We all need a good laugh right now. Westport Country Playhouse has just what we need , an evening full of laughter. On stage now at the iconic playhouse is the comedy masterpiece, The 39 Steps.
The 39 Steps is a parody adapted from the John Buchan’s 1915 novel and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock . The story of intrigue and spies as portrayed in the book and the movie remains, but the plot is now framed in an over the top physical comedy format.
The play calls for the entirety of the 1935 adventure film The 39 Steps to be performed with a cast of only four actors. It is this constant and brilliant change of characters by the cast plus lightning fast costume changes that add to the comedic effect.
Plot:
The story concerns an ordinary bachelor in London , Richard Hannay, , who becomes caught up in preventing an spy ring from stealing sensitive British military secrets. Mistakenly accused of the murder of an intelligence agent who tells him about the “39 Steps” ,Hannay goes on the run to Scotland and finds himself mixed up with an attractive woman. Trying to avoid the police and while hoping to stop the spy ring and clear his name. He has found his ordinary and somewhat boring life turned into a real live spy thriller.
The theatrical version keeps the basic story of the spy thriller, but injects a heavy dose of physical British comedy. The four actors keep the audience on the edge of their seats with the non -stop action as Richard is chased from London onto a train car and north into Scotland where he attempts to solve the mystery of the spy ring, unmask the 39 Steps and prove he is innocent. The chase scene on the train is particularly funny.
From start to finish the cast had the Playhouse audience laughing and clapping through the many jokes, gags, and innovative use of props. Homage is paid to Hitchcock himself with his memorable profile on stage, his voice use to introduce the play and the references to his films Dial M For Murder, Psycho, and North By Northwest.
We were laughing throughout the performance and long after the curtain call. For the laughs you need, run to the Westport Country Playhouse and enjoy this hilarious classic comedy. First rate theater is right in your backyard at this historic and iconic venue.
Cast:
Joe Delafield, Seth Andrew Bridges , Sharone Sayegh, and Evan Zes
Directed by Mark Shanahan (also the Playhouse Artistic Director)
On stage now through November 9th 2024.
Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Court Westport Ct
For tickets and information: https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2024-2025-season/
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