New Lee Theatre faculty member Jared Cole stands in the center arch of the wall he designed for “The 39 Steps,” above the map of the British Isles he designed and painted on the floor of the Buzz Oates Theater.
Lee University Theatre will continue its 2014-15 “Season of Secrets” with a play titled “The 39 Steps.” Performances will take place Feb. 20-21 and 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Buzz Oates Theatre, located in Lee’s new Communication Arts Building.
This season marks the 25th anniversary of Lee’s theatre program, and each of the plays exemplifies the theme of “secrets” in its own way.
“The 39 Steps” is a drama featuring “secret agents” by Patrick Barlow, and the performance is under the direction of Dan Buck, assistant professor of theatre at Lee.
The play was adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, and it is reminiscent of 1940s spy novels and films. According to Mr. Buck, the play has all of the characteristics of the genre: mistaken identities, mysterious female agents, menacing villains, and high-speed chases. In addition, the production evokes dozens of locations and over 50 characters using only four actors and the limited space of a black box theater. The West End and Broadway hit provides a concoction of romance, suspense, comedy, and drama.
“The play is exciting, for sure, but it’s mostly a comedy, a loving satire of the works of Hitchcock,” said Mr. Buck. “Audiences will see extremely talented actors being put through a creative workout as they change characters and locations in the blink of an eye.”
In April, a collaborative performance between Lee Theatre and the School of Music of the musical version of “The Secret Garden” will close the season. Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre at Lee, will direct the production alongside co-musical directors Dr. Ron Brendel, associate professor of music, and Chery Brendel, an adjunct in music at Lee.
“The Secret Garden,” a tale of clemency and rejuvenation, chronicles the story of Mary Lennox, an 11-year-old girl who was orphaned in India. Mary travels to Yorkshire to live with her bitter, reclusive uncle Archibald and his enfeebled son Colin. Among the estate’s many wonders is the magic titular “secret garden,” which beckons to the children with evocative melodies and “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who offer her guidance for her new life.
“We are excited to bring this critically-acclaimed musical to the Lee University stage,” said Dr. Williams. “It is a beautiful musical and is sure to delight the whole family.”
Tickets will be available at the Box Office in the Communication Arts Building Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., during the week leading up to the show as well as one hour before curtain time. Tickets for “The 39 Steps” are on sale starting Monday and are $10 for adults and $7 for children, seniors, and students.
For more information, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre or email theatre@leeuniversity.edu. Fans may also follow Lee University Theatre on Facebook.
Student cast and crew members build a fake brick wall for the upcoming performances of “The 39 Steps.”