Endicott College's Mainstage 'The 39 Steps' Reimagines Creative Comedy

I’m on the run, and not for the joy of it.

The 39 Steps escaped onto Endicott College’s stage as their fall mainstage production. Adapted from the novel by John Buchan, this thriller-comedy pursues Londoner Richard Hanney, who becomes embroiled in a murder case. As he flees across the British countryside, he gets cuffed up in absurd situations.

I watched the film adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps a long time ago, and I wasn’t expecting Endicott College to take a whole new creative level with their stage production. I was laughing more than I thought I would be. Shows like these demonstrate how we can make plays different through inventive storytelling.

The principal cast includes Dylan Brewster as the hapless Richard Hanney and Alex Bassette as Pamela, who gets tangled in this unfortunate adventure. If your worst nightmare is being handcuffed to your rival, oh, you don’t want to experience it. Brewster and Bassette worked great together, achieving impeccable comedic timing in their hilarious struggle.

The cast is remarkable. They dived head-first (literally) into their characters and the show’s comedy. No small part exists in the theater. Roles like Annabelle Schmidt (MJ Flood), Mr. Memory (Georgia Blunt), and Mrs. Higgin/Professor Jordan (Eamon Arthur) showcase how to make small roles stand out.

The average production of The 39 Steps usually has four actors. That is not the case with Endicott’s production. Rather than filling in as background players, an ensemble acts as ‘human furniture’ in scenes. By having cast members embody inanimate objects, the production transforms the show into a new interpretation.

Take the scene in Richard Hanney’s home. One person holds a telephone and shakes when it rings, three people act as a stubborn window blind, while another acts as a coat hanger. It makes it funnier that they react to situations, like rolling their eyes or having shocked looks. They also act as a realistic train in one scene.

Endicott College’s mainstage performance is one of my favorite ensemble-created presentions. The ensemble is one of the most important parts of any show. You don’t always have to follow stage directions. Create something new for everyone.

The cast’s commitment shines through Katie Clarke-Robertson’s incredible enthusiasm for theater. In plays I have seen directed by Clarke-Robertson, she always discovers new elements to challenge for a different perspective. She fully leaned into the play’s silliness and ensured that each cast member had a chance to contribute.

In her direction, Clarke-Robertson drew the audience into this world, turning this production into an energetic noir. There are several twists and turns. Audience members become a part of the fun as actors run into the audience, escaping from the police or trying to hide for their lives.

Speaking of the stage, it’s dressed up as a vaudeville-inspired theater set, with 1930s posters of actors, movies, and singers on the walls. The show’s technical crew has an important job in enhancing the show’s absurdity. Sometimes missing a cue or signaling a wrong sound effect, these results add to the show’s clever silliness.

We could all use a laugh right now and this show did the trick. Laughter rang out in the Rose Theater. I’m not just taking away the laughter from this experience, but also the creativity. The creative ideas are the best part of Endicott’s The 39 Steps. It’s a brilliant example of what theater can achieve when driven by creativity.

Endicott College’s The 39 Steps is something unique and different. Buy a ticket, don’t get handcuffed, and head to Endicott College for a memorable show.