The 39 Steps
at Fullerton Union

Reviewed on November 13, 2015

Kaylie Harrington
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Fullerton Union is ‘39 Steps' above the rest
by Kaylie Harrington, a senior at Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos
for the Orange County Register

After an unlikely encounter with a woman by the name Annabella Schmidt, Richard Hannay, a London bachelor, is thrown into the world of spying. Following her death, Hannay is framed for the murder and pursued by police and spies alike. He embarks on a journey to outrun the police and to discover what exactly is the 39 steps.

With thrilling sequences and an energy that engages the audience, Fullerton Union's riveting and fast paced production of "The 39 Steps" tells the tale of a bachelor who finds adventure, life meaning, and romance too.

Josiah Haugen stars as the dashing bachelor Richard Hannay. Whether he is flirting with every girl he meets or escaping from police, Haugen maintains an infectious energy throughout the show. His physicality is picturesque. When he sits on the train, he is continuously bouncing to show movement, and when he is a part of the shadow special effects he utilizes his entire body to make comical scenes, such as attempting to grab planes out of the sky like King Kong. His use of an English accent is unfaltering, even when Hannay gets worked up over no one believing his alibi for murdering Annabella.

Patrick Lines successfully takes on the challenge of playing several different characters, sometimes in the same scene. To display a change in character Lines alters his stature, such as bending over to play old Mr. McGarrigle and standing upright for the strong, young sheriff. Lines displays mastery with multiple accents including Scottish and English, and his transitions between the two seem impeccable.

The technical aspects of the show enhance the strong acting from the performers. Lighting design by Katya Beener artfully captures the essence of the Hitchcock film the play is based on. With spotlights that hit the characters' faces while they look into the audience, Beener accents the comical moments beautifully.

Special Effects designs by Jessica Swanson and Kendall Wenderlich are truly enchanting and well executed. The use of shadows on a large curtain create scenes that seem as if the audience is a part of a movie, and work to create beautiful transitions, such as when Hannay is running from one place to the next.

Fullerton Union's hilarious and enchanting production of "The 39 Steps" is a thrilling tale of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Kaylie Harrington
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Fullerton Union is ‘39 Steps' above the rest
by Kaylie Harrington, a senior at Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos
for the Orange County Register

After an unlikely encounter with a woman by the name Annabella Schmidt, Richard Hannay, a London bachelor, is thrown into the world of spying. Following her death, Hannay is framed for the murder and pursued by police and spies alike. He embarks on a journey to outrun the police and to discover what exactly is the 39 steps.

With thrilling sequences and an energy that engages the audience, Fullerton Union's riveting and fast paced production of "The 39 Steps" tells the tale of a bachelor who finds adventure, life meaning, and romance too.

Josiah Haugen stars as the dashing bachelor Richard Hannay. Whether he is flirting with every girl he meets or escaping from police, Haugen maintains an infectious energy throughout the show. His physicality is picturesque. When he sits on the train, he is continuously bouncing to show movement, and when he is a part of the shadow special effects he utilizes his entire body to make comical scenes, such as attempting to grab planes out of the sky like King Kong. His use of an English accent is unfaltering, even when Hannay gets worked up over no one believing his alibi for murdering Annabella.

Patrick Lines successfully takes on the challenge of playing several different characters, sometimes in the same scene. To display a change in character Lines alters his stature, such as bending over to play old Mr. McGarrigle and standing upright for the strong, young sheriff. Lines displays mastery with multiple accents including Scottish and English, and his transitions between the two seem impeccable.

The technical aspects of the show enhance the strong acting from the performers. Lighting design by Katya Beener artfully captures the essence of the Hitchcock film the play is based on. With spotlights that hit the characters' faces while they look into the audience, Beener accents the comical moments beautifully.

Special Effects designs by Jessica Swanson and Kendall Wenderlich are truly enchanting and well executed. The use of shadows on a large curtain create scenes that seem as if the audience is a part of a movie, and work to create beautiful transitions, such as when Hannay is running from one place to the next.

Fullerton Union's hilarious and enchanting production of "The 39 Steps" is a thrilling tale of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Alexandra King
Corona del Mar
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Mischief, mayhem, and mugging for the camera at Fullerton Union's 'The 39 Steps'
by Alexandra King, a sophomore, at Corona del Mar High School in Corona del Mar.
For the Orange County Register

Richard Hannay, a run-of-the-mill English bachelor in the 1930s, has his life take a startling turn toward crime. In the fast paced comedy Hannay meets a mysterious and alluring woman, Annabella Schmidt, who warns him of an issue of national security, and promptly dies afterward. This leaves Richard to piece together the mystery of the 39 Steps, a case laced with spies, train rides, and the constant antics of running from the police.

Josiah Haugen leads the show as the witty, egotistical Richard Hannay. He uses his whole body to convey emotion, never once breaking character amidst the frequent set changes. Accent impeccable, he vocalizes precisely in a posh British dialiect. Haugen weaves a character masterfully.

Nicole Wormley, playing the role of the catty and sophisticated Pamela, shines through her facial expressions and comic timing. Even when the focus of the dialogue is not on her, you can see her shocked reactions to the maelstrom that Hannay brings into her life. Wormley plays up the 1930s Alfred Hitchcock style of acting, as demonstrated when she casts longing glances into the audience.

Playing a handful of outrageously funny roles, Patrick Lines is a force to be reckoned with. In one scene, he is faced with the challenge of having a rowdy conversation-- with only himself to play both characters. As he runs back and forth between an onstage barrier, Lines expertly changes his body language and voice to convey the largely different characters.

This film noir inspired show showcases students' ability to create an atmospheric experience. Katya Beener's precise lighting cues add a movie-like element to the play. Her use of color to convey temperature and mood is bold, striking, and ultimately beautiful to watch.

Fullerton Union's strong cast of tireless actors commits to this show one hundred percent. The 39 Steps is a comedy that requires you to hold onto your hat as it takes you through a truly refreshing production of incredible value.

Alexandra King
Corona del Mar
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Mischief, mayhem, and mugging for the camera at Fullerton Union's 'The 39 Steps'
by Alexandra King, a sophomore, at Corona del Mar High School in Corona del Mar.
For the Orange County Register

Richard Hannay, a run-of-the-mill English bachelor in the 1930s, has his life take a startling turn toward crime. In the fast paced comedy Hannay meets a mysterious and alluring woman, Annabella Schmidt, who warns him of an issue of national security, and promptly dies afterward. This leaves Richard to piece together the mystery of the 39 Steps, a case laced with spies, train rides, and the constant antics of running from the police.

Josiah Haugen leads the show as the witty, egotistical Richard Hannay. He uses his whole body to convey emotion, never once breaking character amidst the frequent set changes. Accent impeccable, he vocalizes precisely in a posh British dialiect. Haugen weaves a character masterfully.

Nicole Wormley, playing the role of the catty and sophisticated Pamela, shines through her facial expressions and comic timing. Even when the focus of the dialogue is not on her, you can see her shocked reactions to the maelstrom that Hannay brings into her life. Wormley plays up the 1930s Alfred Hitchcock style of acting, as demonstrated when she casts longing glances into the audience.

Playing a handful of outrageously funny roles, Patrick Lines is a force to be reckoned with. In one scene, he is faced with the challenge of having a rowdy conversation-- with only himself to play both characters. As he runs back and forth between an onstage barrier, Lines expertly changes his body language and voice to convey the largely different characters.

This film noir inspired show showcases students' ability to create an atmospheric experience. Katya Beener's precise lighting cues add a movie-like element to the play. Her use of color to convey temperature and mood is bold, striking, and ultimately beautiful to watch.

Fullerton Union's strong cast of tireless actors commits to this show one hundred percent. The 39 Steps is a comedy that requires you to hold onto your hat as it takes you through a truly refreshing production of incredible value.

Elizabeth Neoman
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union's ‘The 39 Steps' is stunning
by Elizabeth Neoman, a senior at Tri-School High School
for the OC Cappies Facebook Page

With fast-paced police chases, shadowy images, and dramatic lighting, Fullerton Union High School makes the suspenseful "The 39 Steps" a fascinating watch.

Based on Alfred Hitchock's 1935 film, "The 39 Steps" tells the story of Richard Hannay's entanglement in a sensational case that has something to do with the mysterious 39 steps.

Josiah Haugen plays the cunning Richard Hannay. Haugen effectively establishes Hannay's nonchalant character by swinging his whiskey glass around, walking across the stage with a confident swagger, and speaking with a smooth British accent. As the police chase him, Haugen masterfully conveys Hannay's panic as he throws himself off stage and dodges the police.

Patrick Lines and Zachary Bane are two other standouts, juggling multiple roles incredibly well. In one challenging scene, Lines balances the role of Mr. McGarrigle, the hotel manager, and the role of a young man checking in for the night. Lines makes a clear distinction between the different characters, hunching his back and speaking in a thick, Scottish accent as Mr. McGarrigle and walking nimbly as the young man. Bane plays Mrs. McGarrigle, Mr. McGarrigle's wife, and struts across the stage in a flowery dress, humorously widened eyes, and a high-pitched Scottish accent. As the devious professor, Bane glares with cold eyes and maintains a monotone, effectively highlighting the contrast between the two characters.

The minimalist set, designed by Lynda Osborn, appropriately reflects the historical time period in which the play takes place. A simple brick wall, small couch, and staircase are cleverly used to transform the stage for many different scenes. Simple touches such as the shadows of a moon and the outlines of police are projected onto a curtain, beautifully transitioning from the street to the different locations of the play. The lights shift mysteriously and focus dramatically on the characters as they turn to the audience, horrified. Prop designer, Zuleyma Oropeza, skillfully utilizes comically fake props such as a dummy and ridiculously large scissors to add a comedic element to the show.

Fullerton Union's production of "The 39 Steps" is an incredible and outstanding production that is both eerie and comedic.

Elizabeth Neoman
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union's ‘The 39 Steps' is stunning
by Elizabeth Neoman, a senior at Tri-School High School
for the OC Cappies Facebook Page

With fast-paced police chases, shadowy images, and dramatic lighting, Fullerton Union High School makes the suspenseful "The 39 Steps" a fascinating watch.

Based on Alfred Hitchock's 1935 film, "The 39 Steps" tells the story of Richard Hannay's entanglement in a sensational case that has something to do with the mysterious 39 steps.

Josiah Haugen plays the cunning Richard Hannay. Haugen effectively establishes Hannay's nonchalant character by swinging his whiskey glass around, walking across the stage with a confident swagger, and speaking with a smooth British accent. As the police chase him, Haugen masterfully conveys Hannay's panic as he throws himself off stage and dodges the police.

Patrick Lines and Zachary Bane are two other standouts, juggling multiple roles incredibly well. In one challenging scene, Lines balances the role of Mr. McGarrigle, the hotel manager, and the role of a young man checking in for the night. Lines makes a clear distinction between the different characters, hunching his back and speaking in a thick, Scottish accent as Mr. McGarrigle and walking nimbly as the young man. Bane plays Mrs. McGarrigle, Mr. McGarrigle's wife, and struts across the stage in a flowery dress, humorously widened eyes, and a high-pitched Scottish accent. As the devious professor, Bane glares with cold eyes and maintains a monotone, effectively highlighting the contrast between the two characters.

The minimalist set, designed by Lynda Osborn, appropriately reflects the historical time period in which the play takes place. A simple brick wall, small couch, and staircase are cleverly used to transform the stage for many different scenes. Simple touches such as the shadows of a moon and the outlines of police are projected onto a curtain, beautifully transitioning from the street to the different locations of the play. The lights shift mysteriously and focus dramatically on the characters as they turn to the audience, horrified. Prop designer, Zuleyma Oropeza, skillfully utilizes comically fake props such as a dummy and ridiculously large scissors to add a comedic element to the show.

Fullerton Union's production of "The 39 Steps" is an incredible and outstanding production that is both eerie and comedic.