DCTC Presents THE 39 STEPS, 9/10-11/14

THE 39 STEPS, a madcap spoof on Hitchcock's 1935 film, opens the Denver Center Theatre Company's 2010/11 season. The comedy, which has become a hit in the UK and US since the Patrick Barlow's script debuted in 2005, is a hilarious send-up of the film noir thriller. In the DCTC's upcoming original production, four actors - Sam Gregory, Victoria Mack, Rob Nagle and Larry Paulsen - deftly take on over 50 characters in this lightning-paced comedy, directed by Art Manke. THE 39 STEPS plays the Ricketson Theatre September 10-November 14. The official press opening is Thursday, September 16.

Tickets are on sale now, by calling 303.893.4100 or www.denvercenter.org.

Hitchcock's film The 39 Steps could be considered the boilerplate for the film noir espionage thriller, with all the typical Hitchcock elements: a handsome everyman, a high-stakes international caper, a reluctant femme tossed by fate into the everyman's adventure, vast spy rings, double-crossing, deadly secrets and a villain with a corps of thugs. Barlow's stage script pushes the envelope of this source material, going slightly over the edge with the intrigue, suspense and overblown situations to reveal the delightfully ridiculous underpinnings of the tale.

With film noir stylings, the DCTC's staging will feel like walking into a black and white movie. Monochromatic set and costume design and clever uses of film house props will not just call to mind the silver screen era of the original film, but will nod to the Ricketson Theatre's former life as a cinema. Sly textual and musical bits will make reference to other films in Hitchcock's oeuvre, and extreme quick changes and split-second accent switches will add to the tongue-in-cheek, zany humor of the play.

Sam Gregory (Richard Hannay), a DCTC ensemble member who has appeared in 30 DCTC shows, was most recently seen in last season's Mariela in the Desert, Eventide, A Christmas Carol and The Voysey Inheritance. Victoria Mack (Pamela/Annabella/Margaret) is making her Denver Center debut. She graduated this year from the graduate acting program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and recently appeared at The Mint Theater and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, among others.

Larry Paulsen (Clown 1) was most recently seen at DCTC in A Prayer for Owen Meany. He has also appeared at Classic Stage Company, The Public Theatre and Seattle Rep, among others. Rob Nagle (Clown 2) makes his DCTC debut in THE 39 STEPS. His credits include Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Rep, The Old Globe and extensive television work, including an appearance on the upcoming September 26, 2010 episode of AMC's "Mad Men."

THE 39 STEPS is directed by Art Manke (DCTC's The Miracle Worker), who is the recipient of five Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards. The delightfully chaotic action will be set against scenic design by Michael Smith, with lighting design by Charles MacLeod (Othello, When Tang Met Laika) and projection design by El Armstrong. The dozens of characters will wear costumes designed by David Kay Mickelson (A Raisin in the Sun, White Christmas). Music will be composed by Steven Cahill (The Miracle Worker).

To purchase single tickets for THE 39 STEPS, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 10 or more, please call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org. Student $10 rush ticket are available one hour prior to curtain with a valid student ID subject to availability. Senior and military rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain, subject to availability. No children under six will be admitted to any theatre.

Special Events for THE 39 STEPS

Pride Night | September 9
Join the GLBT community for a sneak preview of THE 39 STEPS. $25 event ticket includes a pre-show reception with director Art Manke, a cocktail, a ticket to the show, and a gift bag.

Perspective on the Play | September 10 at 6pm
The DCTC's creative team gives audiences a unique viewpoint about the play they are about to see, which makes the stage experience even more rewarding. In the Jones Theatre.

General Talkbacks | September 20 and 27, post-show
Join us for a post-show discussion with the actors from the show

Theatre & Theology | September 21, post-show
Join members of 77 area congregations and the Rocky Mountain Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church for specially-priced seats and an engaging post-show discussion. Pastor Dan Bollman leads the discussion on its relevant theological themes.

Lecture: Hitchcock and The 39 Steps | September 25 at 11am
Join CBS4's Greg Moody, DCTC Artistic Director Kent Thompson, and DCTC Dramaturg Doug Langworthy for a presentation on Hitchcock, the original film The 39 Steps, and the adaptation for the stage. In the Ricketson Theatre.

Student Night | October 15 at 7pm
Students with ID can purchase $10 tickets in advance along with other social activities. Use promo code STUDENT when ordering. On October 15, enjoy the Student Lounge in the lobby and a special for a local restaurant.

Fourth Wall | November 13 at 6:30pm
Join other 20 and 30-somethings at Fourth Wall, which includes tickets to the play and pre- and post-show parties that expand the theatrical world. For THE 39 STEPS, enjoy a pre-show mingle with sandwiches from Jay's Hot Ticket Café, a choose-your-own adventure murder mystery game, and an after-party at a local restaurant.

American Sign Language Interpretation/Audio Description | November 6 at 1:30pm
ASL Interpretation is available for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. For people who are blind or have low vision, a trained describer narrates the visual elements on stage.

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PERFORMANCE DATES September 10-November 14

September 9 - October 16
Monday - Thursday 6:30pm
Friday-Saturday 7:30pm
Saturday matinee 1:30pm

October 19 - November 14
Tuesday - Thursday 6:30pm
Friday-Saturday evening 7:30pm
Saturday-Sunday matinee 1:30pm
Sunday evening 6:30pm