Four daring actors take on the task of bringing an entire film to life in front of the audience's eyes. "The 39 Steps" was adapted by Patrick Barlow, from what is considered the first spy novel by John Buchan, and Hitchcock's screenplay from his award winning film of the same name. The play is absolutely faithful to Hitchcock's screenplay about an innocent man on the run for his life.




Bill Meyer, who has been seen on the SAAC stage in productions of "Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap," and "A Southern Christmas Carol," and El Dorado's own "Showdown at Sunset," portrays the story's hero Richard Hannay. Meyer said of the production, "It is an actor's dream, and probably a director's nightmare!"
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Lisa Ballard Williams, most recently in "The Red Velvet Cake War," embodies the femme fatal of film noir with clever turns as Annabella Schmidt, Margaret, and Pamela. "It is absolutely incredible that four actors can portray the roles and spin the story that is intended. I am very lucky to be involved with my cast and especially the director, who will probably choke me before I get the accents right!" She said.
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Zac Walthall, who has been seen in "Willy Wonka," "Seussical," and "Chicago," portrays one half of the rest of the cast as Clown 1. Walthall creates over twenty characters that Hannay encounters on his adventure. When asked his favorite part of the play Walthall said, "Probably shooting both Mike and Bill. No offense guys, but it's pretty fun. Plus, I play two women. What more could you ask for?"
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Mike Means, Who has been seen in "Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap," "The Producers," and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," portrays Clown 2. Means also creates over twenty characters throughout the play. When asked about his favorite part of the play, Means said, "Zac and I play a variety of characters, from a milkman, to the Lady of the House, and MANY in between. Choosing a favorite would have to be the train chase scene, and that's all I'm going to say about that."
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DIRECTOR of "THE 39 STEPS"

AUSTIN BARROW, a native of El Dorado, attended Louisiana Tech University, School of Performing Arts, where he received his Bachelor of Arts and the University of Arkansas where he received a Master of Fine Arts in Drama. Austin has performed on-stage and screen in Chicago and Los Angeles. He has taught theatre at the University of Arkansas and Andrew College, where he served as the Chairman in the Fine Art Division. Austin now resides in his hometown with his wife Laura, son Max and daughter Olivia. He has been appointed as the President of the newly formed non-profit company, El Dorado Festivals and Events, Inc., and is excited to be a part of the future of El Dorado.

About the show Barrow said, "As a true Hitchcock fanboy, I was excited to hear about SAAC's plans to produce this play. Patrick Barlow has done an amazing job of capturing Hitchcock's great mastery of suspense with a gentle wink at the audience. The casting of the show calls for three men and one woman. I believe it important to maintain this request by the playwright, as the character shifts are an important function of the play. The most important feature of this play that should be highlighted is giving the audience the sense that at any moment, anything could happen."




ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Carol Cabrera is a 9th grade Social Literacy teacher at El Dorado High School. She is the founder and moderator of the club Young Playwrights. Born in Los Angeles and raised in San Diego, Carol holds two degrees from the University of California, San Diego: one degree in Theatre with an emphasis in directing, and a second degree in Literature/Writing with an emphasis in poetry and playwriting. In San Diego at 19 years old, she founded Nomads Theatre Company, a theatre company focused on developing new works by young writers, and served as Artistic Director for two years. Her writing has also won acclaim, her piece "What It Means to Be Freezing," work shopped by New Village Arts Theatre, the California Playwrights Project and Patio Playhouse Theatre. She has taught playwriting since 2009 when she began working as a teaching artist in San Diego. She is a 2011 Teach for America corp. member.