Hampton Theatre Company’s “The 39 Steps” Delivers Nonstop Laughs and Brilliant Performances

Seeing The Hampton Theatre Company’s opening night production of The 39 Steps is a purely joyful night of live theater. Director Catherine Clyne has her cast delivering a highly entertaining show that produces belly laughs, applause, and continuous enjoyment. Ms. Clyne always creates magic when she directs a show. Don’t miss The 39 Steps at the historic Quogue Community Hall.

It was adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan, the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, and from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon. Playwright Patrick Barlow is widely known for his imaginative comic writing and for reshaping classic material into boldly theatrical entertainment.

This successful production of “The 39 Steps” is produced by George A. Loizides. This is the last production of the HTC season, and I recommend you go see it before it closes on June 7.

The four-member cast plays numerous roles, changing characters seemingly effortlessly mid-scene. The production is led by Adam Mosebach as Richard Hannay. He is genuine and eases through the comedic moments and movements with grace and vigor. He also plays the sensitive moments in an audience-winning way. He is a special talent.

Then there is the magic of Anna Tatishvili playing Annabella Schmidt, Margaret, and Pamela. Ms. Tatishvili has the “it” factor. She charms as she weaves her talents throughout the show. A former professional tennis player, she is an excellent actor because she has a stage presence and an energy that elevates any scene she is in. Ms. Tatishvili enchants, provokes, woos, and does it all uniquely.

Kevin Clyne plays multiple roles as Clown 2 and is phenomenal. He is a physical actor, using fluid body movements to deliver a range of comedic movements that elicit a bevy of instantaneous laughs and applause. He ignites his moments in scenes throughout the show.

Eric Clavell, wonderfully plays multiple roles as Clown 1. He and Kevin Clyne literally shine in so many scenes that you might put them up as stars in this production. Mr. Clavell is an HTC alum.

Kudos to the HTC behind-the-scenes team. The marvelous Set design is by Kieran Quinn. The flawless Lighting Design is by Sebastian Paczynski. The clear Sound Design is by Meg Sexton, and the fabulous Costume Design is by Kathy Loizides. 

It always takes a village effort to create an evening of theater. Therefore, one must take the time to thank the efforts of: Carpenter – Steve Rogers. Sound Engineer – Rob Reeve. The Stage Manager – Caroline McCurdy. The Backstage Crew – Thaddeus Plezia. Props – Catherine Clyne and George A. Loizides. The Box Office folks are Cat Bracksmayer and Beth Fine. Production Graphics-Joe Pallister. Lighting & SOUND Tech handled by Kelly Weresnick and Sammi Rooney.  (Personal special thanks to Terry Brennan.) Thank you to everyone at HTC for your efforts.

Performance times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. There will also be an additional 2:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday, June 6. Two talkbacks with audience members will be offered immediately following the 7 p.m. performances on Friday, May 29, and Friday, June 5. 

Tickets are available by visiting Hamptontheatre.org or by calling 631-653-8955.