The DuPont Theatre opens Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” April 6-11.
The 1935 Hitchcock film was based on John Buchan’s novel “The 39 Steps.” The film was faithful to the fast-past spy novel, which involved murder, espionage, and lots of heated love moments.
The stage production throws off the Hitchcockian balance a bit, adding Monty Python-esque antics to the original concept, and an entirely new setting. But it works. Its premise is about the same as the film and novel: A bored guy hooks up with an anything-but-boring woman, who turns out to be a spy. (Women were always complicated figures in Hitchcock’s vehicles, much to his credit.)
Producers say the show ends with a “death-defying finale.”
“The 39 Steps” won two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award. But here’s the cool part: Four actors portray 150 characters.
Contact info: duponttheatre.com, or 656-4401
