the novel written by John Buchnan and then later created into a film by Patrick Barlow. The play consists of over 150 characters that have many different traits and personalities. However, the cast of four did an outstanding job of portraying each role to perfection.
Firstly, Protagonist character Richard Hannay who flees from spies throughout the entire continent of europe is played by none other than Liam Jeffery. Jeffrey definitely earned the role he was assigned. Being the only actor in the performance that had a constant role, Liam Jeffery did a wonderful job of keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire play Liam used his very talented skill of voice acting and putting himself in the character's shoes to make it seem as if he really was Richard Hannay. Liam also had to overcome the task of not cracking smile while all of these hilarious acts were taking place around him. Finally, Liam used his ability to show emotion with facial expressions to really demonstrate how he was feeling in certain situations.
Secondly, probably the most humorous and intriguing character in the performance were the clowns, portrayed by Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker. One of the most impressive things done by Becker an Tabaka was their ability to play multiple roles in the performance. The accents.impersonations, and ability to change costumes at lightning speed that Becker and Tabaka displayed almost convinced the audience the entire audience that they were completely different individuals. Although some of the characters they acted as in the performance were only there for a short amount of time, they still did a wonderful job of keeping the audience engaged. The two were able to switch from spies to a married couple in the Blink of an eye. This was especially impressive because of the little amount of time that the actors had to perfect these roles, which is exactly what they did.
Thirdly, Catherine Dukelow, who played a vast amount of the female characters in the play, had probably the most outstanding voice out of every individual in the performance. Catherine was able to change her voice in many various ways making it hard to identify if it was really her at specific moments in the performance. Like the clowns, Catherine had the extremely talented ability to play multiple roles in the performance and she was able to use her ability to put herself in the characters shoes as well which caused the audience to really be engaged every time she opened her mouth. Catherine portrayed characters in the play such as a spy and even a wife which are two completely different roles. However, she mastered the ability to instantly change character.
Finally, Antony Ferguson deserves a round of applause for this one, especially because he turned a great nothing into a great something. Ferguson, who is very childish (in a good way) was able to provide for more comedy than expected considering he had the entire audience rolling in laughter. Antony also allowed for the characters to express in some improv which allowed for many comedic acts with clowns. From the beginning of the play, to the very end UMD stage 2 theatre productions and Ferguson did an incredible job of not only entertaining the audience, but also shocking them with an unforgettable performance. -Seth Grob
A terrific way to begin the fall year, the University of Minnesota Duluth Stage 2 Theatre Company put on a spectacular production of 39 Steps. Directed by UMD’s own Antony Ferguson, Ferguson’s choice to cast four performers to play nearly forty roles was interesting. Nevertheless, with all of the different chaotic aspects involved in the play, Fergusons took on the challenge and was able to pull them all together.
Also as scenic designer, Ferguson kept the set to a minimal. It was amazing to see how he portrayed different scenes and locations throughout the entire performance with a few props he used. Due to the limitation of props, the performers used the props in a way that the audience had to use their imaginations to understand their intended use. Balloons were used as sheep, a fan was used to create the illusion of wind, and a ladder was used to represent the London Bridge.
The coordination with the lighting designers Drew Check and Jennifer Kroon-Nelson and sound designers Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg were amazing. The environmental sound cues matched with the lights that would turn on and off as Hannay opened and closed the door created loads of laughter.
Costume designers Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal needed to transform four actors into over forty different characters and make sure each costume change went smoothly. They accomplished this by using various hats and wigs to differentiate between the different characters.
And nothing would complete without an amazing cast. Made up of the talents of Eukariah Tabaka, Austin Becker, Catherine Dukelow, and Liam Jefferey.
Jefferey’s portrayed the lead as "Richard Hannay" a suspect framed for murder. The fact that he was the only one to play just a single character was satisfying. At times it got to be a bit confusing to see the actors switch from one character to enough. His ability to remain focus and adjust to his surroundings gave a seriousness tone to show. Dukelow played the three love interests of Hannay. Her take on the characters was terrific. The accents she used were spot on. Even with a wardrobe malfunction, she managed to stay in character.
Jefferey may have played the lead role but it was the duo of Tabaka and Becker who undoubtedly stole the show with their unbelievably fast costume changes. Within a single scene, the pair managed to switch between an impressive amount of 6 characters. From a newspaper boy to an old lady. In one scene, Tabaka played the role of two people having a conversation with each other. His ability to simultaneously switch wardrobe and play both characters was hysterical and added to the comedic effect.
Indeed, 39 Steps was a spectacular production full of raw talent. The actors' shenanigans kept the audience captivated and laughing throughout the entire show. As important as the cast is, much of the show would not have been the success it was if it had not been for the amazing crew. With little over two weeks for preparation, each department came together and seamlessly executed a magnificent show worth seeing.
UMD Stage 2 Theatre Company’s production of Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps was well-produced, well-performed, and an overall success. From lighting to props to the actors themselves, it’s clear that a lot of care and love was put into this production, and all that hard work has paid off.
With its myriad locations and characters, the show inherently lends itself to the imagination, which also allows for a relatively lower budget. The props and scenic design were simplistic, but were recognizable enough to make it clear what they represented. This minimalist approach is preferable to intricacy, since it coincides with the rather snarky and self-aware script and onstage bits.
Speaking of onstage bits, much of the show’s success can be attributed to its amazing cast of four. Each of the players contributed a unique energy, and the four of them worked like a well-oiled comedic machine. Liam Jeffery’s portrayal of protagonist Richard Hannay was on-point and a perfect parody of an early film-noir detective. His facial expressions and comedic timing were always exactly where they needed to be, no sooner or later. The stage chemistry between Hannay and the Women (who were played by Catherine Dukelow) was palpable. Kukelow’s skittery excitement and Jeffery’s slick demeanor complement each other extremely well. The “Clowns,” Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, play the plethora of additional characters. Their pinpoint precision and wacky energy lit up the stage, no matter what they were doing. From re-enacting an intense (and hilarious!) train chase scene to switching between four different characters on a dime, these two comedians kept the audience on the edge of its seat.
I’m impressed with how flawlessly the technical aspects of the show fit in with the creative aspects. For most shows, things like lighting and scene transitions are a problem, a puzzle for the technical designers to think up a creative solution to. This show, however, embraced these challenges as overall assets. Massive creativity was put into making otherwise mundane scene changes comedic, and even the lighting and sound designs served as vehicles for hilarity.
Between a culmination of brilliant actors, creative designers, and top-notch humor, The 39 Steps was a marvelous production. Its use of the viewer’s imagination allowed it to tell a fantastical and devious story that will stay with me (and likely the rest of the audience) for quite a while.
Stage 2 at UMD this fall did the production of 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow. This show really brought an all together force of comedy with a minimal cast of only four players! These four all brought their own special kind of energy that matched and bounced perfectly at every line. It was a complete win in all senses of technical theater, that being lighting, set design, and sound.
This small cast was on at every cue of this production of 39 Steps. The actor who portrayed Richard Hannay (Liam Jeffery) the protagonist in this slapstick style show, really showed his acting skills as he brought the sinister and hilarity to the table with this funny but serious role. The actress who played opposite him throughout most of the show was Catherine Dukelow, who played a few parts that almost always seemed to be in love with Richard. She brought her own unique type of humor that brought the audience to tears as the numerous roles she played. The amazingly talented duo of Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker stole the show constantly throughout this production playing too many roles to count for the pure intent of making the audience laugh, but at the same time furthering the plot of the show. Not even always playing humans, they came ready to play with an unmatchable energy and chemistry that you can't help but appreciate.
The Director that had the vision for this show, Antony Ferusson deserves a standing ovation in itself for doing this as a part time student. The time and effort that seemed to go in to making this show happen with such fluidity and fun was such an accomplishment in itself having such a different script that must have taken hours and hours to cut into the final version of this show. The casting was second to none as the chemistry between these actors was so easy to see and so enjoyable to watch. A tip of the hat must be given to the very talented Antony Fergusson for directing this all around fun show.
Another thing to note about this show was its unique was of setting the scene. Pretty much the whole show was on wheels that was in constant movement and added on to the humor in a very special way. The actors used their unique set to their advantage at every turn poking their head around walls and jumping through windows. One thing that stood out as a great way to do a scene that you would think would require more "effort", was the way they decided to portray the sheep in this show. When the car of people get stopped by a herd of "sheep", all it was was the stage manager releasing marked up white balloons that resembled sheep. That much had the audience holding their bellies with laughter with this creative way to set the scene.
Once again, hats off to the whole company for pulling off a rather complex show that technically isn't meant to be as hilarious as they made it out to be. For having such a low budget, and not to mention that everyone apart of the show was a student, it reflected the talent that UMD has as a theater program.
The 39 Steps was a farcical and comical production done by Antony Ferguson through the Stage Two Theater at UMD. Based on North by Northwest, the production follows many of the same plot lines, but along the way it makes a complete mockery of the film itself. With quick costume changes and quick witted humor, the production proves to be a hysterical experience that any theater goer will very much enjoy.
One of the most impressive elements displayed during this rendition of the 39 steps was the versatile set pieces. A single large window was used to demonstrate, well, at one point a window and the next the side of a train. The minimalist set was a very impressive choice because it added a bit more of a comical air to the already ridiculous comedy show. Audience members were laughing even more as Liam Jefferey, who played Richard Hannay, crawled along the side of a train car. Using very simple set pieces as well allowed the audience a greater aesthetic distance and ability to just sit back and enjoy the mayhem on stage. Jennifer Kroon-Nelson, the lighting designer made good use of ambiance and dramatic lights. The right things seemed to happen at the right time. Both lighting and set made the production even more so a production that captured the spirit of farce.
About forty roles in the show were played by only two actors, Austin Bekcer and Eukariah Tabaka. They did a marvelous job with the immense task of playing and transitioning between many different personas and characters. A little help was given to them in terms of costume changes because costume designers Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal did a very excellent job of making costumes more minimal and portable. When the actors need to change costumes, most of their costumes were just hats or very simple pieces of clothing. From a milkman to a Scottish police officer, these actors did at all, making each role individual and the designers having unique articles of clothing to go with each well crafted character.
All actors in the show exhibited excellent comedic timing. Catherine Dukelow was exceptional at this. She played three separate love interests during the production. When being the most scottish of the three, she had stupendous timing and was very accurate with each line’s intent. Her display mirrored those of the whole cast, having exquisite timing and delivery. Actors within this production displayed quality timing with accurate intent, helping make the production the quality piece of entertainment it was meant to be.
The 39 steps was an absolute ride for anyone attending, showcasing a true farce. Antony Fergusson and his crew did a marvelous job designing this play and executing it smoothly. All actors lived up to the roles they were given and gave immense personality to their characters. The 39 Steps is a worthy production done in a very imaginative way that excelled as a fabulous comedic performance at UMD.
The 39 Steps is a well thought out comedy that had the audience engaged. It was put on by Duluth's Stage 2 Theatre Company. This play focuses on main character Richard Hannay and his adventure across the UK to find the secret of The 39 Steps. This play was filled with colorful rich characters with outrageous personalities. The personality of each character wasn’t the only ridiculous aspect of this play, so were the props and acting which made the play a successful comedy. Throughout the play there were many aspects that contributed to the overall success and these aspects include a great director, scenic designer, and actors.
The 39 Steps is originally an adventure novel written by John Buchan in 1915. Later Alfred Hitchcock would make a film based off the novel in his style. The film was considered a British thriller. Even though this play is based off a novel and film it still has the underlying key aspects that make it similar to the previous 39 Steps. This play took the original story and added a comedic twist to it. This comedic twist made the story more lighthearted and not as heavy as before. Though this play would’ve done well if it was performed in the original style it was written, the tweaking of the style to make it a comedy was a genius idea.
The 39 Steps director and scenic designer is the talented and creative Antony Ferguson. Ferguson gave this comedic play a Monty Python vibe and tone that went over well with the audience. Ferguson combined different qualities to develop the correct mood and tone. He used farce comedy and plot implications to further the depth of the play. The play was chalked full of ridiculous situations that a normal person would never find themselves in. How a character handled a situation added to the comedic affect this play was trying to achieve. Ferguson used episodic dramatic structure to keep the story moving along and keep the audience engaged. The idea of having multiple different characters played by a single actor was a great opportunity for comedy and heightened the comedic theme of the play. His choice for an episodic structure was brilliant and it enhanced the comedy of the play. Ferguson's scenic design was awesome too. The scenery and properties helped set the tone and style of the production. The challenge of composition presented Ferguson with opportunities to create comedy. Overall director and scenic designer Antony Ferguson did a marvelous job in creating a fun and entertaining play.
A huge part of the successfulness of this play goes to the various actors and their acting choices and styles. Main character Richard Hannay played by Liam Jeffery was an interesting and well thought out character. Jeffery did a superb job throughout the play. He kept everyone wondering what they would do if they were in his shoes. A great deal of this was achieved due to Jeffery's tone of voice and how immersed he was in his character. Actor Catherine Dukelow also did an amazing job playing multiple different characters throughout the play. She was able to adjust her acting to each character and their personalities. At one point she even played a man which had the audience laughing. Actors Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka are also important to note. Throughout the play these two were generally acting together. It was obvious that their acting styles went together just a good as peanut butter and jelly. They were able to act and play off of one another and feed off of each other’s energy. These two were goofy and very fun to watch. They were lighthearted and were radiating good vibes and energy.
The 39 Steps is a well written and thought out play. Everyone that contributed to making the play made it special and entertaining to see. The Monty Python style that was achieved fit with the story and tone of this comedy. Even though this play was originally written as a serious mystery and Stage 2 Theatre Company did a great job remaking the original masterpiece into a good play.
The 39 Steps by Stage 2 Theatre Company a comedy with murder, love, and some quick costume changes. Having a cast of only four people would limit some productions on the number of characters, not in 39 Steps Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka do a great job with the quick costume and accent changes that are often played up for comedic effect. Not only that but Catherine Dukelow does a great job playing the love interest with fire and wit. And least of all Liam Jeffery who takes the audience on an adventure and has the audience rooting for him taking down the foreign spy and clear his name. Antony Ferguson, the director, and scenic designer made a great choice in his cast and in choosing set pieces for this production as it certainly added to the comedy in this production. Also, the supporting team that helped with lights and sound did a great job not only adding to the environment but also the comedy of the show.
ReplyDeleteDirector Ferguson makes interesting choices in choosing to have a cast of only four with so many parts to fill, but in this production, it works and adds many comedic moments that ordinarily would be absent. The coordination of the lights, sounds, sets pieces, and actors combine into a comedic powerhouse and prove that this is a director with a big picture of his production. There is a moment in the play where Becker and Tabaka switch back and forth between characters on stage with just a simple set-piece that allows for the focus to be entirely on the actors.
As in any show, the actors do a great job pulling the audience into the universe of the show and make the audience want to root for them. Dukelow did a great job with her three characters and with the accent that her first two characters have are done so well and even lead to some comedic moments and add an enjoyable piece that is the hilariousness of an accent. She also plays well with the other actors on the stage with her. And Jeffery does a great job of giving the audience someone to root for and sympathize with throughout the show as Richard Hannay. Jeffery also has many memorable comedic moments like the monologue at the beginning of the show that is not inherently funny but with his actions, it turns into a funny moment. And this all without mentioning Becker and Tabaka as they carry the comedic beats of the show with quick on and off-stage costume changes and hilarious accents there is no doubt that these two were the highlight of the show.
The designers of the show should be proud of themselves even though the set pieces were simple they perfect for a show where it is all about the simple things and meta-ness this way done by Ferguson. The sound production done by Abi Carlson was done well as it adds many beats to the show that take it up to that next level. Also, to the credit of the costume designers, Megan Borgerding, and Stella Vantsdal deserve a shout out as this could have just been another small detail but they play it up for yet another well-done joke.
All in all, this is show there laughter is in high demand and the jokes are top-shelf. There are so many moments that are full of suspense, intrigue, and murder and it is the actors who bring an enthusiasm that is infectious to the audience. Everyone involved in this show can be very proud of what they have done as it is a show that warrants seeing again just to if there are more jokes to catch.
Comedy, murder, odd love, and mystery. UMD Stage 2 put on a beyond excellent presentation. Between the cheesy, immensely funny, situational comedy, the amazing secondary actors, and the ability to convey visuals in eccentric ways, this play was everything a viewer could ask for. Liam Jeffery as Richard Hannay, a framed murderer on the run from spies across Europe. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker as secondary characters, absolutely fulfilling the roles necessary to make this play what it was. Finally, Catherine Dukelow, playing multiple estranged loves of Richard Hannay. All four, pulling this staging together to create a comedic masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteThe director and scenic designer, Antony Ferguson, picked a cast of beyond well versed actors/actress; each having their own special and individual quirkiness that made the play feel really well done. Eukariah Tabaka, Austin Becker, and Catherine Dukelow do an unbelievable job at making the cheesiness of this production hysterical, but so professional. The viewers witness the costume changes, the set changes, and the character changes, but it is done in such a manner that it completely makes the play what it is, giving the play its identity. A specific moment where this is shown is when Tabaka and Becker switch between a total of 5 or 6 characters in a minute and a half. Both trading off between a newspaper boy, a train goer, a policeman, a ticket collector, and an old lady. All of this costume/character changes happened right in front of the audience's eyes, but that was the beauty in it, the raw comedy unfolding in front of the viewers eyes.
Jeffrey plays a substantial role in presenting the story line to the audience as Richard Hannay, but lacks no humor. His story is filled with exuberant amounts of laughter and odd moments. His subtle jabs at his peculiar loves or his unconventional approach to certain situations make this play what it is. A scene that comes to mind is when Annabella Smith is stabbed in his flat, and after she passes he begins to make it laughable visual. He attempts multiple different ways to remove the body from his lap; when he finally does, he puts a glass in her hand, pours her a drink, and proposes a ‘cheers’ to her dead body. It would also be appropriate to add that his persona/appearance fits his role perfectly; the slicked back hair and the pencil mustache create the ultimate image of a 1920’s male.
In conclusion, everyone involved in this production should be exceptionally proud of themselves. From the director, to the actors/actress, to the sound and stage crews. This play was one that needs to be seen, a true laughable comedy. UMD Stage 2 shows that students themselves can put on a magnificent performance all while still learning and understanding the craft.
Zach Sexe
The 39 Steps is comedy gold! Alfred Hitchcok’s 1935 dramatic thriller was spun around and twisted upside-down by adapter Patrick Barlow as he reimagined the film as a comedic play. Dramatic murder scenes are made humorous with the ridiculous acting, minimal props, and the fact that numerous roles are played by the same few actors.
ReplyDeleteDirector Anthony Ferguson did an excellent job in casting as well as managing the hilariously chaotic performance. This was not an easy task to pull off with its frequent scene changes, fast-paced plot, and the limited cast pulling off so many evolving roles. Ferguson was also the scenic director. He directed a number of scene changes (with the help of two stage hands) using a limited set on stage. He used a door, window, ladder, table, and a chair for a majority of the settings. He was able to use them for several different houses, a hotel, a train, a car, a jail, a stage, and even a forest. The limited props played a big role in the comedic side of things. The audience laughed as balloons were used as a flock of sheep, a dummy was used as a dead body, and 4 chairs were a car. During one chase scene, a ladder was used as a bridge while the people running on the bridge were symbolized by their hats being held up.
Liam Jefferey played the lead role as “Richard Hannay”, suspect for murder. Catherine Dukelow played several female characters throughout the play. They played their roles incredibly well, but the real stars of the show were Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. The pair managed to hilariously fill the roles of almost every other character needed throughout the performance. They flipped between characters with an outfit change, switching hats, or simply changing an accent. In one humorous scene Tabaka switched roles so quickly using a hat and wig that he actually played two people and had a conversation with himself. The limited number of cast members was endlessly entertaining for the audience.
The 39 Steps was an exceptional performance that did an excellent job of keeping the audience not only invested, but laughing in every scene. An absolute must-see!
-Haley Evans
If there was ever a theater production to fling open its doors and welcome raw comedic action, it is The 39 Steps. Originally written by Patrick Barlow and ambitiously directed by none other than the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Antony Ferguson, this show was destined for complete innovative brilliance. Ferguson explains his desire to direct this show as it is overflowing with “physical comedy, dramatic heights, and willingness to go places where stage shows rarely do.”
ReplyDeleteWith The 39 Steps featuring approximately forty roles, things were bound to get interesting as a cast of a mere four took on the challenge. Liam Jeffery, Catherine Dukelow, Austin Becker, and Eukariah Tabaka appeared to be having an absolute hay day, playing off of each other’s hilarious mannerisms and dialogue. An actor would have as many as three hats and three totally different roles to switch between in a single scene, right in front of the audience’s eyes.
Multiple personal choices were embraced by the actors in their constant debacle of characters. At times, it was rather confusing, wondering who was who and what character was saying what. With two or three actors doing a change of two or three characters in one scene, the plot got fuzzy at times. To clear things up, one may suggest in addition to switching a hat and an accent, one challenge themselves further and explore even more dramatic transitions. Perhaps each character has their own individualized body posture. Creating a stance for each character may diminish audience confusion as well as add yet another comedic aspect. A few improvements would enhance the utterly hilarious role flips and keep the audience in a constant state of laughter.
It was grounding to have Jeffery hold onto his character of Richard Hannay throughout the show as the other performers continued to swap roles. If he would have been in a state of constant shifting as well, the whole play would have lost its footing. He did an excellent job staying in character through the cast’s shenanigans.
The shining stars of the show were the designers. Sound designers, Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg hit the audience with impeccable timing to match the scenes. Drew Check, the lighting designer, made bold choices that only enhanced the actors’ comedic choices. The costume designers, Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal, played a fantastic hand in creating costumes that helped the audience differentiate one character from another. And the costume changes were completed at an impressive pace. Dresser Casper Pichotta got the actors changed in the blink of an eye, fully dressed as a completely new character.
The most impressive feat accomplished was the casts impressive skills to inspire the audience with such joy. The show was relentlessly action packed, hurtling boisterous, unique characters at anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing it. With the work of all those involved, The 39 Steps production was truly larger than life.
Cassandra Schwantz
The 39 steps is a comedic masterpiece, and anybody who was able to see it was certainly in for a treat. The 39 Steps was a play about espionage and intrigue, but was a complete spoof on original Alfred Hitchcock works. The play works so well with it’s low budget simply because the nature of the play. The main character Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jefferey, was framed for the murder of a woman (played by Catherine Dukelow) and has to flee all across europe to try and solve the mystery of the 39 steps. Dukelow also plays two other quasi-love interests for Hannay, and in almost every case the shenanigans that ensue are quite humorous. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker play every other role in the show, and in my opinion they carry the whole show, making quick and rapid clothing changes, which often happens on stage, and that is what makes it that much funnier. All four of them on stage together flesh out their various characters and make the whole show an absolute wonder to watch.
ReplyDeleteAntony Ferguson was the director and set designer, and did an excellent job. The props and set was very minimal, but that made the true part of the play, the characters and comedy, really shine through. The 4 people who ended up being cast were truly amazing, and the two amle secondary characters had a truly wonderful chemistry together in their various comedic scenes. There are many instances of Tabaka’s and Becker’s rapid changes between characters, but one of my personal favorites was when the two innkeepers switched between the two ‘police officers’ who were actually henchmen for the dastardly professor. The switches are quick and play a crucial role in the comedy of that particular scene.
That is not to say that Jefferson isn’t humorous as the main character as well. There are many scenes that he is hilarious in, like the female spy’s death scene, but my personal favorite is when Dukelow’s character and Jefferson’s were handcuffed together at the inn, and while she is trying to take off some of her wet clothes hannay is attempting to eat a part of his sandwich, which when viewed is indescribably funny. Eventually she tires of this and slaps the sandwich from his grasp. The best part of this scene however is when Jefferson then picks up the last part of his sandwich and eats it: comedy genius.
From the comedic scenes to the somewhat serious scenes, from the amazing lighting to the great soundboard, The stage 2’s production of The 39 Steps is absolutely amazing, and I would go to it 5 more times without a second thought. Everyone who worked on this production should feel proud of the final product.
- Jonathan Soelle
Serving as a unique comedy sequence, The 39 Steps instantly engulfed the audience on a two hour journey based on Alfred Hitchcock’s well known movie adaptation on the 1915 novel by John Buchan.
ReplyDeleteUMD Stage 2 Theatre Company creatively wove murder, lust, corruption, love and comedy into a theatric that included over 40 characters with just a four-person cast. Actor Liam Jeffery did a superior job portraying the adventure stricken and “honorable” spy, Richard Hannay. While Catherine Duklow delivered a unique interpretation on all of Richard Hannay’s love interests and his brief but deadly interaction with Anabella Schmidt. It is also tremendously hard to overlook the many talented performances by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka who were able to quickly and efficiently change characters every few seconds on stage to enhance the theatrical production. With the on-stage character changes, it was impressive that both actors were able to switch dialects and accents simultaneously with no delay. German, Scottish, and British accents were just a few that made an appearance on stage. Although each cast member played a crucial role in carrying out such a dramatic and hilarious production, Becker’s and Tabaka’s multiple character changes on stage added the most audacious and mind-boggling moments to the play.
Although the acting was phenomenal, the show would not have gone off with a BANG as it did without the dazzling directing and scenic designs from Antony Ferguson. The set was minimal, but the impact was massive. With two main components to the stage, the door and a window, it was astounding to see the cast act interactively and uniquely with these stage props. At one point, the door and window were positioned to act as a moving train, and a ladder was used as a bridge. Smaller props made an appearance and added comedic value. When Richard Hannay was being pursued by two policemen on the train, a stagehand held a fan pointed at the actors to include humor and the effect of wind- this was especially imaginative. These props and design of the stage was immaculately showcased through the ingenious lighting by Drew Check and Jennifer Kroon-Nelson, and their lighting effects paired well with the decisions made by the sound designers, Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg. Each department did a wonderful job contributing to the overall performance, but Ferguson’s overall directing skills gave the audience the theatric of a lifetime.
Apart from all the action and stage props, the costumes allowed for an even more authentic experience. Each character (no matter how small) had uniquely thought out designs that pronounced they were living before World War II. Wigs, pipes, glasses, facial hair, jewelry, and bottles of booze all added to the genuine feel of the theatric. Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal each did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life through their handy costume work.
All in all, every person who invested their time in this performance each contributed to a spectacular production. The 39 Steps gave the audience everything they could have asked for- comedy, death, despair, love and mystery. This production kept the audience on the edge of their seats with knee slapping comedy much like Richard Hannay kept the criminals guessing what he would do next.
-Alli Szewczynski
39 steps was a very interesting play that consisted of alcoholism, humor, death, crime, survival, romance, and misunderstanding. Originally written by Patrick Barlow and re imagined by Antony Ferguson, this show was a very nice use of 2 hours of my time on opening night. Ferguson wanted to take 39 steps which was originally very dramatic into something that all audiences could enjoy and he succeeded in doing just that.
ReplyDeleteBecause The 39 Steps featured approximately forty roles, things were very interesting as the cast of four took on the challenge. Liam Jeffery, Catherine Dukelow, Austin Becker, and Eukariah Tabaka showed to be have a lot of fun, playing off of each other’s funny movements and improvising. A couple times during the play, Becker and Tabaka had three of their characters in the same scene so they would change characters by simply changing their hats and accents. It was very funny to watch because I have never seen that before in a play and they did a good job of remembering their lines and staying in a nice flow throughout. This really showed why the four of them were chosen to be in the production. All four of them are very skilled and really made it turn out very good.
The story was very easy to follow and the designers did a great job of being quick on scene changes. I noticed that they didn’t have curtains like most plays do so the designers just shut off the lights so it was harder for everyone to see what was going on on the stage while the scene was changing. At one point in the play the characters were on a bridge and were holding on for dear life and it added some comedic value to it the designers brought out a ladder to represent the bridge and the actors held the hats that their characters were wearing to represent them on the bridge. The actors did a great job of not breaking character because everyone attending found this very humorous.
The way that everyone involved was able to change the original 39 steps from a very dramatic work into a very funny work shows just how good the Stage 2 team is and it will keep getting better and better every year.
Derek Rache
The 39 Steps by UMD's Stage2 Theatre company provided a plethora of hilarious, dramatic and romantic elements that connect with each other on multiple levels. The play revolves around Richard Hannay, who is played by Liam Jeffery, and the amusing journey to clear his name. However, Hannay meets unique individuals and causes chaos everywhere he goes. To begin, the intimate setting of the black box theatre creates the perfect ambiance for this type of performance. The actors really made use of the small space, made it seem vast and give it depth throughout the performance.
ReplyDeleteThe director, Antony Ferguson, chose to have only four actors in the entire play. Ferguson attempted to create a unique independent performance that differs from other traditional performances. He does this through his artistic choices as both director and also scene designer. Hannay is played by Liam Jeffery. He delivered a smashing portrayal of his character through his long monologues and charm. Catherine Dukelow took the role of three love interests of Hannay throughout the play. Each one of those characters more in depth than the other. She flourished with her distinct accents. The other two actors of The 39 Steps, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, took on many differentiating roles. Some of the actors actually had to play two characters in the same scene. This required elaborate rapid costume changes for the actors. In one scene in particular, switching hats to become a different character. Both Becker and Tabaka simultaneously created unique characters, provided hilarious comedy, and seamlessly continued the story of the play.
Ferguson’s stage design of this particular production was simplistic, but effective. The set was minimalist, but also easily recognizable. Ferguson did a remarkable job as scene designer by creating the various locations. By using a ladder, boxes, a table and two walls, The 39 Steps was easily understandable. Also, the lighting by Jennifer Kroon-Nelson started off as a noir obscurity that kicked off the production. Later on, Nelson created a dazzling ambiance that showed both drama and hilarity. Especially in the final scenes of the second act, Nelson utilized lighting to highlight the emotions of that particular moment. The costume designers, Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal, helped transform the world of The 39 Steps into the past. From Dukelow’s various wigs and dresses, Jeffery’s coats, to Becker and Tabaka’s hats and quick changes, the costume designers elaborately created the characters through their costuming. Dukelow’s Annabella Schmidt is dressed seductively and reflected the noir beginning of the first act. Also, the designers overcame the challenges of Becker’s and Tabaka’s rapid various characters and they helped provide even more comedic delight through their costuming.
All in all, The 39 Steps gave a powerful punch of dazzling, dramatic, and hilarious joy. Each element of the production was intricately planned to astonish and delight. The 39 Steps presented iconic imagery in a new way. Ferguson attempted to innovate the theatrical performance experience and give it flair to a new generation of theatre goers. This production proves that UMD’s Stage2 Theatre Company is thriving in their experimental innovation and talent and should be witnessed.
Kaitlyn Koehler
The production of The 39 Steps was an experience like never before! Filled with comedy, suspense, and romance, The 39 Steps brought it all to the table! There were scenes that made the audience hysterically laugh, jump in their seats, and “ooh/ahh” from watching a sweet kiss. The performers did a wonderful job of maintaining the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance because it was so entertaining it was difficult to take your eyes off! For someone like me who walked into the performance knowing nearly nothing about the history of the production, the fact sheet included in the program was extremely helpful. There were minor details such as this that made the experience much more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThe 39 Steps was directed by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s very own Antony Ferguson. Ferguson did a tremendous job of including and creating minor adjustments that added humor which made the performance even more comedic and entertaining. Ferguson had a limited amount of time to direct and revise this production, but he managed to create a performance that exceeded all expectations. He did a phenomenal job of limiting the cast to four incredible actors.
The main character, performed by Liam Jeffery, did a wonderful job of acting a difficult character. He remained focused throughout the entire production and adjusted to any unexpected events, such as his sandwich falling from his hand and he proceeded by eating it anyway. Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, two actors that performed as a number of different characters, performed a fantastic performance. They were required to switch from one accent to another in the span of a second, and they did so seamlessly. These two gentlemen did a wonderful job of portraying a number of different characters by just the quick switch of a hat or sometimes with an extra moment to change outfits completely. The actress, Catherine Dukelow, did a wonderful job as well as adjusting to unexpected events, such as her wig falling off in the middle of a line. Neither her nor Jeffery allowed that to distract them. Each of the actor’s creativity was evident throughout the performance.
Emily Bolles, a member of the shift crew, did a phenomenal job of transforming the space in short amounts of time and the scenic designer (and director), Antony Ferguson, did a fantastic job of designing pieces and props that portrayed a number of different scenes and locations throughout the entire performance. For someone whose first time attending a performance on a black box stage was The 39 Steps performance, he/she may have assumed that the options would have been limited for scenes. It was noticeable that there was a limited supply of props, but the props used were more than sufficient in differing the spaces from one other. Ferguson designed wonderful scenes that carried the audience all the way from the city of Marylebone to the exterior of a moving train. The options were not limited because of the creativity of Ferguson. The costume designers, Megan Borgerding and Stella Vatnsdal, portrayed a number of different characters with a limited supply of designs. They made it as easy as possible for the actors to transform into a different character as quickly as they could. The dresser, Casper Pichotta, made the transformations from one character to the next as quickly as she could and because of that the performance was not delayed at all. The 39 Steps was seamlessly performed by wonderful actors and was directed spotlessly by Ferguson.
-Mardi Ehrmantraut
The 39 Steps, a play centered around mystery, wonder, love, and a murder most foul. The 39 Steps is set in London in the 1930’s. It begins with the main character Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery. Hannay is a simple man, bored of the usual everyday sights, sounds, news, and people of London. He attempts to cure his boredom by attending the theater, meeting Annabella Schmidt, a german spy played by Catherine Dukelow. From there he embarks on a journey that will take him all across the UK. From scottish police to german secret society leaders, The 39 Steps is sure to keep you on your toes.
ReplyDeleteDirected by UMD’s Antony Ferguson, The 39 Steps takes slapstick comedy to a new level. With only 4 actors playing over 40 characters, it's hard to picture how they achieve such a difficult task. Using many costume changes, hats, wigs, and voice changes, the actors can change their character in an instant. However, only 3 of the actors are doing all of these character switches. Jefferys character Richard Hannay, stays the same throughout the entire play. Catherine Dukelow plays most of the main female roles and the side character roles are played by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, two hilarious and talented actors.
The set was very minimal because of all the scenes and quick changes that had to be made right then and there in front of the audience. Using your imagination was critical as there were no backdrops, some props were used more than once and in totally different ways, and actors were changing character right in front of you whether you caught on or not. The many different uses of the door frame and window frame were endless. At one point the stage became a train and at another, it was just a simple inn. The creativity of the set designer, Ferguson, really showed. Costumes are even more challenging. Actors have to change quickly to keep up the illusion. It didn’t prove to be a problem for any of them. Characters switched in an instant, from their clothes to their voice to even their mannerisms.
What was really special was seeing it twice. There were many subtle changes that you would only notice if you were part of the production. Going on opening night and then the next night was great because it was easier to understand the second time and enjoy it thoroughly but also fantastic for picking up the minor details they changed from the first night to the second. A few examples are: The map Hannay used to find Alt Na Shellach became comedically bigger as he struggled to unfold it. Dukelows “Annabella Schmidt” wore a different dress. The old man character “Mccroqadale” wore round glasses. All of these little things made the show better.
The Stage 2 production of The 39 Steps fulfilled the expectations Director Antony Ferguson set for the Introduction to Theater Arts class. He promised drama, many, many female love interests, and a few dramatic deaths. As a fellow UMD student remarked “Mr. Memory deserved better!” at the end of the production, it is safe to say that yes, Mr. Memory did in fact, deserve better.
Raelynn Schuety
The 39 Steps: a drama, comedy, romance, multi-acting and unique play. Stage 2 put on a super creative, wonderful performance. It was crazy, from the acting, sound, lights, costumes, and much more. The purpose of the performance was to entertain the audience in a way to make them laugh and amazed. A lot of physical activity was used throughout the performance, which helped express the humor.
ReplyDeleteAntony Ferguson, the director and scenic designer, did an amazing job. The stage manager, Emma Loney, also gets a lot of credit. Although there were few, the props used in the show were very unique. The two main props, the window and the door, had multiple purposes in different scenes. For on specific scene, they were positioned to be an imaginary train. Another unique prop was the ladder. Its purpose was to represent a bridge. Smaller props were also used to add humor. Balloons were represented as sheep and a fan was held to emphasize the extreme wind. The different props made it lively not only for the actors, but also the audience members. The lighting and music also had a big impact on the production. When the music and lights went on as the door opened and off as the door closed, it brought lots of laughter.
Likewise, it was fascinating only having four actors playing the roles of multiple people. Their skills showed throughout the entire performance. Each actor made the scenes funny and interesting. Liam Jeffrey as Richard Hannay, on the run to reveal the secrets of The 39 Steps. Catherine Dukelow as the woman, playing the role of multiple woman in love with Richard Hannay. Her sassy attitude helped portray her appropriate character. Finally, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, playing numerous characters. These include a newspaper boy, an old lady, a policeman, a ticket collector, a dog, a train goer and more. They adjusted sufficiently to different accents and characters in front of the audience. Overall they did an amazing job and had a great performance.
In conclusion, the overall performance by Stage 2 was wonderful. Everyone involved in The 39 Steps played a significant role and has true skill. The audience was laughing and hooked every scene. It is a must see, humorous play.
Grace Gaustad
The production 39 Steps directed by Anthony Fregusion is a comedic thriller with a hint of a unique love story. The audience follows the main character Richard Hannay as he tries to clear his name of murder and save the country. Liam Jeffery, who portrayed Hannay in this production, did a wonderful job on keeping the audience intrigued on his journey. Hannay runs into a few love interests along his way, all played by Catherine Dukelow. The actors flowed well together and made the love feel real to the audience. Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker played several different characters throughout the performance and they did so very well. The actors constantly switching between characters added comedic relief to the production. Many of the characters switched back and forth between accents, each new accent was just as realistic. These different accents also helped make sure the audience knew the difference between all the characters. All four actors did an amazing job portraying so many different roles.
ReplyDeleteThe stage was small but Fregusion made the most of it. The main props included a door and a window. These objects were constantly being moved to portray different places. Fregusion also used other small objects to enhance the performance but nothing that took away from the acting. The costumes were a major part of the production, considering they were always switching back and forth. The costumes were all put together well and fit the characters personality perfectly. The audience was able to see the actors switch back and forth between characters on stage. One scene consisted of Tabaka and Becker constantly switching back and forth. The scene was added for comedic relief and it worked well. The lighting enhanced the scenes and made some simple conversations funny. The set was designed well and worked just right for this performance.
Overall, this performance was impressive, dramatic, and funny. All four actors executed their several roles perfectly. The production allowed the actors to show how impressive their acting skills truly are. The scenery, costumes, and lights all had a large contribution to this performance and making it so great. Fregusion’s production of 39 steps was a success.
-Allie Steinmetz
The production of The 39 Steps was a fun and exciting experiment. The 39 Steps had it all from comedy, action, romance, mystery, murder, and more. The performance was wonderfully executed from all aspects. The performance was very funny and entertaining drawing and holding the attention of the audience and making the audience react to what was going on as they felt as if they were there. The 39 Steps is based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie and was written by Patrick Barlow. The script was written very well while being so comedic but allowing for serious events to happen to.
ReplyDeleteThe 39 Steps was directed by the University of Minnesota Duluth student Antony Ferguson. Antony did a very good job directing this play in the little time that they had to prepare for the performance. The play was very entertaining and hilarious, and it was because of decisions Antony made and the actors’ skills and decisions that really made the performance. Antony while being the director also served as the Scenic Designer. The space that they had to perform was very small, but Antony was creative and was able to convey the scene with no backdrops and very few props. He was able to show the city of London, to the country, to being on a train with few props because of how the actors interacted with them. One thing that stood out was the London Bridge being portrayed as a ladder and using hats to show where the people were located on the bridge. He was also able to have a rolling prop be a window, a train, and more with the help of his amazing actors.
The actors did a phenomenal job with this piece. For the scenes, they were able to portray the train by hanging out the window and acting as if the wind was blowing them off. To begin Liam Jeffery played the lead of the play, Richard Hannay. He did an amazing job staying in character and being serious during funny scenes. He did a good job adjusting to what happened, an example being his sandwich falling on the ground and him still eating it. Catherine Dukelow played three different women in this performance. She did a very well job differentiating them not only by changing costumes but by giving each one their separate personality by using different accents and by acting differently as the different characters. Lastly, the ensemble was played by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. These guys did an amazing job as the two of them had to split over twenty roles between the two of them. They were able to portray all the characters so well by using so many different accents, looks, and personalities. At some points in the performance, they had to perform two or three roles at the same time, and they were able to do this by switching accents and hats/wigs.
Another major part of this performance was the costume designers. They were important because with only four actors and having over thirty parts you need a way for the audience to differentiate between the characters. They did this by using different hats and wigs, which allow the guys to each portray women parts. They also were important as they helped with quick stage changes as the actors needed to change quickly so they could get back on stage.
One last thing that stuck out was the lighting of the performance. The choices made a large impacted on how the scene was perceived. The lighting helped improve the scene in Act one when the two stalkers were standing outside of Hannay’s Flat and the light would go on and off as Hannay opened and closed the blinds. Also, at the very end of the play, as Mr. Memory was dying, they dimmed the lights and when he came to life again, they came back on and then slowly faded to turn completely off symbolizing his death.
Overall this production of The 39 Steps directed by Antony Ferguson was very good and was put on beautifully by the actors. It fulfilled its purpose and provided a fun, entertaining, and exciting night for the audience.
- Samantha Dean
Murder, humor, romance, and more! The 39 Steps has it all. From the thrilling events of shooting and stabbing, to the comedic interactions between the actors, to the intense love interests, you know the production will be an experience like never before.
ReplyDeleteThe 39 Steps was originally written by the 1915 novelist, John Buchan, then directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who turned it into a film in 1935, and then lastly directed by the incredibly talented Antony Ferguson from University of Minnesota Duluth’s Stage 2 Theatre Company. Antony Ferguson accomplished great success in casting his characters, nailing the multiple scene changes, and achieved humor like no other.
The cast was limited to four actors, Richard Hannay, The Woman, Clown 1, and Clown 2. Liam Jeffery portrayed Hannay remarkably with the perfect amount of charm and wit. From his lengthy monologues to his adventure driven nature, I believe no one else could’ve played a better Hannay. Catherine Dukelow perfected the role of multiple women in the show. In each of her roles, she did an excellent job creating each woman uniquely. She gave them their own character not only through their costumes, but through their personality and attitudes. Clown 1 and Clown 2 were played by the insanely hilarious and talented Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. They made taking on the task of over twenty roles look easy! Some examples include a Milkman, Policeman, Train-goer, Old Lady, Newspaper Boy, Mr. Memory, and even a Baby. They both represented the various characters flawlessly through their accents, attitudes, and looks. Tabaka and Becker gave the play such comedic improv that impressively kept the story flowing.
The Stage 2 production of The 39 Steps was overall outstanding. The audience was hooked the entire time and laughed at almost every scene. There was constant humor and delight radiating from Dudley Experimental Theatre and director Anthony Ferguson inspired us all. The amount of hard work that everyone involved put into the play in such a short period of time just shows how amazing of a team Stage 2 is.
Hope Olson
The 39 Steps had everyone laughing out loud and took comedy to another level! With only a little over two weeks of preparation, UMD Stage 2 made it seem like they’d been rehearsing for months! You’d think that a play with as many roles as The 39 Steps would be impossible to do with only four people, but Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka took on the challenge with seemingly endless costume changes. Liam Jeffery did a spectacular job of playing the role of Richard Hannay. He was just a person who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Catherine Dukelow, who played Richard Hannay’s love interests, also gave a unique comedic takes on all her scenes.
ReplyDeleteDirector/scenic designer Antony Ferguson did a marvelous job with not only picking an exceptional cast, but also making do with such little props. One part in particular where this showed was when the train door in one scene was also used as a window in a later scene. Ferguson also had a keen eye for the cast with all four members fitting perfectly with their role.
To make it even better the timing of the light effects by lighting designer Drew Check and light board op Jennifer Kroon-Nelson was amazing. An exceptional scene happened towards the beginning of the play outside of Richard Hannay’s apartment. It showed Hannay looking out the window and then a spotlight came on showing two men standing under what looked to be a lamp post. All of these things combined with only two weeks of preparation is just a tremendous effort by Antony Ferguson and his crew.
Each actor came with their own set of traits that helped spiral the play into what it was. Liam Jeffery who played as the main character Richard Hannay did a fantastic job of adjusting to unplanned scenarios. One of which was when Hannay’s suitcase fell open. He just played it off and closed it while drawing almost no attention that it wasn't supposed to happen. Richard Hannay’s love interests played by Catherine Dukelow also did a fantastic job. She brought a variety of attitudes and also put her own unique spin during scenes. Last but not least, Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka did a fantastic job of fitting into so many roles. From Scottish to German accents they nailed all of them and did so while playing over 40 roles.
Overall the play was a huge success. With the comedy, romance, and drama all adding up to make a work of art. Bravo to everyone who worked on and helped make The 39 Steps possible. This play is a definite must see.
-Dmitry Christensen
The 39 Steps, a Stage 2 production, left its audience laughing uncontrollably. This play was a great way to start out the year in the UMD theatre department because of its fast pace, humor, and audience engagement. Playwright Patrick Barlow adapted The 39 Steps from the screen version which was originally a drama. This play however, is anything but that. The way he wrote for two actors to play an abundance of roles made the show so unique and a real treat to watch.
ReplyDeleteAntony Ferguson, the director and scene designer, was able to pull off an immense feat with putting on this show. He was able to pull together all of the different chaotic aspects involved in it without it feeling like a trainwreck to the audience. From lighting details and sound cues to creative use of set pieces and this show had it all. One set piece was used in almost every scene as something to represent a different location, and the different lighting effects during some of the scenes added a lot to what the actors were already doing so well. He chose a cast that worked so well together, and made decisions that took the show to a whole new level which made it surprising to learn they had only had 14 rehearsals to pull it all together.
The cast of The 39 Steps was small, but mighty. Between the four of them there were a lot of different characters to fill. Liam Jeffery who played Richard Hannay was the only actor who didn’t have to fulfill multiple roles, but his role was integral in keeping the show grounded. He was the one constant amidst all the chaos without lacking an ounce humor. The two clowns played by Eukariah and Austin Becker were a hoot. The way they were able to switch from one character to the next with a flip of the hat, and a smooth transition to a new accent was astounding. Switching back and forth between the innkeeper and his wife and the two detectives during one of the scenes was hilarious to watch. Those two kept the energy up, and if they ever got tired they hid it well. Catherine Dukelow played three different women with very different personalities and backgrounds. Her characters’ interactions with Hannay and the other characters were so fun to watch because she made each one uniquely funny.
The designers involved in this play had a lot of area to cover. With three actors playing a multitude of characters in couldn’t have been easy to try and figure out how to dress each one to look different, but have a simple costume change at the same time. Part of what made this show so funny was that it wasn’t perfect, and they didn’t try to bite off more than they could chew in terms of elaborate costume changes and set design. With a show that has as much going on as this one did adding more could be disastrous.
This show was funny, action packed, and full of great moments. The director, cast, designers, and crew were able to create a show in which the audience could leave feeling not only like they had their daily dose of laughter, but with an appreciation for all of the work that goes into making a show successful.
-Caitlin Higgins
Tragedy, love, dramatics, and adventure all dressed up in a comedic suit and tie. The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow performed this past weekend through the Stage 2 Company at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental Theatre. The 39 Steps is a comedic play based on the Hitchcock film of the same name about action, espionage, and mystery. Throughout the play, four actors cycled through 150 characters, countless costume changes, and 32 scenes.
ReplyDeleteDirector Antony Ferguson masterfully blocked the scenes to flow right into one another. It appears that Ferguson meticulously chose his cast from a large pool of talent that the UMD theatre department has to offer. Ferguson could have added a few members to the ensemble for less chaotic costume changes, however he decided to keep the original casting suggestion and his played out well for the cast giving them a more close-knit and honest reactions on stage.
Ferguson also doubled as the production’s scenic designer. He set the Dudley theatre up like a traditional proscenium stage feel, but with the intimacy of a blackbox theatre space seating around 75 patrons. The set had a very minimalist feel with the stage painted black as well as all of the largest scenery. Although this choice seemed bland at the beginning, it gave the shows lighting a beautiful platform to portray different scenes and provide that classic film noir feel.
Throughout the play audience members are brought from London to Edinburgh and back through the narration of Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery, to clear his name and save his country. Jeffery’s perception of the character was brilliant and he brought lots of comedic timing and color to the character. Playing his opposite, was actor Catherine Dukelow as the play’s femme fatale. Through the course of the show, Dukelow put on three different characters all distinct with their persona, accent, and wig. During both acts, the audience never took their eyes off either Dukelow or Jeffery through the duo’s dynamic banter and mishaps. Framing the duo’s performance are Austin Becker (Clown 1) and Eukariah Tabaka (Clown 2), who together play 140+ characters through the course of the two acts. If either of these actors weren’t on stage they were in the wings doing a quick change for their next entrance, and throughout the whole performance both Becker and Tabaka did a fantastic job of maintaining their energy.
The 39 Steps kept the audience in a constant state of laughter with multiple bits in every scene along with an already comedic script. The producers and actors for this show collaborated together for three weeks and performed show seamlessly with ease, excitement, and passion. The audience left the theatre with stomachs aching from their laughter and anticipation for the rest of the Stage 2 Theatre 2019-2020 season.
- Sarah Marie Phillips
The Thirty-Nine Steps is a great way to start off the season of musicals and plays! Stage 2 did a great job bringing this comedy to life and is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. The location was a great choice as well. Even though this play is mainly a comedy, but it is also filled this drama, romance, and mystery. The Black Box made the performance even more engaging and was the perfect setting for this play.
ReplyDeleteThis play is about a man, Richard Hannay, who is trying to clear his name after a woman was murdered in his home. He travels all over the country trying to find the 39 steps, which will help prove he’s innocent. As he travels across the country, he comes across many different characters. In the end the antagonist loses and he gets his name cleared and even gets the girl.
Antony Ferguson was a great director and did a great job with this play. His choice of location was great. He did a good job of putting this play together and made this comedy very enjoyable. The actors and actress he chose were also a great choice.
Richard Hannay was performed by Liam Jeffery. He did a fantastic job of bringing this character to life. His performance was very entertaining. In this play Richard Hannay is trying to clear his name and to stop the antagonist from getting very important information that could hurt the country.
The woman in this play was performed by Catherine Dukelow. She did a great job of making the most out of every character. Her accents were great, and her acting was very good as well! She switched roles with no issue and as that can be difficult, she made it seem smooth and easy.
Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka did a great job tying this whole comedy together. Their different accents and characters were hilarious and entertaining. They are both great actors. In this play alone they took on the roles of cops, women, entertainers, the main antagonist, etc. They did a fantastic job playing all of these roles and made this play the comedy it is!
The stage in the Dudley Theater is sparsely set for the opening scene of The 39 Steps.
ReplyDeleteTwisted Comedy, unexpected love and violent murder will play across this virsatile stage, by the Stage 2 theater company. Quick scene, character and costume changes play into the comedic aspect of this performance directed and designed by Anthony Ferguson; based off of the original play adapted from an Alfred Hitchcock movie by Patrick Barlow.
Director Anthony Ferguson selected actors not only versatile in roles but those that are able to think quick on their feet. With a cast of four and a high character count, Ferguson found quick, clever ways to use comedy in order to make these transitions smooth. Instead of making scene and custom changes discreet they were made obviously, even exaggerated at some points in order to enhance the scene displayed. In one scene particularly Eukariah Tabaka switched between a scottish man, to an officer and back again on stage. The comedy of this scene helped it flow naturally instead of the awkward pauses that would have ensued if Tabaka were to have rushed on and off the stage to change. Ferguson took many risks for the sake of comedy and it helped the scenes bland naturally.
The set design (designed by Ferguson) was simple as well as versatile and the audience watched as windows became trains, doorways than back again. Many props and flats were used for different purposes in many different scenes. The sparse stage encouraged imagination to be used by the audience with the help of the actors. Lighting also helped depict the time of day as well as scenery clues. The up and down of the lights at the end helped portray the life entering and leaving the body of Mr. Memory as he spewed the information. Without these additions this scene may have been hard to understand but the message was clearly delivered.
As in any performance it is the actor’s job to bring their world to life and make it a reality for the audience. With a small cast and a high amount of characters the pressure was really on, and it was executed very well. Becker and Tabaka (Clown #1 and #2) switched between their many roles with grace. Not only were costume changes done but entire characters had to stand out amongst the rest; each had to have an individual personality. Catherine Dukelow also did a really good job at making all of her female characters stand out from one another. Dukelow created very specific personalities that truly shone through in the different scenes, as they were needed. Richard Hannay, played by Liam Jeffery was a very three-dimensional character. Jeffery did an insanely good job of making Hannay feel real and his struggles were relatable (to an extent).
The cast of The 39 Steps and all those involved put on an extraordinary performance. From the lead actors, to the stage hands, to the costume designers everyone should feel proud of all the time and effort that they put into this show, for it truly was successful.
-Caitlin Tschida
The 39 Steps by University of Minnesota Duluth’s Stage 2 Theatre Company was an extremely entertaining show that connected comedy, drama, romance, thrill, suspense, and more all together to make an outstanding show! It felt as if the audience was on the chaotic journey through the UK with Richard Hannay played by Liam Jeffery and his experiences ranging from running away from the germen secret society members to running from scottish police to finding a little bit of romance.
ReplyDeleteAntony Ferguson one of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s own was the director and scenic designer of The 39 Steps and did an excellent job with the play and the outcome was very impressive with such little time he had to direct this play. Antony made the decision of only using four actors to play many different roles within the play. He succeeded with this because the actors he chose fit each role they played exceptionally. Antony, also being the scenic designer worked with a very small space yet made it so it could become a kitchen, motel, train, a car, and other different props to create different scenes with very little space.
The cast consisted of 4 actors exceptionally playing many different roles in The 39 Steps. The actors switched roles with a whole costume change or just as simple as a different accent or a change of hats yet could be easily noted that it was a different role being played. The main character Richard Hannay was played by Liam Jeffery, the Woman played by Catherine Dukelow, Clown 1 played by Austin Becker, and Clown 2 played by Eukariah Tabaka. Hannay was very serious in moments portraying his character well but he also lacked no humor in scenes ranging from the women spy’s death to trying to eat his sandwich while handcuffed to Dukelow’s character. Dukelow played 3 different women in the play, she gave them all different and unique personalities, accents, and changes in hair/costume. She also fulfilled Hannay’s romance with each character. The very talented Becker and Tabaka playing Clown 1 and 2 really brought the comedy to 39 steps. These two were quite impressive how they played many roles with just a switch of a hat or accent or wig. The most impressive part with these two was at the train station when they ranged from a Newspaper boy to a Policeman to an old lady and more.
The designers for The 39 Steps nailed all aspects of design from costumes to lighting to the sounds. The lighting was key to when Mr. Memory was dying, as he died the lights dimmed to dark but when he came back alive for a short period the lights came back on slowly, then went pitch black assuring us that he was dead. The different hats and costumes were essential in showing the audience that roles were switched.
Overall The 39 Steps was a phenomenal play due to everyone involved having exceptional talent. They had the audience laughing out loud, cheering, and very engaged and intrigued in the production.
-Eme Erickson
Stage 2’s The 39 Steps is The Exact Definition of Chaotic Comedy
ReplyDeleteFour actors, three weeks and over one hundred fifty characters may sound like a trainwreck waiting to happen, but with the help of director Antony Ferguson, this train made it straight to the station, even if it got there with a suspected murder hanging off of it.
Playwright Patrick Barlow was successful in taking the 1935 film based on the John Buchan novel “The 39 Steps” and turning it on it's head, this comedic take paired with the creative directing of Ferguson was sure to be successful, and that reigned true from the moment a ladder became a bridge and a bunch of balloons became a flock of sheep. The creative liberties didn’t stop there though, as Ferguson made the decision to make this rather character heavy play be performed by only four actors.
Leading-man Liam Jeffrey didn’t waste time showing just why he got the role of mundane Londoner Richard Hannay. In a show full of performers constantly changing parts, Jeffery was the only constant, and had the rather difficult task of keeping the audience grounded in an otherwise lofty performance. He supplied a performance that showed his talent in character elevation, giving layers with his voice inflection and reactions that reaches farther than a simple stage direction. His delivery of complete annoyance near the end seemed easy enough to portray, but his facial expressions showed the true romantic tension of his situations, whether his character was aware of it or not. A multidimensional actor can make or break a performance, and in this case it made that performance, not to mention Jeffrey’s impressive ability to keep a straight face while being regularly berated by comedic act after comedic act.
The majority of female characters were played by Catherine Dukelow, who undoubtedly could have a career as a voice actor if her current situation doesn’t work out. Even if she hadn’t changed costume for each character, the difference in role would be obvious due to her remarkable accents and overall change in stage presence for each one. From the German spy, to the Scottish wife, Dukelow dazzled the stage with her instant change in demeanor from part to part. That being said, her ability to not break amongst the total tom-foolery surrounding her, could’ve been revisited just to assure total immersion and rid the show of a few on stage chuckles.
Perhaps the most intriguing of performances were those of the clowns, conveyed by Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka. Once again a lot of the wow factor comes from their vast skill in accents and impersonations but in this case it also stems from the frequency, speed and depth in change. Despite the fact that some characters weren’t shown for anymore than 2 minutes, there was a feeling of story that came with each. For instance, the submissive-dominant relationship between the innkeeper and her husband was present the moment the characters grazed the stage, yet at the literal drop of a hat Becker and Tabaka would become these Three-stooge type police/spy duo on the lookout for Hannay. Luckily any slip up in character for the “clowns” just added to the comedic over arch of the performance.
Ferguson’s child-like, playful directing style coupled with the witty character acting presented by the cast made for a lively production that was so wacky it was impossible to not crack a smile if not fall in love with the whole show.
-Sophie Druckrey
UMD Stage 2 Theatre company brought the show The 39 Steps to Duluth and the final product had me laughing at every step. Going into the show, it’s unclear what the mood is going to be but that is established almost right away.
ReplyDeleteHaving a very small cast of 4 and a small budget, they played with what they had and made the best out of it, leaving the audience in tears of laughter. The lead protagonists Richard Hannay (played by Liam Jeffery) and Pamela (Catherine Dukelow) guides the audience through this slapstick espionage love-story that is The 39 Steps. Other than those two roles, all of the other characters in the show (about 25 other roles) are played by one of two actors, Eukariah Tabaka or Austin Becker. These two time and time again stole the show with their hilarious jokes and physical comedy. Whether it be the quick costume and accent changes, or the chemistry between the two, the audience could always be guaranteed a laugh when these two share the spotlight. The lighting and sound used for the show perfectly encapsulated the “low budget” look this play had.
The vision director Antony Fergusson had for this show was phenomenal. Making such a great show on such a limited budget really shows there’s no excuse for a show not to be funny. In fact, the lack of budget this play was showing made The 39 Steps all the funnier. Most spy movies and shows are packed full of these blockbuster action sequences. But when in Fergusson’s show, they basically mock the absurdness of the action by playing it down so low that the sarcasm is literally leaking off the stage. Anywhere from using a ladder and hats for a train chase scene to using sheep as balloons, it goes to show anything can be funny if you’re creative enough.
The Stage 2 production of the 39 Steps is the funniest show I have seen in a long time. Even within the entertainment realm, whether that be movies, tv shows, or any other form of it, this type of humor beats it all. To the actors, director, stage manager, tech, they all deserve praise for bringing such a hilarious show to the audiences of Duluth.
- Camden Mast
With only having four actors, a small budget, and only 3 weeks to prepare for a conundrum of a romantic comedy, Antony Ferguson and his team of the UMD stage 2 did a spectacular job and shocked a large portion of the audience members with their stunning ability to perfect nearly everything that occurs within the play “The 39 steps”. Originating from the novel written by John Buchnan and then later created into a film by Patrick Barlow. The play consists of over 150 characters that have many different traits and personalities. However, the cast of four did an outstanding job of portraying each role to perfection.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, Protagonist character Richard Hannay who flees from spies throughout the entire continent of europe is played by none other than Liam Jeffery. Jeffrey definitely earned the role he was assigned. Being the only actor in the performance that had a constant role, Liam Jeffery did a wonderful job of keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire play Liam used his very talented skill of voice acting and putting himself in the character's shoes to make it seem as if he really was Richard Hannay. Liam also had to overcome the task of not cracking smile while all of these hilarious acts were taking place around him. Finally, Liam used his ability to show emotion with facial expressions to really demonstrate how he was feeling in certain situations.
Secondly, probably the most humorous and intriguing character in the performance were the clowns, portrayed by Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker. One of the most impressive things done by Becker an Tabaka was their ability to play multiple roles in the performance. The accents.impersonations, and ability to change costumes at lightning speed that Becker and Tabaka displayed almost convinced the audience the entire audience that they were completely different individuals. Although some of the characters they acted as in the performance were only there for a short amount of time, they still did a wonderful job of keeping the audience engaged. The two were able to switch from spies to a married couple in the Blink of an eye. This was especially impressive because of the little amount of time that the actors had to perfect these roles, which is exactly what they did.
Thirdly, Catherine Dukelow, who played a vast amount of the female characters in the play, had probably the most outstanding voice out of every individual in the performance. Catherine was able to change her voice in many various ways making it hard to identify if it was really her at specific moments in the performance. Like the clowns, Catherine had the extremely talented ability to play multiple roles in the performance and she was able to use her ability to put herself in the characters shoes as well which caused the audience to really be engaged every time she opened her mouth. Catherine portrayed characters in the play such as a spy and even a wife which are two completely different roles. However, she mastered the ability to instantly change character.
Finally, Antony Ferguson deserves a round of applause for this one, especially because he turned a great nothing into a great something. Ferguson, who is very childish (in a good way) was able to provide for more comedy than expected considering he had the entire audience rolling in laughter. Antony also allowed for the characters to express in some improv which allowed for many comedic acts with clowns. From the beginning of the play, to the very end UMD stage 2 theatre productions and Ferguson did an incredible job of not only entertaining the audience, but also shocking them with an unforgettable performance.
-Seth Grob
A terrific way to begin the fall year, the University of Minnesota Duluth Stage 2 Theatre Company put on a spectacular production of 39 Steps. Directed by UMD’s own Antony Ferguson, Ferguson’s choice to cast four performers to play nearly forty roles was interesting. Nevertheless, with all of the different chaotic aspects involved in the play, Fergusons took on the challenge and was able to pull them all together.
ReplyDeleteAlso as scenic designer, Ferguson kept the set to a minimal. It was amazing to see how he portrayed different scenes and locations throughout the entire performance with a few props he used. Due to the limitation of props, the performers used the props in a way that the audience had to use their imaginations to understand their intended use. Balloons were used as sheep, a fan was used to create the illusion of wind, and a ladder was used to represent the London Bridge.
The coordination with the lighting designers Drew Check and Jennifer Kroon-Nelson and sound designers Abi Carlson and Nelson Wennburg were amazing. The environmental sound cues matched with the lights that would turn on and off as Hannay opened and closed the door created loads of laughter.
Costume designers Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal needed to transform four actors into over forty different characters and make sure each costume change went smoothly. They accomplished this by using various hats and wigs to differentiate between the different characters.
And nothing would complete without an amazing cast. Made up of the talents of Eukariah Tabaka, Austin Becker, Catherine Dukelow, and Liam Jefferey.
Jefferey’s portrayed the lead as "Richard Hannay" a suspect framed for murder. The fact that he was the only one to play just a single character was satisfying. At times it got to be a bit confusing to see the actors switch from one character to enough. His ability to remain focus and adjust to his surroundings gave a seriousness tone to show. Dukelow played the three love interests of Hannay. Her take on the characters was terrific. The accents she used were spot on. Even with a wardrobe malfunction, she managed to stay in character.
Jefferey may have played the lead role but it was the duo of Tabaka and Becker who undoubtedly stole the show with their unbelievably fast costume changes. Within a single scene, the pair managed to switch between an impressive amount of 6 characters. From a newspaper boy to an old lady. In one scene, Tabaka played the role of two people having a conversation with each other. His ability to simultaneously switch wardrobe and play both characters was hysterical and added to the comedic effect.
Indeed, 39 Steps was a spectacular production full of raw talent. The actors' shenanigans kept the audience captivated and laughing throughout the entire show. As important as the cast is, much of the show would not have been the success it was if it had not been for the amazing crew. With little over two weeks for preparation, each department came together and seamlessly executed a magnificent show worth seeing.
-Maggie Harms
UMD Stage 2 Theatre Company’s production of Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps was well-produced, well-performed, and an overall success. From lighting to props to the actors themselves, it’s clear that a lot of care and love was put into this production, and all that hard work has paid off.
ReplyDeleteWith its myriad locations and characters, the show inherently lends itself to the imagination, which also allows for a relatively lower budget. The props and scenic design were simplistic, but were recognizable enough to make it clear what they represented. This minimalist approach is preferable to intricacy, since it coincides with the rather snarky and self-aware script and onstage bits.
Speaking of onstage bits, much of the show’s success can be attributed to its amazing cast of four. Each of the players contributed a unique energy, and the four of them worked like a well-oiled comedic machine. Liam Jeffery’s portrayal of protagonist Richard Hannay was on-point and a perfect parody of an early film-noir detective. His facial expressions and comedic timing were always exactly where they needed to be, no sooner or later. The stage chemistry between Hannay and the Women (who were played by Catherine Dukelow) was palpable. Kukelow’s skittery excitement and Jeffery’s slick demeanor complement each other extremely well. The “Clowns,” Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka, play the plethora of additional characters. Their pinpoint precision and wacky energy lit up the stage, no matter what they were doing. From re-enacting an intense (and hilarious!) train chase scene to switching between four different characters on a dime, these two comedians kept the audience on the edge of its seat.
I’m impressed with how flawlessly the technical aspects of the show fit in with the creative aspects. For most shows, things like lighting and scene transitions are a problem, a puzzle for the technical designers to think up a creative solution to. This show, however, embraced these challenges as overall assets. Massive creativity was put into making otherwise mundane scene changes comedic, and even the lighting and sound designs served as vehicles for hilarity.
Between a culmination of brilliant actors, creative designers, and top-notch humor, The 39 Steps was a marvelous production. Its use of the viewer’s imagination allowed it to tell a fantastical and devious story that will stay with me (and likely the rest of the audience) for quite a while.
-Billy Booth
Stage 2 at UMD this fall did the production of 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow. This show really brought an all together force of comedy with a minimal cast of only four players! These four all brought their own special kind of energy that matched and bounced perfectly at every line. It was a complete win in all senses of technical theater, that being lighting, set design, and sound.
ReplyDeleteThis small cast was on at every cue of this production of 39 Steps. The actor who portrayed Richard Hannay (Liam Jeffery) the protagonist in this slapstick style show, really showed his acting skills as he brought the sinister and hilarity to the table with this funny but serious role. The actress who played opposite him throughout most of the show was Catherine Dukelow, who played a few parts that almost always seemed to be in love with Richard. She brought her own unique type of humor that brought the audience to tears as the numerous roles she played. The amazingly talented duo of Eukariah Tabaka and Austin Becker stole the show constantly throughout this production playing too many roles to count for the pure intent of making the audience laugh, but at the same time furthering the plot of the show. Not even always playing humans, they came ready to play with an unmatchable energy and chemistry that you can't help but appreciate.
The Director that had the vision for this show, Antony Ferusson deserves a standing ovation in itself for doing this as a part time student. The time and effort that seemed to go in to making this show happen with such fluidity and fun was such an accomplishment in itself having such a different script that must have taken hours and hours to cut into the final version of this show. The casting was second to none as the chemistry between these actors was so easy to see and so enjoyable to watch. A tip of the hat must be given to the very talented Antony Fergusson for directing this all around fun show.
Another thing to note about this show was its unique was of setting the scene. Pretty much the whole show was on wheels that was in constant movement and added on to the humor in a very special way. The actors used their unique set to their advantage at every turn poking their head around walls and jumping through windows. One thing that stood out as a great way to do a scene that you would think would require more "effort", was the way they decided to portray the sheep in this show. When the car of people get stopped by a herd of "sheep", all it was was the stage manager releasing marked up white balloons that resembled sheep. That much had the audience holding their bellies with laughter with this creative way to set the scene.
Once again, hats off to the whole company for pulling off a rather complex show that technically isn't meant to be as hilarious as they made it out to be. For having such a low budget, and not to mention that everyone apart of the show was a student, it reflected the talent that UMD has as a theater program.
-Jake Lieder
The 39 Steps was a farcical and comical production done by Antony Ferguson through the Stage Two Theater at UMD. Based on North by Northwest, the production follows many of the same plot lines, but along the way it makes a complete mockery of the film itself. With quick costume changes and quick witted humor, the production proves to be a hysterical experience that any theater goer will very much enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most impressive elements displayed during this rendition of the 39 steps was the versatile set pieces. A single large window was used to demonstrate, well, at one point a window and the next the side of a train. The minimalist set was a very impressive choice because it added a bit more of a comical air to the already ridiculous comedy show. Audience members were laughing even more as Liam Jefferey, who played Richard Hannay, crawled along the side of a train car. Using very simple set pieces as well allowed the audience a greater aesthetic distance and ability to just sit back and enjoy the mayhem on stage. Jennifer Kroon-Nelson, the lighting designer made good use of ambiance and dramatic lights. The right things seemed to happen at the right time. Both lighting and set made the production even more so a production that captured the spirit of farce.
About forty roles in the show were played by only two actors, Austin Bekcer and Eukariah Tabaka. They did a marvelous job with the immense task of playing and transitioning between many different personas and characters. A little help was given to them in terms of costume changes because costume designers Megan Borgeding and Stella Vatnsdal did a very excellent job of making costumes more minimal and portable. When the actors need to change costumes, most of their costumes were just hats or very simple pieces of clothing. From a milkman to a Scottish police officer, these actors did at all, making each role individual and the designers having unique articles of clothing to go with each well crafted character.
All actors in the show exhibited excellent comedic timing. Catherine Dukelow was exceptional at this. She played three separate love interests during the production. When being the most scottish of the three, she had stupendous timing and was very accurate with each line’s intent. Her display mirrored those of the whole cast, having exquisite timing and delivery. Actors within this production displayed quality timing with accurate intent, helping make the production the quality piece of entertainment it was meant to be.
The 39 steps was an absolute ride for anyone attending, showcasing a true farce. Antony Fergusson and his crew did a marvelous job designing this play and executing it smoothly. All actors lived up to the roles they were given and gave immense personality to their characters. The 39 Steps is a worthy production done in a very imaginative way that excelled as a fabulous comedic performance at UMD.
-Dryden Schoepel
The 39 Steps is a well thought out comedy that had the audience engaged. It was put on by Duluth's Stage 2 Theatre Company. This play focuses on main character Richard Hannay and his adventure across the UK to find the secret of The 39 Steps. This play was filled with colorful rich characters with outrageous personalities. The personality of each character wasn’t the only ridiculous aspect of this play, so were the props and acting which made the play a successful comedy. Throughout the play there were many aspects that contributed to the overall success and these aspects include a great director, scenic designer, and actors.
ReplyDeleteThe 39 Steps is originally an adventure novel written by John Buchan in 1915. Later Alfred Hitchcock would make a film based off the novel in his style. The film was considered a British thriller. Even though this play is based off a novel and film it still has the underlying key aspects that make it similar to the previous 39 Steps. This play took the original story and added a comedic twist to it. This comedic twist made the story more lighthearted and not as heavy as before. Though this play would’ve done well if it was performed in the original style it was written, the tweaking of the style to make it a comedy was a genius idea.
The 39 Steps director and scenic designer is the talented and creative Antony
Ferguson. Ferguson gave this comedic play a Monty Python vibe and tone that went over well with the audience. Ferguson combined different qualities to develop the correct mood and tone. He used farce comedy and plot implications to further the depth of the play. The play was chalked full of ridiculous situations that a normal person would never find themselves in. How a character handled a situation added to the comedic affect this play was trying to achieve. Ferguson used episodic dramatic structure to keep the story moving along and keep the audience engaged. The idea of having multiple different characters played by a single actor was a great opportunity for comedy and heightened the comedic theme of the play. His choice for an episodic structure was brilliant and it enhanced the comedy of the play. Ferguson's scenic design was awesome too. The scenery and properties helped set the tone and style of the production. The challenge of composition presented Ferguson with opportunities to create comedy. Overall director and scenic designer Antony Ferguson did a marvelous job in creating a fun and entertaining play.
A huge part of the successfulness of this play goes to the various actors and their acting choices and styles. Main character Richard Hannay played by Liam Jeffery was an interesting and well thought out character. Jeffery did a superb job throughout the play. He kept everyone wondering what they would do if they were in his shoes. A great deal of this was achieved due to Jeffery's tone of voice and how immersed he was in his character. Actor Catherine Dukelow also did an amazing job playing multiple different characters throughout the play. She was able to adjust her acting to each character and their personalities. At one point she even played a man which had the audience laughing. Actors Austin Becker and Eukariah Tabaka are also important to note. Throughout the play these two were generally acting together. It was obvious that their acting styles went together just a good as peanut butter and jelly. They were able to act and play off of one another and feed off of each other’s energy. These two were goofy and very fun to watch. They were lighthearted and were radiating good vibes and energy.
The 39 Steps is a well written and thought out play. Everyone that contributed to making the play made it special and entertaining to see. The Monty Python style that was achieved fit with the story and tone of this comedy. Even though this play was originally written as a serious mystery and Stage 2 Theatre Company did a great job remaking the original masterpiece into a good play.
- Jenna Brumm