Maurer Productions OnStage's "The 39 Steps": Mistaken Identities and Unmistakable Fun at the Kelsey Theatre

by Meg Bryan

Few theatrical experiences have felt as gleefully alive as Maurer Productions OnStage's production of The 39 Steps (at the Kelsey Theatre) as adapted for stage by Patrick Barlow. This show is full of heart with the quartet of a cast delivering a performance that is delightfully unrestrained. There’s a palpable joy in the way the cast navigates its challenges, ignoring limitations and turning theatrical convention on its head. The result is a show that feels simultaneously classic and refreshingly unpredictable, executed with a wink and remarkable flair.

The first piece of atmosphere that made me smile was the program, formatted like a newspaper rather than a typical playbill. As we found our seats, we saw the initial set, starting the story in Richard Hannay’s apartment. The open stage was decorated minimally by an armchair, a rolling window piece, a table that held a few smaller objects (lamp, phone, decanter and glasses), and a few other small pieces covered by white sheets. The set shifted many times throughout the story, bringing us convincingly into vastly different scenes such as a moving train, a cottage in Scotland, the middle of the woods, and a small family-owned motel. John M. Maurer acting as Set Designer (and Director!) along with Master Builder Jeff Cantor, Scenic Artist Jenna “Jay” Moschella, and Props Master/Set Dresser Di’Jon came together to achieve simplistic sets with such distinction between them to make the changes most effective.

As mentioned, John M. Maurer directed this production and did so in a way that made the performance feel polished, energetic, and fun to watch. His direction utilizes imaginative ideas to bring each scene to life as he highlights each actor’s strengths, creating an ensemble that runs like a well-oiled machine. Stage Manager Diana Gilman Maurer kept the story flowing effortlessly, especially with her running crew of Ed Liu and Dekota Homer. Lights and sound design were both done by Judi Parrish with utmost prowess. The lighting shifts from scene to scene communicated location changes perfectly, and the sound was consistently well balanced thanks in no small part to Sound Engineer Leonard Calabrese III. Finally, Anthony Wurtz tackled costuming, excelling at making sure that each character had their own distinct look. No two characters had too similar outfits, no matter how quickly they appeared within the story. This team as a whole crafted an incredibly strong foundation for their cast to run around on without any fear of falling.

This cast’s immense talent was undeniable from start to finish, never allowing for a lull in energy. Tim Rerucha portrays the ever magnetic Richard Hannay with the classic leading-man charm while still keeping the character accessible and human. Rerucha balances the suspense and humor effortlessly and navigates the show’s frenetic pace with remarkable control. Despite that frenzied energy, he never lets the character feel rushed or lost, and a big portion of that achievement is his impeccable diction even with the English accent which was so accurate that I had to check the program to see if he was actually English himself (he is not!). Rerucha was a dazzling Hannay in every aspect, from the verbal delivery of each wisecrack to his rib-achingly funny physical comedy.

As we continue, I find it important to note that our other three actors each played a multitude of different roles throughout the story. Starting off this roster, Tonia Del Priore first graces the stage as the brooding and sultry Annabella Schmidt, complete with a darkly serious tone that contrasts nicely with the more playful parts of the show. Del Priore was immediately captivating, making Annabella feel intriguing and important from her very first appearance. After Annabella’s unusual demise, we do not see Del Priore again until she resurfaces as Margaret, the gentle and kind wife of a Scottish crofter who shelters Hannay for a brief time. She creates a clear contrast between both her brash and angry husband as well as her previous character, helping this character feel uniquely soft and sweet. Her final character, Pamela, would be closer aligned with Annabella: sharp, strong, and with a no-nonsense attitude. Her back-and-forths with Hannay are fun and full of energy, and she shows Pamela’s demeanor change over time in a clear and believable way. All in all, Del Priore was extraordinary with her smooth character switches, never confusing the audience.

Completing the four are our two clowns, played by Daniel C. Gleason and Mary Tomson. These two bring impressive energy and versatility to the production, taking on multiple roles with clarity and ease. Gleason delivers strong comedic timing and expressive physicality, making each of his characters feel distinct and entertaining, switching through roles such as the angry Scottish crofter and Mrs. McGarrigle of the McGarrigle Hotel. Tomson matches him with sharp delivery and thoughtful character details that keep every scene engaging as she takes on roles like Mr. Memory, Professor Jordan, and the other half of the hotel staff of Mr. McGarrigle. The duo excels in their pairs, including the ones of salesmen, policemen, inspector and sheriff, and many more. Together, they work seamlessly as a team, their quick transitions and coordinated performances helping to maintain the show’s fast pace. Their chemistry and creativity add a great deal of humor to the production, making their scenes especially fun to watch and helping to carry the playful spirit of the show.

In an era that is often dominated by spectacle, the Kelsey Theatre’s The 39 Steps reminds us of the true magic of live theatre with its ability to surprise, charm, and keep audiences grinning long after the lights go down. It was an absolute delight to watch, and I’m happy to have found another piece that is such a day-brightener. Unfortunately this production has already ended, but please keep this company in mind for future performances! You can purchase tickets at the Kelsey Theatre here: https://www.purplepass.com/organizer/66720