Hitchcock's '39 Steps' takes a funny turn in ESU production

EAST STROUDSBURG — “Hitchcock meets hilarious” is how the director describes East Stroudsburg University’s upcoming production of "The 39 Steps."
To bring this lighthearted adaptation by Patrick Barlow of the classic film to the ESU stage, director Stephanie Daventry French, professor of theater, and set designer Emma McDonough, a junior from Matamoras, Pa., majoring in technical theater, have reconfigured the interior of the Fine and Performing Arts Center’s Dale Snow Theatre to provide multiple playing areas for the comedy’s many scenes, with its many zany characters and fast-paced action.
“Actors mix with the audience during parts of the production so we have to learn to play with that,” said Luis Feliciano, a senior from Philadelphia, majoring in theater with concentrations in acting for theater, television and film and in directing. “The scene on the train is set on a small, elevated platform. We’re learning how to maneuver in a limited space without bumping into each other or falling off the platform. After performing in the larger Smith-McFarland Theatre several times, I’m learning how to adjust to playing in a more intimate space.”
As Clown I, Feliciano plays 14 different characters in the production.
“At one point, I have to become a different character just by changing my hat,” Feliciano said. “I’ve got a binder with sections on each character’s description, story, movements and accent.”
William Barreto, a senior from East Stroudsburg majoring in theater and minoring in English, is also playing 14 different characters as Clown II.
“In working to make each character stand out, I’ve spent a lot of time on each one’s accent and movements, he said. "The production also is very physical, with a lot of chases and slapstick humor.”
For Amanda Witt, a freshman from Mountainhome, Pa., majoring in musical theater, the play is giving her an opportunity to widen her acting experience.
“I’ve been performing since I was in third grade,” Witt said, “but I’ve only been in three plays that weren’t musicals. I’ve also never in worked such a small space where the audience is so much a part of the play.”
Witt plays three characters in the production.
“The intensity of these characters, especially Annabella who is very melodramatic, makes them funny, but you need to play them totally seriously,” she said. “Although the play is a parody, you have to respect the limits of the script and not take the characters too far.”
"The 39 Steps" was adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock. This production is recommended for ages 10 and above.
In conjunction with the play, the Provost’s Colloquium Series will present “Hitchcock Reframed,” a presentation by Paul Lippert, Ph.D., professor of communication, and French on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall of ESU’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. The presentation is open to ticketholders at no extra cost.