‘The 39 Steps’ to open at Possum Hall June 6

Possum Point Players will present a cast of four actors portraying dozens of characters telling a story in 31 scenes in “The 39 Steps,” opening Friday, June 6, at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown.

Published as a novel in 1915, “The 39 Steps” was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock for a 1935 film. Premiering in 1996, the four-actor stage version was written by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon.

One actor plays the hero, and another actor plays the three women with whom the hero might have romantic entanglements. Two other actors play all other characters in the show, each occasionally playing multiple characters at once. Through this stage production, what was long ago a serious spy story has taken a sharp comedic turn.

Director Braeden Swain admits he can’t make it through a rehearsal without repeatedly breaking up, so he encourages all who treasure hearty laughs and some wide-eyed surprises to come enjoy the show.

Shows continue Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, and Friday to Sunday, June 13 to 15. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

Hannay might be seen as a romantic leading man character, but in this play, he seems to have difficulty keeping the leading lady characters alive and fairly tolerant of him. For example, Pamela is promising, but her propensity for dropping into pond-sized puddles or getting stuck under fence stiles is off-putting.

There could be a plane crash, there certainly are handcuffs, and unless it’s found, a missing finger, all leading to an untypical ending where most live happily ever after.

“The 39 Steps” is suitable for all audiences. To learn more, go to possumpointplayers.org.