“The 39 Steps” to Mystery and Hilarity

Lorton, VA (November 11, 2024) - The South County High School (SCHS) Theatre Department is performing the murder mystery The 39 Steps November 14th-16th. This play was adapted from the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock British spy movie by Patrick Barlow in 2005 to add a comedic twist to this whodunnit. This parody play follows the adventures of Richard Hannay who is mistakenly accused of murder and therefore thrust into a counter-terrorism plot. Hannay is on the run and searching for answers while a cast of characters tries to stop him. From the London Palladium to the Scottish moors, the cast will take you along for the ride and for Hannay’s harrowing escapes!

South County is known for putting on great mainstage shows. Recent fall play productions have included Puffs, She Kills Monsters, and Much Ado About Nothing. This year, the SCHS Theatre department welcomes Jewel Schrader Orem, who goes by Schrader to her students, and is the new Theatre Arts teacher at South County. Schrader has a BFA in Acting from Boston University and an MA in Arts Management and Theatre Education from American University. She has been teaching for more than 15 years with the last seven in Fairfax County Public Schools. Schrader is directing The 39 Steps this fall, and she will direct A Chorus Line: Teen Edition in May 2025 for the spring musical.

When asked about The 39 Steps, Schrader said “I have really enjoyed getting to know the SCHS students and watching them shine as actors! This show has several exciting stunts and everyone in the cast speaks with some kind of European accent; so there has been a great deal of entertainment as our cast perfects their personas, dialects, and movements!”

In addition to the cast, The 39 Steps crew has had their work cut out for them with this suspenseful show. With the 1930s United Kingdom setting, they have been preparing period-appropriate costumes, scenery, props, hair and makeup. "The show is fast-paced and has put a lot of demands on the stage managers, directors, crew leads, and the light and sound designers,” said Schrader.

Will Richard Hannay escape from the diabolical grips of his enemies? Can Hannay charm the beautiful Pamela, to keep her from turning him in to the authorities? Will Hannay ever understand what Annabella and his Scottish hosts are trying to say? Find out this and more at The 39 Steps! Performances are at SCHS Theater at 8501 Silverbrook Road Lorton VA at 7pm on Thursday-Saturday, November 14th, 15th, and 16th, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Don’t faff about and miss your chance to be gobsmacked at this brilliant production! Hit the frog and come to South County High School for a thrilling and comedic show!

For more information about SCHS Theatre or to purchase tickets, visit:

https://www.schstheatre.com/ or https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15597/south-county-high-school-theatre