The Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) is putting on its annual benefit dinner theater show—“The 39 Steps.” This side-cramping, 30s-era farce shows Sep. 12-15 in the Blackbox Studio Theater (see here for tickets), with a cast of only 13.
“The 39 Steps” follows suave leading man Richard Hannay, played by APA junior, Benjamin Marshall, in his attempt to clear his name after entangling himself in a thrilling spy story. It’s the ultimate amalgamation of a juicy James Bond plot, Jane Austen romance, and Hitchcock mystique, wrapped into one hilarious Monty Python-esque comedy.
The story began with the 1915 novel, “The Thirty-Nine Steps,” by Scottish novelist John Buchan, before its classic film adaptation in 1935 by famous English director, Alfred Hitchcock. Several adaptations later, English playwright Patrick Barlow’s 2005 version is now showing at APA.
“I [love] the ensemble cast vibe. Everybody gets their hilarious moment and just [the] fast-paced comedy of the play has been really fun,” said director Sharie Nitkin.
For the cast, such a physically demanding show has certainly been a challenge, but worth it for the laughs it brings.
APA senior, Francis Jacobs, who plays Clown 1—encompassing several smaller roles—said, “Tackling this role and all the characters with [it has] been nothing short but a journey. In order to play this many roles, you have to know the show inside out. If I’m not running a scene, I’m running around behind the scenes searching for my next outfit. Physicality is a whole other story, but truly what brings all of these characters to life. The characters greatly vary in range of motion.”
Behind any fantastic show is a hard-working production team, which includes students from APA’s Costume Design and Technical Theatre departments. They’ve been working tirelessly, alongside the cast, over Aug. and Sep., to compile sets, costumes, wigs, and makeup.
“I love doing hair and makeup, I’ve always really enjoyed that… I find it very fun, and for me, I find it very relaxing even though it can very much be stressful. But, being in Costume can also come with the mindset of “I’m not good enough.” There’s a lot of stuff that goes into your mind, like, “I’m not good at this” or “I can’t do this,” but it’s just not true,” said Maclovia Camacho, APA junior.
While cast and crew have found the stress of preparing for opening ballooning, excitement is buzzing in the air for the first APA production of the year.
Dazzling costumes, well-timed jokes, and such intensive physical comedy—paired with a delightful three-course meal and live music—are sure to make any audience rave. Get tickets now at hbapa.org/see.
