The 39 Steps

24 October 2016


PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release



ESU Theatre presents a comic adaptation of a
Hitchcock masterpiece.

Emporia State University Theatre will present
The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow from
the novel of the same name by John Buchan. The
show features Richard Hannay (Gabriel Diaz-
Serrano, freshman, Olathe), a Scotsman living a
completely ordinary and even boring life—until
he meets Pamela (Bailey B. Carter, senior,
Topeka), a mysterious woman claiming to be a
spy. After spending the night with her, he
awakens the next morning to find her murdered.
He soon finds himself on the run from a
mysterious organization known as "The 39
Steps." Hannay chases across Britain in order
to save himself and get back to his ordinary
life.

The show features over 150 characters despite
its small cast of 4. Most of those characters
are played by two clowns (Cameron Reynolds,
senior, Louisburg and Ryan Howerton, senior,
Haysville). Combining elements from classic spy
novels, gags from Monty Python, and the
dramatic elements of Alfred Hitchcock, this
show is filled with thrills, laughs, and a
death-defying finale.

The 39 Steps is under the direction of Theresa
Mitchell, who began working at ESU in 1999.
"I am most excited to create a pants-on-fire
paced spy thriller with a HUGE theatrical twist
with a fantastic student driven company."
Mitchell says. This will be the 30th play she
has directed at ESU.

Mitchell will have the assistance of stage
manager Tyler Lang (senior, Wichita) and
assistant stage manager Andrew Ralston
(sophomore, Topeka). Nancy J. Pontius is
designing the set and lighting, and Evan
Eisenbarth (senior, Cassoday) will design the
many costumes with help from Costumer Amanda
Dura. Assistant Professor Dan Matisa serves the
production as Dialect coach. Chris Lohkamp will
serve as both technical director and sound
designer.

The 39 Steps runs November 30th – December 3rd
at 7:30 pm. All performances will be in the
Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall, located at
1301 Market Street. Tickets can be reserved at
the university box office or by calling 620-
341-6378.



For additional information contact:
Joshua Hoeven
jhoeven@g.emporia.edu
620-341-5256


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