The Theatre Department is gearing up for this year’s Fall Play, 39 Steps. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 20th with the show opening on November 15. Are you ready to seize the spotlight?
39 Steps is a parody in which Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python while also including elements of romance and slapstick comedy. Adapted from a 1915 novel by John Buchanan, 39 Steps presents a thrilling mystery about a falsely accused fugitive and a secret agent. On a high-speed chase across the United Kingdom, Richard Hannay unexpectedly enters an international spy ring. Entwined in the mistaken crime lore, Richard is assisted by an unwilling accomplice, Pamela. The two conspire to clear Richard’s name in an intriguing escape from the police force. The mystery lies within the ability of the two to keep their heads above water without being caught.
This year’s play differs from those performed at the Upper School in the recent past. Theatre Director Mr. Jason Peck says “We have been doing some fairly dramatic pieces these past few years and given the intensity this election season portends we wanted to produce something light, fun, and silly.” Mr. Peck brings unique experience to the table, in this case because he has directed 39 Steps before.
Among the actors hoping to earn a large role is Sage Sorenson, Co-President of the Theatre Company. Sorenson, who won “Best Leading Actress” at the 2024 Kravis Center Dream Awards, flew to New York City this summer to represent our region in the Jimmy Awards. Now, she is looking to bring her newly honed skills back to the Benjamin Hall stage. “I’m very excited to teach my peers how to use vulnerability and emotion as a strength,” says Sorenson.
In the wings, many others are returning this year, a few for the first time as high schoolers. Freshmen stagehand Michael Alvarez and acting veteran Harrison Poulakakos are among those eager to begin production.
For a few upperclassmen thespians, 39 Steps marks the beginning of the end. Co-President and Senior Rebekkah Merkel shares, “it’s bittersweet knowing that this is the last play I will perform in high school. The drama program has brought a lot of happiness to my time at Benjamin; I’m going to miss it so much but am excited to give it one last ‘hurrah’ in this play.”
While the school’s theatre company holds high standards, students hoping to audition should keep some advice in mind. There are roles for everyone, from small one-liners to heroes, heroines, and villains. There are parts for everyone and every skill level,” says Peck. “I love actors who are not afraid to be big and bold and who are willing to put themselves out there when the material requires it. If there is anything that drives me away, it is actors who apologize for their work. Be proud of you and your work. Be brave, be bold, and have fun!”
Auditions will be held in Benjamin Hall, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tues. Aug. 20th. Information packets were emailed and can be requested from Mr. Peck.
