The Harvard Friends of the Arts have been busily preparing for their latest Old Time Theatre Production, a staged reading of the play “39 Steps,” written by Joe Landry. The play will debut on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library.
The play is an adaptation for radio of the classic 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, which starred Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. The British Film Institute has repeatedly voted it one of the top 25 British movies of all time.
Director and producer Bob Eiland of the Old Timers production explains, “I think it’s really unique in [Hitchcock’s] oeuvre of movies. This is half film noir spy story and half screwball comedy. It’s a wonderful mixture, and he does it masterfully.”
The cast and crew, who have worked together on several productions, have some surprises in store for audiences. For example, this time, rather than using the commercials provided in the script, the cast will perform commercials for local businesses. These original commercials feature jingles composed by Joan Eliyesil. Eiland is especially proud of this portion of the performance. “I think it adds an incredible dimension to the show and localizes it, too.”
Sound effects ‘make the show’
Eiland believes that the sound is what really makes the show. “Bill Cordner is our sound foley. I would say what distinguishes these readings from other theatrical performances is his work. Bill finds the sound effects and lines them up, and we rehearse and rehearse so that we can integrate them. That’s actually one of the biggest challenges of doing a radio play—to coordinate with the sound effects.” For each performance, the players try to match the audio to the period during which the play takes place. In the case of “39 Steps,” they will be evoking a ’30s and ’40s sound.
The play will feature the voice talents of Didi Chadran, Tim Clark, Bob Eiland, JulieAnn Govang, Keith Myles, Mary Helan Turner, and Joan Eliyesil. As previously mentioned, Bill Cordner will provide the digital sound effects. Danno Sullivan will provide human and mechanical sound effects as well as play the ukelele. Judy Wong is both the stage manager and the technical director.
Wine tasting, then a play
The HFOA has partnered with the General Store for this event. The night of the performance, the General Store will be hosting a wine tasting that will end at 7 p.m. With Town Caucus beginning at 7 p.m. and the play beginning at 7:30, Eiland encourages people to make a night of it by heading to Town Hall after the tasting and then to the library to enjoy the show. “It’s a wonderful community effort, and that’s part of what the HFOA is there for.”
The doors will open at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Reservations are suggested. To make a reservation, call the library at 978-456-4114. The play is being produced by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc. (www.playscripts.com).
