After a long run in London and a limited run at the Roundabout Theatre, this stage farce based on Hitchcock's film of The 39 Steps has transferred to a commercial Broadway run at the Cort Theatre. The film was a classic spy thriller melodrama; this version is a satire and irreverent imitation and send-up not only of the film, but also of the entire Hitchcock body of films. In brief, this is the story of an innocent man who learns too much about a dangerous spy ring and takes off on the run, suspected of murdering the young woman found dead in his flat. Handcuffed to the woman who believed he was the murderer and turned him in, he is pursued across Scotland, before returning to London to foil the villain’s dastardly plans. On stage, four actors play all the roles, using some pretty clever stage tricks and mime to convey all the characters and famous scenes from the movie, such as the chase on a railroad train, the escape on the Forth Bridge, and the grand finale in the London Palladium.
Caveat 1: You may enjoy this more if you have seen the classic 1935 film, although that is not strictly necessary. I suggest that you rent the film and view it again if you have not seen it in the past 20 years. (Film: The 39 Steps)
Caveat 2: If you don't like Monty Python-style humor and never liked the zany satires of movies and plays done by Carol Burnett or Sid Caesar/Imogene Coca, you probably will think that the gag goes on too long.
Sue Goldman reported "39 Steps is really extraordinarily well done," and I agree.
There are discount tickets available at TKTS and to TDF members. Also check such services as www.broadwaybox.com and www.theatermania.com for discount codes.
-- ELLEN
