Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have “The 39 Steps”, Stockton Civic Theatre’s next production beginning Wednesday, April 29, and running through Sunday, May 17. Adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, this fast-paced whodunit is directed by Kevin Costello.
This Tony Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 30 zany characters (played by a cast of only 4), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance! In “The 39 Steps”, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, “The 39 Steps” amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure! It played 771 performances on Broadway, an astonishing run for a non-musical.
SCT regular Grady Taylor plays Richard Hannay, the hero of the play, and the only one who plays the same character the entire time. Lynn Parker is the only actress in the cast playing three female characters. Other cast members are Clown 1, James Key, who plays at least 14 parts, and Clown 2, Rich Matheson, who plays at least 16 parts including Professor Jordan, the chief villain of the story. Also onstage are clown stagehands Shawn Carrington, Miranda LaBrecque, Justin Ledezma, and Christian Stoner.
SCT’s artistic director directs this show having directed this season’s opening production of “Chicago.” Assisting him will be Nikki Pendley as assistant director; Jenna Zepponi, assistant to the director; Brian Johnson, set design and technical director; and Val Cichocki, scenic artist.
Performances continue through Sunday, May 17, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors and $15 for students and children 12 and under. See the full Calendar for performance dates and times! Directed by Kevin Costello. The theatre is located at 2312 Rose Marie Lane, Stockton. For tickets, call the Box Office Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at (209) 473-2424, or go online at sctlivetheatre.com