A Month of Hitchcock at Danville’s Village Theatre
Get ready for a high-speed chase packed with spies, secrets, and split-second costume changes when The 39 Steps, Abridged races onto the stage at the Village Theatre this March. With just four actors playing more than 100 characters, this whirlwind production blends Hitchcock-style suspense with Monty Python-inspired comedy for a fast, funny, family-friendly night at the theatre.
Sixth Line Studios brings high caliber professional talent to the production, drawing actors from across the country for this small cast. The show traces its roots to The Thirty-Nine Steps, the 1915 novel by Scottish writer and diplomat John Buchan that helped shape the modern spy-thriller genre. It follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man suddenly pulled into an international espionage plot and forced to go on the run to stop a shadowy organization known only as The 39 Steps. His escape becomes a breathless chase across Britain, packed with narrow escapes, mistaken identities, and clues that must be pieced together before it’s too late.
Yet it was not until 1935, when Alfred Hitchcock directed the film adaptation that the tale turned into a renowned, edge-of-your-seat classic. Hitchcock sharpened the story with tension, humor, and unforgettable twists. Decades later, in 2005, playwright Patrick Barlow reinvented the story for the 21st century with The 39 Steps, Abridged, transforming Hitchcock’s thriller into the brilliantly inventive stage comedy now on its way to Danville.
Adding to the fun is the setting itself. By the time Hitchcock’s film debuted in 1935, the Village Theatre was already a hub for gatherings, dances, and meetings, and had even hosted silent films in the 1920s, making it no stranger to cinematic storytelling. More than a century later, it continues that tradition, bringing classic stories to life in new and unexpected ways.
To kick off the run, opening night ticket holders are invited to an Opening Night Reception on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring live jazz music and refreshments. Enjoy complimentary small bites, with beer and wine available for purchase. The opening night performance begins at 7 p.m. that evening.
With sixteen showings spread across every weekend in March, there are showtimes for everyone. The production is suitable for ages 12 and up, and tickets are $32-$37. For additional information or to purchase your ticket, visit www.danville.ca.gov/tickets.