PowPAC spoofs Hitchcock with ‘Wrong Window’

PowPAC, Poway’s Community Theatre, is kicking off the new year with the zany whodunnit comedy “Wrong Window,” opening Friday at 13250 Poway Road.

“It’s a farcical thriller,” said director Rob Conway. The show is based off the classic Alfred Hitchcock film “Rear Window,” though it contains references to many of Hitchcock’s other films.

The show runs for five weekends, closing Sunday, Feb. 8. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available on-line at www.powpac.org, and are $20 general admission; $17 for students, seniors and active duty military. There is a $1.50 handling charge per ticket purchased online. The price for tickets purchased at the door is slightly higher. Additionally, there is a $2 surcharge for opening night, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast.

Written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, “Wrong Window” tells the story of on-and-off couple Marnie and Jeff, who complicate their already complicated relationship further when they think they see their cross-courtyard neighbor murder his wife. The bumbling duo sneaks into their neighbor’s apartment — 39 steps away — and investigates.

The show stars Holly Stephenson as Marnie Elbies, Steve Murdock as Jeff Elbies, Tony Bejarano as Robbie Smith, Kay Marian McNellen as Midge Smith, Kevin Bray as Thor Larswald, Cecily Keppel as Lila Larswald, Joe Solazzo as Loomis and Richard Rivera as Detective Doyle Thomas.

“We have a very talented cast,” said Conway. “They’re witty, funny and quick-paced.” Several of the cast members are PowPAC veterans, while the remainder are new to the PowPAC stage.

Staging “Wrong Window” requires something “a little unique,” said Conway. “There’s two apartments on stage, with a large window upstage so you can peek into the neighbor’s apartment. The set reverses to allow entry into the neighbor’s apartment.”

The set is designed to put the audience in the courtyard itself, with another apartment building facade set up in the back of the audience. “It gives the impression of spying out a window of our own,” said Conway. “We’re trying to give the audience the experience of being a voyeur themselves.”

The show contains mild adult themes, including some language, so it is suggested for ages 13 and up.

“It’s going to be a terrific show,” said Conway. “For anyone that’s a Hitchcock fan, it’s a show they shouldn’t miss. It’s really fun to try and spot all the Hitchcock references.”