To kick off the 2010 season, the Thousand Islands Playhouse puts it mark on the newest comedy sensation to come out of Broadway, The 39 Steps. Patrick Barlow’s hilarious adaptation of Hitchcock’s 1935 spy thriller has received rave reviews in the US and across the pond, and Playhouse Artistic Director Greg Wanless is thrilled its Canadian premiere will take place at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

The story begins in London in 1935. Richard Hannay (Brendan Murray), is a world weary man with a boring life. As he struggles to find a way to rid himself of his ennui, he meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. The mysterious beauty asks to hide in his apartment, but during the night she is stabbed, and with her dying breath she warns Richard to beware ‘The 39 Steps’. He soon finds himself on the lam, fleeing the law and some very threatening representatives of that mysterious organization. Along his journey Richard is aided – but more often hindered – by a crazy list of characters, from curmudgeonly Scottish inn keepers and beautiful women, to Nazi henchmen, spies and bumbling police officers, all played by a talented trio of actors.

The production is directed Stratford vet by Dayna Tekatch. Tekatch’s last appearance at the Playhouse was as choreographer of The Drowsy Chaperone, and she’ll be using all her talents to facilitate the many locations and split second character changes this ‘thriller/romance/comedy’ demands. In the midst of this whirlwind, Tekatch is also committed to remaining true to the storytelling, style and sensibility of Hitchcock’s thriller.

The Playhouse is thrilled to announce the cast assembled to bring The 39 Steps to Playhouse audiences. Brendan Murray has appeared at theatres across the country including The Globe Theatre, the NAC, Canadian Stage and several seasons at Stratford. The three actors who populate the The 39 Steps so coulorfully need to be able to change accents and even genders as fast as they change hats, and Matthew Gibson, Jacob James and Amy Sellors audiences each bring impressive comedic skills to the production.

Set and costumes are designed by Elizabeth Nutting, lighting by Tim Fort, sound by Adair Redish and Tekatch has enlisted the considerable skills of Kingston musician Scott Davey to compose original music for this production. The 39 Steps is stage managed by Erin Robertson and Liz Campbell.

This 2-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, countless zany characters, fascinating spy chases, an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and a good old-fashioned romance! Come and enjoy the magic and hilarity of this Playhouse Canadian premiere.

The 39 Steps at the Thousand Islands Playhouse Springer Theatre previews May 13,
opens Saturday May 15 and closes Saturday June 12.

Showtimes: Wednesday to Saturday at 8 pm, with 2:30 pm matinees every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket Prices*: Regular – $32 65+ – $30 Under 30 – $25 Students – $16.
*Prices do not include taxes or fees.
5 & 8 show Season Subscriptions are on sale now – great savings, great entertainment!

Visit www.1000islandsplayhouse.com for more details.