RIT/NTID Performing Arts Presents The 39 Steps, November 2025

RIT’s NTID Performing Arts will present Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller…with a hilarious twist, The 39 Steps, November 7-9. This thrilling comedy, based on Hitchcock’s classic film, follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man caught up in an extraordinary adventure. The production will be staged at the Robert F. Panara Theatre on the RIT campus, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7–8 and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8–9.

As with all RIT/NTID Performing Arts productions, deaf actors will use American Sign Language (ASL) and Visual Vernacular, while hearing actors will perform in spoken English.

Mix a dash of Alfred Hitchcock, a splash of spy novel intrigue, and a whirlwind of comedy, and you get The 39 Steps! Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and Hitchcock’s classic film, this fast-paced, award-winning play transforms a gripping thriller into a laugh-out-loud theatrical adventure.

Richard Hannay, an ordinary Englishman, attends a theatre show in London where he meets Annabella Schmidt, a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy hunted by dangerous agents. That night, Annabella is murdered in Hannay’s apartment, and he suddenly becomes the prime suspect. On the run from police and pursued by spies, Hannay escapes to Scotland to uncover the secret behind “The 39 Steps.” Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters—from farmers and innkeepers to villains and femme fatales—all played by a small ensemble of actors.

This production promises a wildly entertaining stage adventure. Extraordinary set, costume, and lighting designs by Sacha Glasser, Emily Ohl, and Zachary Riback, along with captivating sound and projection design by Dan Roach, will bring the story to life. The show is directed by JW Guido and Gabi Nocciolino.

Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical adventure—suspense, comedy, and chaos await!

Tickets are $5 for students, youth, and senior citizens (60+), $10 for RIT faculty, staff, and alumni, and $12 for the general public. Purchase tickets at the RIT University Arenas box office, by calling 585-475-4121, online at RIT Tickets, or by emailing arenas@rit.edu.

Content Disclosure: This show contains mild violence and action sequences, mature themes, mild innuendo, and romantic situations.