THeatre Reviews:
“McCain’s Jake is trying desperately to have it all—while seeing it slip through his fingers. (McCain is also choreographer and needs special mention for the smoothness and energy of the roughhousing sequences.)”
Playing hundreds of supernumeraries – spies, police, railroad porters, hotel owners, performers, and even at times some inanimate objects – are Jessica Lopez-Barkl and Andy McCain. These two supremely talented actors leave you breathless with their quick changes (both in costume and character), adapting almost instantaneously to the situation at hand. Sometimes they’re even playing more than one character at the same time in the same scene.
“The 39 Steps” rises to these challenges. The production strikes just the right note, balancing farcical, almost slapstick, humor with solid acting. I tip my hat (if only I had as many as he wears in the play) to Andy McCain, who is the standout gem, leaning into every character portrayal with a gusto that often has him glistening with the effort. Doing a lot with a little, “The 39 Steps” at Shadowland Stages is worth a look.