The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Orange Community Players, Inc. kicks off its 2013-2014 season this Thursday with “The 39 Steps.”

“The 39 Steps” was a thriller when Hitchcock made the movie in 1935, but no more. With just four actors it is a mad paced ride into comedy as they tell the classic tale, almost with the exact dialogue of the movie, but exposing the subtle nuances of absurdity. The very talented Nolan Thornal, Jessica Bean, Zech Turk and Alexa Guilbeau play over 140 characters at a blinding pace.

“I’ve made notes where they need to pick up the transitions,” said director Alaniz Vásquez. The fast pace is intentional in the first offering of OCPs new season. Vásquez says he hopes the audience thinks it’s funny, he’s worked really hard to bring out the comedy aspect of it.

They also use lots of colored lighting and sound effects with minimal set props to give the illusion of many different scenes including a smoky train and airplane chase scene.

The play was written for three men and a woman playing all the characters, but gave directors permission to take liberties with the script. At auditions Vásquez told those that showed up that he was going to cast the four most talented human beings that he could find. It turns out the four most talented were two men and two women. The men play women, the women play men, you never know who is going to be what character.

“I really hope they come to see it,” said Vásquez.

Evening shows will begin at 7:37 p.m. Sept. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. A matinee will be held at 2:37 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Call 409-882-9137 for reservations. Tickets are available at the door.. They may also be purchased online at http://www.orangecommunityplayers.com.

Also slated for this season are “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “Les Misérables.”

The theater is located at 708 W. Division Ave. in Orange, across from the courthouse.