THE 39 STEPS Previews at the Walnut Street Theatre 3/15
By: BWW
News Desk Mar. 15, 2011
Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 202nd season with the Philadelphia premiere of Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS, winner of an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, two Tony Awards and two Drama Desk Awards. Directed by William Roudebush, THE 39 STEPS begins previews on March 15th, opens on March 23rd and runs through May 1st on the WST Mainstage.
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have THE 39 STEPS. Richard Hannay, our hero, is intrigued by a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy. He finds himself on a mad dash from London to Scotland when this charming lady winds up dead in his flat. With police hot on his trail, Hannay has a series of misadventures involving an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance. With four actors creating over 150 crazy characters, this fast-paced whodunit will be an unforgettable evening of nonstop laughs.
THE 39 STEPS was adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock and the original concept by Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble. Although the novel has been adapted for the screen multiple times, Hitchcock's version is considered to be the best. With lightening quick action and split-second character changes, THE 39 STEPS theatrical play is almost word for word the film, only now the excitement happens right before your eyes.
THE 39 STEPS premiered in April of 1996 at the Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire. The show continues to play to sold-out houses at the Criterion in London's West End. It premiered on Broadway in January of 2008 at Roundabout Theatre Company, where it was hailed "The most entertaining show on Broadway" by The New York Post. The Walnut's production of THE 39 STEPS is produced in association with Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA.
Directing THE 39 STEPS is Philadelphia resident and Walnut Street Theatre veteran William Roudebush. Having directed over 250 productions throughout the country at theatres including Actors Theatre of Louisville and The Cleveland Play House, THE 39 STEPS marks his 14th production at the Walnut. Roudebush's directing debut at the Walnut was made 25 years ago, in 1986, with Tomfoolery. He enjoys sharing his experiences through teaching. He has taught acting for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, The University of Memphis, Virginia Commonwealth University, The Mint Theatre Company, Cleveland Play House, and was the Theatre School Director for the Walnut Street Theatre from 1995-1999.
JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: THE 39 STEPS
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby DimonWHEN: March 15 - May 1, 2011
PRESS NIGHT: Wednesday, March 23 at 7PMWHERE: Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107TICKETS: Prices vary by performance and range from $10 - $80
Premium Tickets available for $130 (includes a tax deductible donation)CURTAIN: Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 8PM
Sunday evenings (3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10 and 4/24) at 7PM
Thursday matinees (3/31, 4/7, 4/14 and 4/28) at 2PM
Saturday matinees (3/19, 3/26, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 and 4/30) at 2PM
Sunday matinees at 2PMPHONE: 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787
WEBSITE: www.walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster
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