Barlow's The 39 Steps Opens at the Alley Theatre March 10

By Adam Hetrick
10 Mar 2010

Todd Waite as Richard Hannay and Elizabeth Bunch as Annabella
Todd Waite as Richard Hannay and Elizabeth Bunch as Annabella
Photo by Photos by Jann Whaley

Patrick Barlow's fast-paced stage adaptation of The 39 Steps officially opens March 10 after previews that began March 5 at Houston's Alley Theatre.

Mark Shanahan directs the production that will run through March 28 on the Hubbard Stage. The 39 Steps is based on the Alfred Hitchcock film and the novel by John Buchan.

The four-actor cast, who conjure over 150 characters, features Alley company members Jeffrey Bean, Elizabeth Bunch, John Tyson and Todd Waite.

"In The 39 Steps," Alley notes state, "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."

The 39 Steps has scenic design by Hugh Landwehr, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Rui Rita and sound design by Ryan Rumery. Stephen Gabis is the dialect coach.

The 39 Steps is now in its third year in London. The play received its American premiere at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston in 2007 and transferred to Broadway on Jan. 4, 2008. 39 Steps earned Tony nominations for Best Play and Best Direction, and won honors for Best Lighting and Best Sound Design. The production will transfer Off-Broadway to New World Stages beginning March 25.

For tickets visit AlleyTheatre or call (713) 220-5700.

The Alley Theatre is located at 615 Texas Avenue in Houston, TX.