Cape May Stage Presents Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS, 8/8-9/7

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of merry mayhem and you have THE 39 STEPS, a fast paced, suspenseful-romantic-comedy for anyone who loves the magic of theatre.  In this Drama Desk Award winner and two-time Tony Award winner, a cast of four hilariously reenacts over 150 eccentric characters from Hitchcock's 1935 film thriller using just a few props, split-second quick changes, and plenty of theatrical creativity.

"The 39 Steps", adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by the award-winning Penny Bergman (winner of two EMMY Awards in thirteen nominations for "All My Children" and "Live From Lincoln Center"; nominated for nine Director's Guild of America Awards), previews on Wednesday, August 8 and officially opens Thursday, August 9, running Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. through September 7 at Cape May Stage's Robert Shackleton Playhouse.

The story unfolds when an average man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent claiming to be 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. A riotous blend of brilliant performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, the show amounts to an unforgettable evening of nonstop laughs and Hitchcock's special brand of romance, intrigue, and espionage. THE 39 STEPS, Broadway's longest running comedy, is perfect for all ages.

The cast of THE 39 STEPS features Mark Campbell (THE MUSIC MAN, THE FANTASTICKS, MAMMA MIA, GUYS AND DOLLS) as Hannay, David Deblinger (Co-founder of LAByrinth Theater Company, THE ATMOSPHERE OF MEMORY (with Ellen Burstyn) as Clown 1, Ron Piretti (Broadway: WEST SIDE STORY, BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO) as Clown 2, and Nicole Lowrance (Broadway: DIVIDING THE ESTATE; STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Cape May Stage) as Annabella/Pamela/Margaret.

An experienced production team joins the cast including scenic designer Robert J Martin, costume designer Michele Sinacore, lighting designer Matthew Miller, and sound designer Benjamin Loverin.

THE 39 STEPS will run from Thursday, August 9 to Friday, September 7, Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at 405 Lafayette Street in downtown Cape May. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors (62+), and $15 students. Wednesday, August 8 is a Half-Price Preview Night with half-price tickets for all; Friday, August 24 is a Half-Price Senior night, with half price tickets for Seniors 62+. Friday, August 17 is a Pay-What-You-Can night: any unsold tickets will be released at the door for as much as you feel comfortable paying. Following the August 9 opening, all ticket holders are invited to join the opening night after-party at The Pier House on Beach Drive, with the chance to mingle with the cast and crew. Call (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information, or visit the theatre's website at www.capemaystage.org.

THE 39 STEPS is presented through the gracious support of Saltwood House Bed & Breakfast and Sea Salt Restaurant at the Ocean Club Hotel. This season's sponsors include 410 Bank Street, Frescos, Cape May Winery, Cape S Cape, Corner Cottage Apartments, Exit Zero, Harry's Bar & Grille at the Montreal Inn, The Washington Inn, and Lucky Bones.

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