903heidig
Ted Atherton, F.B.I. Agent, Myles Leland III, on the Syndicated TV series “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.” and of “Nothing To Good For A Cowboy” fame, an accomplished Shakespearean actor, is a perfect choice to play Richard Hannay of John Buchan’s “The 39 Steps”, and Showboat/Lighthouse Artistic Director, Derek Ritschel, says “the opportunity to present a play such as this comes only once in maybe 10 years”.In Buchan’s first of five novels, the character of Richard Hannay demands a persona to capture a stiff upper lip while demonstrating a unique talent for escaping formidable circumstances and Atherton delivers comprehensively.A number of film and theatrical adaptations followed the publication of the novel. Adapted to film by Alfred Hitchcock and in later years, by British television, today, Ralph Small’s talent shines as the theatrical, comic version of “The 39 Steps” hits the stage in Port Colborne’s Showboat Festival Theatre.“The Thirty-Nine Steps is one of the earliest examples of the ‘man-on-the-run’ thriller archetype subsequently adopted by Hollywood as an often-used plot device. In The Thirty-Nine Steps, Buchan holds up Richard Hannay as an example to his readers of an ordinary man who puts his country’s interests before his own safety,” says Wikipedia.Having reviewed several Showboat Theatre productions in the historically charming Roselawn Centre, I can tell you I have never yet seen the audience respond with laughter as much, as through this production, and urge you to take advantage of experiencing it for yourself.From set design to costume design, lighting and stage management, the details to bring the audience within the play and not just observing it, are brilliant. Ralph Small has unveiled a masterpiece.Especially brilliant is the fast-paced change between characters and costumes of four very gifted actors.Joining Atherton on stage, Perrie Olthuis plays most of the diversified female roles, while actors William Matthews and Bruce Davies also portray some of them.Olthius, a 2006 graduate of George Brown Theatre School, with a foundation in classical theatre and improv, shines on the stage as other reviews have noted.It is the team of Willliam Matthews and Bruce Davies that will astound you with their fast-paced, jaw-dropping, comedic portrayals of split second character changes drawing audible reactions of awe from the audience.This caliber of combined talents on Showboat’s stage demands it not be missed.Matthews, both an actor and a biographical videographer, is screamingly funny in the roles he portrays in “The 39 Steps”.Matthews was visibly inspired to work alongside Bruce Davies, the singing Mountie No. 8 from “Due South”, the manservant in Gene Wilder’s “The Lady in Question” and a recent finalist in YUK YUK’S “Great Canadian Laugh Off”. Davies was outstanding in his rendition of multiple roles within this production and Matthews’ parts perfectly synchronized with Davies’, gives the audience a display of acting mastery.Theatre lovers from all over the Golden Horseshoe would not be disappointed making the trek to Port Colborne’s Showboat Festival Theatre to take in this production of “The 39 Steps”. No matter the level of theatre enthusiast, this play will leave you in stitches of laughter, enveloped in a caliber of talent and taking home a theatre experience not soon to be forgotten.“The 39 Steps” opened Aug. 14, 2013 and will continue through to Aug. 18, 2013.For more information, including ticket information, please go to:Showboat Festival Theatre296 Fielden Avenue,Port Colborne, ONL3K 4T6Telephone 905-834-0833Email: boxoffice@portcolborne.ca
