Limelight Actors’ Theatre brings in “The 39 Steps” for its 23rd production in its fifth season to entertain the folks in the South Valley.Director JoAnna Evans lets loose four kooky, talented characters to play over 100 roles in this Hitchcock murder-spy spoof.Kevin Heath, Roberta Vinkhuyzen, Jason Harris and Bruce Pember with Michael Perry and Brennan Perry as the ever energetic stage hands that keep the show glued together. Everyone’s hysterical timing and delivery is almost flawless.Evans uses a broad brush, painting the four characters and their images of over 100 characters with more than 50 costume changes that transform their persona with a flick of a hat, jacket or wig before your eyes. The timing is intricate and tricky but this nutty group use minimum props and is at times ingenious and adds to the hilarity of the production. Example: Four large trunks double as seats on a train and also act as the roof of the train that the characters use to do a typical Hitchcock chase scene, flapping their coats with flashing lights to give the effect of wind and rain. A bunch of mismatched chairs and a podium create a getaway car, a moveable door, a mock-up window and picture frames become ingenious props that tickle the funny-bone and create a mental picture of what could be next in this off-the-wall adventure that is done completely tongue-in-cheek with a homage to Hitchcock.Evans directs this whacked-out talented group like a conductor performing Fantasia’s "Sorcerer’s Apprentice" in triple time. The energy expended by this entire goofy group is seductive and over the top and leaves the audience pleasantly exhausted.For anyone who is a Hitchcock fan this might be the ticket to lighten up a bit. To those who aren’t familiar with his genius, time to get acquainted. Go and rent the movie then see this show. You will definitely have an interesting experience.Come early around 7 pm, bring your dinner and wine if you like, for an enjoyable evening of fun and tons of laughs.Camille Bounds is the theatre and arts columnist for the Morgan Hill Times, Gilroy Dispatch and the Hollister Freelance. She can be reached at
[email protected] “The 39 Steps”Where: The Gilroy Center For The ArtsThrough: May 2Runs: 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermissionTickets: $20Reservations and information call (408) 472-3292 or visitwww.LimeLightActors’Theater.com
