Props Made Dramatic Entrance at Flyleaf's Rehearsal

The rehearsal schedule for the Flyleaf Theater Company's latest production featured a dramatic entrance.

By the set, props and costumes for the show, Alfred Hitchcock and Patrick Barlow's "The 39 Steps."

"This cast was ready to go about two weeks before we saw any of the other details," says Director Brian Kelly, a Northborough resident.

"This can be a big challenge for anyone, but it also worked to our benefit. The show was already smooth on their part when we started adding in the tech items, so we could spend time being picky and really smoothing out the details that would have been neglected otherwise."

Flyleaf will perform "The 39 Steps" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at the 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave., Berlin.

Tickets are $15 for adults. $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for Berlin residents.

Flyleaf is based in Westborough and Berlin.  Westborough High School 1999 graduate Jonathan Eldridge, a Northborough resident, is among its founders,

"The 39 Steps" is the second show of Flyleaf's second season.

"When planning our season, it was really important to pick a play that really fit the mission of the theater. We want to challenge the status quo, but also do thinking pieces," Kelly said during an e-mail interview.

"Although 'The 39 Steps' does not really require the audience to think that much, it really does make the actors and production staff think and strategize. It is perhaps one of the most creative endeavors for a cast and crew and that was a very strong selling point for us! As a result we selected this show and have had a terrific time trying to find fun and unique ways to bring it to life."

The cast includes four members: Woody Gaul as Richard Hannay; Caroline Kurman as Annabella Schmidt, Pamela and Margaret; and Joshua Wright and Jon Linden as clowns.

"In a cast of four, chemistry is really important. You cannot interact with that few people and be hesitant about working with each other," Kelly said. 

"This cast clicked almost immediately. They embraced the material and the all of the crazy things I asked them to do (and they added to it). If any of them dislike each other, you would never know! I am thrilled with the mutual respect and trust everyone has for each other."