Winni Playhouse presents Hitchcock spoof 'The 39 Steps'

MEREDITH — Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of "Monty Python" and you have "The 39 Steps," a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theater. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, dozens of zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance.

Follow Richard Hannay as his boring life soon becomes a life of mystery and chase. He meets a beautiful spy who spills a top secret plan of international espionage; he invites her back to his apartment flat where she is then murdered. He is suddenly caught in the middle of a chase from London to Scotland to reveal a secret that could affect the whole nation. As he attempts to uncover a secret organization called the 39 Steps, Hannay is also wanted for murder on three continents and is wrongly pursued by the police throughout the play.

This four person cast is sure to make "The 39 Steps" an unforgettable show opening at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14. They include Will Nash Broyles, Teghan Marie Kelly, Robert Hooghkirk and Seth Tucker. All four performers are fan favorites at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, with dozens of Lakes Region credits to their names. The production is directed by the Playhouse’s founding Producing Artistic Director Neil Pankhurst. Pankhurst is stepping out of retirement to revisit this show which he originally directed for the Playhouse in 2013. Pankhurst also serves as the sound designer, providing an intricate soundscape for the production. The scenic design is by Matthew S. Crane, lighting by Tyson W. Miller, and costumes by Patty Hatch Hibbert.

Tickets are available at winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.