The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) 2025-26 season officially opens with a hilarious stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps.”
“The 39 Steps,” which follows a notorious fugitive and a spellbound blonde traveling north by northwest from London to Scotland to try to save Britain from a den of spies, is playing on the OneAmerica Financial Stage at the IRT Sept.16-Oct.12. Margot Lacey Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna is set to direct this “madcap romance thriller” — adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan.
“We are absolutely thrilled to open our 53rd season with The 39 Steps—a delightful, madcap, romance thriller that pays loving homage to Hitchcock and his unmistakable style,” Hanna said in a statement. “It’s especially meaningful to stage this piece in our magnificent Indiana Theatre, our beautifully renovated 1920’s movie palace where the original film might have once lit up the silver screen. It’s the perfect blend of classic cinema and live theatrical magic.”
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“The 39 Steps” is an award-winning stage play that follows a small group of actors who endeavor to reenact the film with “limited resources.” A cast of four actors play more than 40 characters in a “comic thrill ride full of plot twists, quick-changes and laughs,” according to a press release.
“This play showcases the impressive, chameleon-like skills of four brilliant actors,” Hanna said in a statement. “The 39 Steps is an invitation to awaken our imagination and celebrate theatrical ingenuity on a thrilling madcap adventure.”
The IRT last produced “The 39 Steps” in 2011, and this new reimagining will welcome back some of Linda Buchanan’s original scenic designs. In co-production with Syracuse Stage in New York, the cast of “The 39 Steps” features Michael Stewart Allen, Jürgen Hooper, Tyler Meredith and Ema Zivkovic. Frankie Bolda and Jay Hemphill are set to understudy.
The IRT is hosting supplemental programming throughout the run of the show, including Artist Conversations with exclusive behind-the-scenes perspectives after the show on Sept. 26, Oct. 6 and Oct. 9. There will be a sensory-friendly performance at 1 p.m. on Oct. 11 and an ASL/AD performance at 2 p.m. on Sept. 28. There will also be a special Opening Night Celebration on Sept. 19 and a Teacher Appreciation Night at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 for Indiana educators.
“The 39 Steps” is approximately one hour and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets start at $27. For more information or to view a full performance schedule, visit irtlive.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
 2025-26 season officially opens with a hilarious stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps.” ){kind=link}