A murder. A man on the run. Spies and a beautiful woman. Dozens of characters played by four actors doing quick changes, improvising airplanes with ladders — all of it adds up to a hilarious take on Hitchcock’s thriller from 1935 The 39 Steps. The show won two Tony Awards when it debuted in the United States in 2008, and won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2007 when it debuted in the UK. Written by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, and adapted by Patrick Barlow, this madcap farce is currently on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre through Oct. 12.
Co-produced with Syracuse Stage, director (and IRT Artistic Director) Ben Hanna once again shows his director’s chops with guiding actors through fast-paced farce. Jurgen Hooper plays Richard Hannay, an ordinary fellow who is thrown into the midst of spies, fleeing a murder in his apartment, and becoming a target for the mysterious “The 39 Steps” organization that wants to steal British military secrets. On the lam, Hannay encounters Pamela, played by Tyler Meredith, and a testy relationship grows as they are handcuffed together (sometimes) while being chased by the bad guys. Ema Zivkovic and Michael Stewart Allen, playing Clown 1 and 2 also get into the act, playing several characters — police, spies, and cranky old people. It all ends up with a romance that blossoms on the run, back where it all started in a London theatre.
The plot is similar to Hitchcock’s classic film, but given a comedic and absurdist twist that will have you laughing at the exceptionally talented cast. Minimalist staging by Linda Buchanan gives the characters more space to perform their running/jumping/climbing antics. All in all, The 39 Steps is a wonderful evening of entertainment downtown.
Performances run through Oct. 12. Get tickets now at irtlive.com or by calling 317-635-5252.
