The previous version of this press release erroneously stated that the play premieres on Wednesday, Dec. 8, when in fact, it premieres on Thursday, Dec. 8.
ROSEBURG, Ore., December 2, 2022 — Umpqua Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts department is set to premiere a play, “The 39 Steps,” produced by UCC's new associate professor and director of theatre, Bart McHenry. The play is action-packed with a storyline about an ordinary man on the run for his life after meeting a woman who turns out to be a spy.
As a Tony-Award winner inspired by a 1915 novel and subsequent 1935 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this century-old story is credited with inspiring today’s “man on the run” stories that include the Jason Bourne espionage series.
The play’s storyline begins when a dull man meets a woman with a thick accent who claims to be a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered, and a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is soon hot on the man’s trail in a massive manhunt that climaxes with a death-defying finale.
“Beneath the espionage, the drama and the comedy, the play serves as a reminder that evil can lurk under the veneer of civilization and a theme revealed in the impromptu speech of a man on the run, who could be any one of us,” McHenry said.
“The 39 Steps” opens at UCC’s Centerstage Theater in the Whipple Fine Arts Building on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., with subsequent shows set for Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Admission is $10, cash-only at the door.
Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Anna Bozovich: Annabella Schmit, Salesman 2, Mrs. Higgens, Margaret, Pilot 1, Mrs. Dunwoody, Heavy 1, Sheep, Mr. McGarrigle, Chief Inspector Albright
Anna is a freshman in her first play and loves all art. She plans on transferring to Southern Oregon University to further develop her acting career.
Tyler Burdett: Compere, Drunkard, Salesman 1, Policeman 2, Crofter, Pilot 2, Professor Jordan, Sheriff, Heavy 2
Tyler is a sophomore who loves acting. He is excited to continue his passion and has written a TV script he plans to pitch.
Kat Grammon: Mrs. Memory, Cleaning Lady, Paperboy, Porter, Policeman 1, Mrs. Jordan, Inspector, Mrs. McQuarrie, Sheep, Mrs. McGarrigle
Kat is a freshman Theatre Arts major and would like to study theatre abroad in England.
Elaina Harris: Pamela Edwards, Reporter
Elaina is a sophomore and loves acting in plays and musicals. She works as a phlebotomist at Mercy Medical Center and plans to move forward in her medical career.
Porter Merrell: Richard Hannay
Porter is a freshman and loves theater. He also enjoys writing for the UCC newspaper and plans to transfer to the University of Oregon to study Film Writing.
Crew
Anthony Gordon: Lighting Designer, Propmaker
Anthony is President of the Film Club, a UCC special events technician, and the public relations officer for student government.
Shianne Kelm: Stage Manager
Shianne is a freshman and has had a great time working on the show. She plans to transfer to study sociology.
Robin Bruns: Lightboard Operator
Robin has enjoyed being part of this production and is a freshman who writes for the student newspaper.
About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high-quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at www.umpqua.edu.
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