 |
News Release |
|
|
January 2011 |
|
PCPA Theaterfest presents The 39 Steps, a suspenseful-romantic-comedy, based on the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock, plays in the Marian Theatre February 10 - March 6, 2011, then in the Solvang Festival Theater June 16 through July 3, 2011. Four actors play over 100 characters in this Tony-winner that kept Broadway rollicking for the past three years. It is part juicy spy novel, part Monty Python, and it preserves the brilliance originally created by the master of suspense. Andrew Philpot* plays our suave hero Richard Hannay who learns from a beautiful spy about a plot of international espionage. The woman is killed in Hannay's flat and he suddenly finds himself caught up in a race from London to Scotland in hopes of stopping military secrets from being smuggled out of the country. As he searches for the secret of "The 39 Steps" he is doggedly pursued by the police who believe he is a murderer. Three of the female roles will be played by Stephanie Philo while the remaining multitude of characters (spies, policemen, inn keepers, traveling salesmen, etc.) are played by just two actors credited as clown #1 (Peter S. Hadres*) and clown #2 (Evans Eden Jarnefeldt). Leading the artistic team is Director Mark Booher who says the play is much like a roller coaster full of twists and turns and just plain delightful fun. Scenic Designer is Kent Homchick, Costume Designer is Juliane Starks, Lighting Designer is Tamar Geist, Sound Designer is Elisabeth Rebel, and Christine Collins is the Equity Production Stage Manager. "The most entertaining show on Broadway" - The New York Post "Ingenious! A dizzy delight" - Daily News "Fast and frothy, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands." - The New York Times The play remains very close to the film, particularly in terms of its frenetic timing. But putting the movie - a farce-like whirlwind adventure - on stage requires ingenious theatrical devises to instantly go from a chase scene on a train, to a plane crash, transform into a luxurious Scottish manor, then to a London flat, or suddenly become The London Palladium. Also occurring at breakneck speed are nearly one-hundred costume changes, which often happen right before the audience in the blink of an eye. The 39 Steps was one of a dozen motion pictures Alfred Hitchcock made in England before coming to America. And though the novel has been adapted for the screen nearly a half a dozen times, Hitchcock's is considered to be the finest to date. And the remakes aren't over yet. It was announced this past fall that Robert Towne (Chinatown) would be writing the screenplay and directing a new remake of Hitchcock's The 39 Steps with a release anticipated sometime in 2011. Hitchcock's first film for Hollywood was Rebecca in 1940 which received the Academy Award for Best Picture. IMDB credits Hitchcock with directing 67 titles including TV, shorts, and suspense films which he created up until 1976 and include Notorious, Rope, Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, and The Birds. In 2002, MovieMaker Magazine listed 25 of the most influential directors of all time and ranked Alfred Hitchcock number 1 on their list. For Single Tickets and more information call the box office - 805-922-8313 - between 12:30 and 7pm Wednesday through Sunday, or visit www.pcpa.org. Information about Group Sales for 12 or more patrons may be obtained by contacting groups@pcpa.org or by calling 1-800-PCPA-123. For the best seating, lowest prices, and exclusive privileges, become a season ticket holder. Subscription Packages start with as few as 4 plays, or see all 8 throughout the season for the ultimate theatre experience. Call the box office to receive a subscription brochure or email: boxoffice@pcpa.org. New this season, the PCPA VIP Membership. For $20.00 a month, members are entitled to attend all mainstage productions as well as purchase additional rush tickets for $10 on day of performance ($11 in Solvang). VIP Members also receive invitations to special design presentations, student sharings and other events. Visit www.pcpa.org/vip for all the details. (8-play subscribers receive all the VIP Membership privileges too). Now in its 47th season, PCPA Theaterfest is the Central Coast's Resident Professional Theatre Company, and has infused the national theatre scene with thousands of trained actors and theatrical technicians over the years in its conservatory. *Member, Actors' Equity Association | |
