“The 39 Steps” is one of the famous spy thrillers by Alfred Hitchcock. The 1935 film was loosely based on the novel written by John Buchan some 20 years earlier. It has been adapted many times over the years and Lantern Theater is presenting actor, comedian, writer Patrick Barlow’s creation from 2006. It is an outrageous comedy while it retains the seriousness of the story in the film. Lantern Theater is presenting it with four actors, two of whom play many roles.
Richard Hannay, tired and bored one evening, decides to go out to a performance at the London Palladium. In the audience he encounters Annabella, a beautiful and provocative woman who attaches herself to him, claiming that she is running from a very mysterious spy ring that is after her. In short order, she goes to his flat for what seems like a romantic encounter, but and winds up in his bed, but with a knife in her back. Suspected of murder, he flees, the police always just a step behind. He takes a train to Scotland.
What follows are the close calls with the police and with the spies that are after him and want him dead. He winds up in several locations along the way. The story is an interesting one, but what is most compelling about this production is the incredible, creative staging of the play of Director Charles McMahon. From the very first train ride out of London, created with a screen with images for the passing countryside, to the movement of the characters as the train turns and stops and starts, we are fascinated with every moment.
Jered McLenigan is superb as he portrays Hannay with dignity and style, but in some ways, the lead was no more than a foil for Dave Johnson and Eli Lynn, who played dozens of roles, slipping in and out of character and costumes on a dime. It was a treat to watch them as they assumed different English and Scottish roles. I never expected to laugh so much at a thriller, but the inventions created by McMahon were extraordinary. And the costumes of Levonne Lindsay were fantastic!
Lee Minora, in a few pivotal roles, completes the ensemble of four- the best ensemble I’ve seen on any stage in years.
Go for the story. Enjoy the flow. Sit back and be ready to be experience this most inventive piece of theater. I think Hitchcock would be laughing too.
“The 39 Steps” adapted by Patrick Barlow from the noel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock at Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. 215-829-0399 lanterntheater.org extended thru June 22, 2025
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 