Fast-paced comedy combines whodunit with old-fashioned romance and a dash of Monty Python
Enjoy nonstop laughs, more than 150 zany characters (played by a talented cast of ten), an onstage train chase, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance. The two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning play is adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan.
This unique production integrates hearing actors from Oakland Community College’s (OCC) Theatre Program alongside signing actors in OCC’s Sign Language Interpreter Program.
According to OCC Theater Instructor and play’s Director, Jennifer Little, the Sign Language Interpreter faculty work together with Theater staff to make sure the story is clear for the audience and that the signing actors are well integrated into the story-telling.
“This fast-paced play is challenging for both the signing and speaking actors,” explains Little. “Our cast of ten talented actors each play multiple characters who sometimes quickly change character and costumes while onstage.”
Lead role demands a physically talented comedic actor with great range
According to Little, The 39 Steps is a well-written, challenging farce that demands a physically talented actor with range of abilities.
“I had the incredible luxury of a few great actors to choose for this production’s lead role,” says Little. “I believe that with OCC Theatre student Cooper Miller, we really have a great up-and-coming talent.” Miller is in all but one scene and almost never leaves the stage.
Miller was uncertain about his career path when he enrolled in prerequist courses for teaching at OCC.
“I enjoyed doing theater in high school, so I enrolled in a theater class at OCC for fun. Now I have a full plan for my life beyond OCC to become a professional actor,” shares Miller. “This is all because of Jennifer Little. She’s an inspiration to everyone who steps into her classroom.”
Signing and Theater students work together
OCC’s Theater Program has incorporated shadow interpreter students from the school’s prestigious Sign Language Interpreter program for the past four years, who work together from ‘day one’ of rehearsal.
Sign Language Interpreter student/actor Alana Winiarski shadows and interprets for the play’s lead.
“I’m right next to Cooper on stage, doing everything he’s doing physically and signing his dialog at the same time,” explains Winiarski. “When he’s running, so am I. When he’s handcuffed, I’m handcuffed but need to be aware of always facing the audience so I can sign.”
Winiarski is grateful for the support and guidance she and her fellow signers get from their Sign Language program instructors who mentor and attend every rehearsal and performance. “Our mentors, Diana and Randa, are always in front row seats directing the signers to position ourselves so hearing-impaired audience members can see us at all times.”
Winiarski, whose brother is Deaf, is motivated by her life experiences. She shares that she watched him struggle to get equal access that now is available to persons with hearing impairments.
Show details
The 39 Steps plays March 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at OCC’s Orchard Ridge Campus in Farmington Hills. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students, and free for OCC students, employees and alumni.
About OCC
Offering 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance their communities. More than one million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at https://oaklandcc.edu.
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