Mar 173 min read

The Upstagers' "The 39 Steps": More Characters Than You Can Count, More Laughs Than You Can Handle!

Whitney Woerner (left), Joshua Banister (middle), David Herrera (back), and Jalen Naseman (right) pose for a picture in character

Local Theatre Group 'The Upstagers' had their opening night for the play "The 39 Steps, Abridged" on March 15, 2024! According to the group, it was a success! Connect Del Rio's Willard Jenkins attended the play on March 16, 2024, to see what The Upstagers put together. The show was an absolute blast filled with lots of laughs from the audience, a thickening plot, and plenty of characters.. all of which were performed by only 4 cast members! It was impressive to see and experience.

The Upstagers' Facebook and Connect Del Rio Event Page describes the story as a "hilarious spy-filled adventure across Europe" and tells the story of a man named Richard Hannay a veteran, back home, separated from his army buddies who decides to take in a show to break up the monotony of civilian life. Little does he know what's in store for him.

"The best part of this play, was my actors," says David Herrera, Director of last night's play. "Everyone just came to the rehearsals with so much energy and willing to share their ideas. We collectively came up with all the gags or most of the ones you heard in the show. My actors.. they brought this to life." Jalen Naseman who plays the role of "Clown #1" says, "Trying on the wigs, finding the characters and their accents was my favorite part." "I would say getting to do a superhero landing, that was my favorite part." Jokes Joshua Banister who plays Richard Hannay the lead for this play.

Although the show was beyond enjoyable, not just from Connect Del Rio's point of view, but audibly from the audience as well; we can't help but wonder if the change of venues has affected the local group. From having a beautiful venue such as the Paul Poag Theatre, located in historic downtown Del Rio, to using a grand location made specifically for big events and get-togethers, The Upstagers have had to adjust. For those who aren't aware, the Paul Poag was shut down due to renovations. Whitney Woerner, the group's Executive Media and Marketing Chairwoman, says they are hoping to hear news soon on the Paul Poag. However, this hasn't stopped the group's passion. "It's been difficult adjusting to a smaller stage, having to limit the amount of props and set designs we can do," Gloria Culpepper states. "But we're appreciative of the city allowing us to use the civic center to continue to do what we love," Woerner states.

The plays performed throughout the year are determined by the group's "Reading Committee." A committee open to the public, where anyone can join in on the readings and decide what plays will be performed. Culpepper says they are always looking for people who have seen plays before and would like to see them done here locally.

Woerner reiterates that if folks like local theater; to let their city council people know. They (The Upstagers) hope to hear news soon on the progress of the Paul Poag Theater but want people to advocate for the council to prioritize the renovation. "again we're very grateful for the use of the civic center and the city working with us here but we'd love to have our theater back." She also wants the community to know that the group is a welcoming and inclusive environment and invites anyone who's got a 'flare' for theater to come on in. People who have no experience are welcome to get involved too.

Two more showings of The Upstagers' performance of "The 39 Steps, Abridged" will happen on March 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM. They can be contacted via the Facebook Page www.Facebook.com/TheUpStagersDelRio. We look forward to attending their next play which will be "The Addams Family Musical." Auditions for that particular play will be announced on their Facebook page soon.

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