What do spies, murder, and romance have in common? They all come to life in Hitchcock. Not just any Hitchcock, but Vintage Hitchcock.
Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play presents three of Alfred Hitchcock’s earlier films. These films are “The Lodger,” “Sabotage,” and “The 39 Steps.” The play is performed in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast.
Imagine spies, murder, love, and vintage commercials all rolled into one show. It recreates a daring train chase. It shows a serial killer’s ominous presence. The play also features a devastating explosion. All these effects are created through the magic of live sound.
The Atlanta Journal describes it as transforms the stage into a well-oiled machine. Actors reach for noise-making props. They portray a nerve-shattering array of characters. These characters are in varying states of fear, anxiety, panic, and murder. It is not the usual stage show it’s better.
But that’s not all that Houston has to offer regarding the master of suspense.
The 39 Steps is another Hitchcock adaptation. This one mixes a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel. Then, it adds a dash of Monty Python.
The story is about a man with a boring life. He meets a woman with a thick accent. She claims she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered.
Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is after him. This leads to a nationwide manhunt.
This show is a blend of virtuoso performances. It features inventive stagecraft. The two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with laughs. Over 150 zany characters are played by a ridiculously talented cast of four. Expect an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some romance.
The Daily News calls it ingenious and a dizzy delight. The New York Times says it is absurdly enjoyable. This theatrical riff on Hitchcock’s film is fast and frothy. A cast of four seems like a cast of thousands.
Let’s not forget Hitchcock’s silent films. He considered his 1927 feature, The Lodger, his first true film. Hitchcock said silent pictures are the purest form of cinema.
His silent films explored themes of deception and romantic obsession. He experimented with visual effects. He also made sly cameo appearances in his films.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston presented a tour of early Hitchcock sound films in 1993. Later, they facilitated the restoration of his silent films.
These films feature live piano performances. Steve Sterner, “The Piano Man of the Silent Screen,” accompanies them. He has written music for and accompanied over 300 silent films.
Hitchcock’s legacy lives on through these diverse performances in Houston. From live radio plays to stage adaptations and silent film concerts, there’s something for everyone. So, come and experience the suspense, the humor, and the genius of Hitchcock.