The 39 Steps at Des Moines Playhouse

Gunshots, murder, and dastardly plots; seductive spies, thrilling chases and serious flirtation; they’re all part of this rollicking comedy/mystery and Broadway hit.

Based on the 1935 classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, The 39 Steps follows Richard Hannay as he sets out for a night of music hall entertainment only to be ensnared in a dangerous attempt to smuggle top-secret information out of the country. Accused of murder by Scotland Yard, pursued by enemy agents and carrying a secret that could save King and country, Hannay must solve the mystery of The 39 Steps in order to acquit himself and stop a war. Yet the most trying part of the whole tale are the women he encounters, especially Pamela, his unwilling companion to whom he ends up handcuffed during his daring escape.

Four actors and ingenious and inventive staging prove that anything movies can do, theatre can do more hilariously. The cast of 4 plays over 140 characters, and some inanimate objects, in a 100-minute comedy thriller that's great fun for ages 9 to 90.

Authors

• Alfred Hitchcock
• John Buchan
• Nobby Dimon
• Patrick Barlow
• Simon Corble