Hi Taylor! Tell us about your role on The 39 Steps? I am on the production team and designed the set and the props for this fantastic show!
What is your background in theatre? I have been involved in theatre since high school but started mainly as an actor and only in recent years transitioned to design work. I am currently in school for theatre design and had the opportunity this past year to be part of the props team on the CBC Gem show Frick, I Love Nature as well as the costume team for Jane Eyre at the Citadel.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps? I volunteered with Walterdale to work on my design skills and this show was the perfect opportunity to play with colour and a very stylized aesthetic.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far? It has been such an incredible journey to witness the creation of my designs. I can’t believe the level of talent and skill the team at Walterdale has. I am so grateful I was able to work alongside this incredible team.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale? It’s going to be an absolute riot. Kristen has packed this show with so much action and so many hilarious moments, you won’t want to miss it.
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film? The Wizard of Oz will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first play I was a part of.
Nicole English is our Illustrious Costume Designer!
Hi Nicole! Tell us about your work on The 39 Steps?
I have assembled over 40 costumes for The 39 Steps!
What is your background in theatre?
I am primarily an actor, singer, occasional sketch writer and improviser.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I love sewing and theatre and thought it would be fun to challenge myself with tackling costume designs for a show!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
I love Hitchcock so I’ve really enjoyed the script and also the challenge of putting together different costumes for the many characters in the show. It’s been fun figuring out what specific costume items can work for the multiple characters and be manageable for the actors. Lots of costume pieces in this show!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s great fun, lots of laughs and well acted!
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
Rear Window. I’ve loved the film from the moment I saw it. A favourite 1940s film is Ball of Fire. If you haven’t seen it, you must watch it!
Hi Anne Marie! Tell us about what you’ve done on The 39 Steps?
I find sound to support the world of the play – sound effects, songs, ambient sounds, and voiceovers.
What is your background in theatre?
I’ve been involved in theatre for many years as an actor and director mostly. Right now, I’m a member of Walterdale’s Board (Vice President and Relaunch Committee Chair) as well as Box Office Manager.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I had been thinking about trying out sound design for a while now AND I love working with Kristen to create theatre, so it was the right time and the right project!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
This is such a fast-paced, ridiculous romp – what’s not to love? Mostly, I have enjoyed the challenge of learning a new aspect of theatre and working with such a talented team..
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
The sound of course!! Actually, you will want to come for so many reasons…the talented cast, the energy of everyone involved, and the laughs!!
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
I am lucky enough to be one of 4 Clowns! The clowns play the entirety of the ensemble. Between the 4 of us, we play every supporting character. The Clowns are ridiculous, fluid, fun and quite an interesting challenge as an actor!
What is your background in theatre?
I have been in the Performing Arts since I was a young girl. My first role was Baby John in West Side Story and I have played many characters over my last 25 years in theatre, from Shakespeare to Sondheim! I have an extensive background in plays and musicals as well as a few production roles. The theatre is my greatest love.This is my 4th production with the Walterdale and I am absolutely delighted to be back!
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I love old British comedies! I often would watch them with my Grandfather growing up. The timing, the slapstick, the silliness – It is all great fun. Being in the cast of The 39 Steps is the perfect way to release all the creative energy that has been stored up over the last few years!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
Our amazing CAST and CREW. We are so blessed to be working with an inspired Director and amazingly talented Cast and Crew.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
This show is a MUST to experience. Step out of the heaviness of the world and into a world of laughter, mystery and romance!
Hi Brooke! What does your role on the show involve?
I bring the vision that the Director and Set Designer have to life on the stage once it is built.
What is your background in theatre?
I am a Theatre Production graduate from the program provided at Grant MacEwan University in 2015. I have been a paint volunteer at Walterdale Theatre since 2016, and have been a Master Painter on 6 shows including this one.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
As I have taken over the position as Paint Head for the Walterdale Theatre, I was headhunted to be Master Painter for this show. It looks like a fun, quirky show, and I am very excited to be working with bright colours again!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
The community. Walterdale has such an amazing set of volunteers working with the theatre; it has been what brings me back time and time again.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
If you are looking for a place with a great atmosphere, and a nice and relaxed night out, there’s no reason you SHOULDN’T want to come see a show with dancing and slapstick humour!
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
I haven’t seen any Hitchcock films, but I have seen the Hitchcock influenced Panic Room. I very much enjoyed the slow build in the movie that brought all of your anxieties to a head. Had me glued to the edge of my seat!
Hi Richard! What does your role on the show involve?
I work with the set designer to create the stage in their vision. Once built, I interact with the production team and set designer to ensure the set is safe and accommodates the needs of the show.
What is your background in theatre?
I have been playing at Walterdale since 1991 and have been involved with many other theatre companies since that time. I have done may roles, including stage management, Technical Director (Walterdale; since 2010), President (Sherard Musical Theatre Associates), stage hand, builder, master builder, lighting designer, Actor and many more. I absolutely love the theatre community in Edmonton. We are a group of passionate folks who strive to perform our works of art for others!
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
Kristen… Yep… that’s it… I have worked with Kristen on many shows and have told her a number of times, “I don’t care if I am stuck cleaning toilets, if you need a hand on a show, I AM IN!” Kristen always puts together a top quality team and I am guaranteed to have a fantastic time working on the show!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
Working with the team to get the production going. The satisfaction of seeing the people who I work with having a great time is the part that I enjoy the most.
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
Having not seen any rehearsals yet, I cannot speak to the show directly, however, I can speak to the team. I have never seen a show directed by Kristen Finlay that I disliked. She is masterful at selecting shows and working with a qualified team to make an amazing performance for the audiences.
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
Hi Andrew! What does your role on the show involve?
Just a part of an excellent team dedicated to seeing this production come to life! (Andrew does a lot more than that – he’s the Production Manager so he wrangles the rest of the team to make sure everyone has what they need to get their jobs done! He’s also an ASM so he’ll be on the deck making sure each show runs smoothly!).
What is your background in theatre?
A long time ago and far far away, Andrew graduated from the Technical/Production section of the National Theatre School of Canada. As careers will do, his theatre career evolved into broadcast and television, information technology, and now cybersecurity.
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I’ve missed the enjoyment and rush that comes along with being in live theatre. I’ve been involved in different productions at Walterdale, but really wanted to work one from start to finish!
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
The people – the cast, the crew… everyone is here because they love what they’re doing!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s just so much fun… and after the last couple of years, couldn’t we all do with a little more fun?
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
I’m still a big Bogart fan… Key Largo, Maltese Falcon, and (of course) Casablanca.
Hi Lucas! Tell us a bit about the character you play, Richard Hannay!
Richard is a man who has seen the world pass him by. His friends have moved on in one way or another. He looks at the world and the people around him. He’s tired of division and the craziness of the world. His hope is for a good world, a better world, one where we look after each other… though he’s up for a Grand Adventure.
What is your background in theatre?
I graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Ed. with a Major in Drama. I was a theatre kid in high school and part of a core group that formed the Fort Saskatchewan Company “Rare Form Theatre” where I performed in The Importance of being Earnest, Beware of the Quickly Who and Fools. I left for Prince Rupert and became a radio morning show host and got involved in the improv scene as a co-founder of the improv troupe “Hook, Line and Snicker.” A few years back, I also accomplished my life-long goal of performing in the Edmonton international Fringe Festival with the production Stones in His Pockets. I returned to Edmonton pre-pandemic and taught Drama, directing high school productions with my brother, friend and collaborator Christian Zyp. Christian is a friend who I’m grateful for, and who inspires me to tackle many creative projects. This is my first production with Walterdale and I’m thrilled to take the stage under the direction of the talented Kristen Finlay.
What brought you out for the show?
In a twist of fate, I opened the Theatre Alberta newsletter which happened to be in my junk mail folder. There I found the audition posting for The 39 Steps. It’s been a long stretch of isolation with the pandemic continually hanging over us, so I wanted to jump into a creative project and have some fun with other creative minds. I read the opening monologue and instantly felt a connection to the lead character. Not only was I the same age as the character, but we both have a moustache! Kristen’s message of creating a show to make us all laugh resonated with me. This gave me the motivation to be a part of a piece of theatre that will bring a smile to audiences. After what has been a very difficult stretch of human history it will be nice to share some laughter with theatre goers.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
When you’ve got such a funny script, talented cast and crew, it makes for a fun time exploring the world of The 39 Steps. How incredibly lucky I feel to work with such a great team. It was an interesting start to our rehearsal process over zoom and eventually meeting in person. It’s been a blast creating, collaborating, getting into hijinks, chases and mischief. The Walterdale Theatre is now our playground and we can’t wait to share what we’ve discovered with you. We look forward to sharing the mystery, laughter and fun with audiences at the Walterdale Theatre.
Why do you think people should come see this show?
Do you like fun? It’s been heavy with global conflict and the pandemic still looming. We hope to give you a break from what has been a hard stretch. Take a chance, sit back, relax, go on a wild ride by seeing The 39 Steps come to life. Come check out the incredibly talented cast and crew under the direction of our fearless leader Kristen Finlay. We all need to laugh… So here’s your chance!
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
The 39 Steps radiates spies, espionage and fun. A film that I love which incorporates all these elements is Double Indemnity. It’s everything a classic mystery/thriller (Film Noire) should be.
Hi Natalie! What do you do on the show in your role as Stage Manager?
As Stage Manager, I stand in the shadows and facilitate the organised chaos to make sure everything runs smoothly during the performance.
What is your background in theatre?
Previously I worked on the main stage, as well as, on several student projects in Rosebud. Most recently, I Stage Managed for the River Valley Players in Drayton Valley. The 39 Steps will be my first Edmonton Show!
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
Before the pandemic, I signed up to volunteer in any area for Walterdale. Fast forward two years later there was an email in my inbox asking me if I would be interested in Stage Managing the show and I jumped at the opportunity.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
The people I get to work with everyday and the energy they bring into the space. It has been a blast!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
The 39 Steps brings tons of laughter and silliness that is needed after the last couple of years we had.
CAST:
SALLY DURANT PLUMMER -Leslie Caffaro
PHYLLIS ROGERS STONE – Monica Roberts
BUDDY PLUMMER – Dustin Berube
BENJAMIN STONE – Gavin Belik
YOUNG SALLY – Tia Yakubowich
YOUNG PHYLLIS – Veronica Masik
YOUNG BUDDY – Allan Cabral de Sa
YOUNG BEN – Aidan Spila
CARLOTTA CAMPION – Kristen M. Finlay
STELLA DEEMS – Joyanne Rudiak
HATTIE WALKER – Karin Thomas
SOLANGE LAFITTE – Jackie Lotery
EMILY WHITMAN – Stacey Grubb
THEODORE WHITMAN – Kent Sutherland
HEIDI SCHILLER – Erin Foster-O’Riordan
DIMITRI WEISMANN/ROSCOE – Morgan Smith
KEVIN (waiter) – Aaron Schaan
Ensemble: Austin Kumar. Michael Watt, Aaron Schaan, Carol Chu, Alyssa Paterson, Stephanie Swensrude, Kayleigh Teatrault, Nadia Small, Christine Maydew
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director/Choreographer – Barbara Mah
Music Director – Michael Clark
Stage Manager – Phil Kreisel
Production Manager – MJ Kreisel
Assistant Choreographer – Christine Maydew
Costume Designer – Karin Lauderdale
Set Designer – David Folk
Lighting Designer – Brad Melrose
Properties Manager – Debbie Tyson
ASM – Danielle Szeponski
Set Builder – Richard Hatfield
ASM – Steven Sobolewski
Sound Designer – Marika Friesen
Live sound (mics) – Tim Friesen
Light Operator – John Anderson
Sound Operator – Christina O’Dell
Set Painter – Karlie Christie
