What do you get when you mix a dashing (but dreadfully bored) gentleman, a mysterious spy with a suspiciously thick accent, and a shadowy organization with a flair for melodrama? PCS Theater invites audiences to find out in The 39 Steps, a wildly inventive, laugh-out-loud stage adaptation of the classic thriller, running April 17 through April 25, 2026 at the Players Club of Swarthmore. Adapted by Patrick Barlie from the novel by John Buchnan and from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock.
Directed by acclaimed Philadelphia playwright and director Julie Zaffarano, this fast-paced farce turns espionage into an art form and comedy into a contact sport.
The story follows Richard Hannay, a man whose ordinary life takes a decidedly unordinary turn when he meets a woman claiming to be a spy. When she is mysteriously murdered in his apartment (as one does), Hannay finds himself framed, fleeing across the country, and pursued by both the police and the elusive organization known only as “The 39 Steps.” What unfolds is a whirlwind of train chases, secret agents, and improbable escape, while performed with dazzling theatrical ingenuity and a wink to the audience.
Featuring a small but mighty cast, The 39 Steps is a masterclass in theatrical athleticism. Actors transform into dozens of characters using quick changes, physical comedy, and sheer imagination. Adam Corbett stars as the beleaguered Hannay, with Kathy Gilbert taking on the triple threat roles of Annabella, Margaret, and Pamela. The show’s comedic engine is powered by a rotating duo of Clowns, Hannah Pearsall* and Geremy Webne-Behrman* (Clown 1), alongside Thomas-Robert Irvin and Max Segarnick (Clown 2, who bring everything from train conductors to dastardly villains to life with delightful absurdity. (*Clowns 1 & 2 will alternate performances.)
With its tongue firmly in cheek, The 39 Steps gleefully spoofs the suspense genre while delivering all the thrills of a classic Hitchcockian chase minus the budget, but with double the creativity.
Director Julie Zaffarano brings a rich background in playwriting and new work development to this production. A Philadelphia-based playwright, she is known for exploring personal truths and creating strong roles for women. Her work has been produced across the United States, and she is a founder of the Media Arts Council Play Reading Series as well as the Philadelphia Area Representative for the Dramatists Guild. Her plays have been recognized by the Terrence McNally Award, the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, and the Pittsburgh New Work Festival, among others. She holds two master’s degrees from Villanova University and is an active member of numerous playwrighting and theater organizations nationwide.
Zaffarano shares her enthusiasm for the piece:
“I fell hard for The 39 Steps the first time I saw it. Patrick Barlowe created a brilliant pastiche of the well-known Alfred Hitchcock movie and the lesser-known book. I love how the story progressed from book to movie to play.”
She adds:
“The Film Noir influences are strong—shadowy lighting, haunting music, and atmospheric sound design all shape Richard Hannay’s journey from an ordinary, unfulfilled man into someone who just might save the world… and maybe even find true love.”
Zaffarano also highlights the collaborative spirit behind the production:
“Crafting this show took more than a village—it took a city. Hundreds of moving pieces had to come together to make it look effortless. This production is PCS and community theatre at its best—people helping each other for the love of theatre and community. I could not be prouder of this team.”
And for audiences? She offers one final piece of advice:
“Don’t sit back. Don’t relax. Don’t blink. You don’t want to miss one brilliant moment.”
Running approximately 120 minutes, The 39 Steps contains mild violence, comedic depictions of peril, and some outdated gender and cultural stereotypes, all presented in a lighthearted, farcical style.
Tickets range from $13 to $24. PCS Theater is proud to be a member of the ArtsReach ACCESS Program, helping to ensure that live theater remains accessible to all. PCS Theater also limited Pay What You Can Tickets at the box office the night of performance.
Don’t miss this whirlwind of comedy, mystery, and mayhem where four actors, a handful of props, and a lot of imagination create an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure.
Performance Dates: April 17–25, 2026
Location: Players Club of Swarthmore
Tickets & Information: Visit PCSTheater.org or contact the box office for details at 610-328-4271.