‘Ridiculous’ play is ‘screamingly funny’; go see it, reviewer says

Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre opened its 34th Season with “The 39 Steps,” brilliantly directed by the Pollard’s new Artistic Director Jared Blount. The play was adapted by Patrick Barlow from a concept by Simon Corbie and Nobby Dimon.

The quick version: This play is screamingly funny and very well produced. Go see it.

As hapless hero Richard Hannay, Wil Rogers used his flexible features to perfection. The character finds himself

in many bizarre situations; Rogers registered all of the emotions on his face in neon lights.

The other three actors play all the remaining characters: Jessa Schinske was the three women who cross Hannay’s path. She created each character as both a unique individual and an amusing caricature.

Clowns 1 and 2 were played by David Fletcher-Hall and Kris Kuss respectively. They brought tremendous energy and wit to many different characters, often earning the biggest laughs.

For this play, the backstage crew is a significant if invisible part of the play. The Pollard crew included Lisa Mack, Larz Justice, Ashlynn Chapman, Destiny Mack, and Brooke Smoot. These were under the baton of stage manager and lighting designer Michael Long. The costume design by Michael James and the overall design by director Blount made the whole ridiculous story work.

“The 39 Steps” plays at The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, 120 W. Harrison Street, 73044, until Aug. 28. Buy tickets online at www.pollard.org or call the box office at 405-282-2800.

JARED BLOUNT Jessa Schinske and Wil Rogers are seen in “The 39 Steps.”