St. Petersburg Stage Adaptation of Da Vinci Code Thriller Opens

Live theater adaptations of popular novels often struggle to translate cinematic scale to a single stage. freeFall Theatre attempts to bridge that gap with its current production of The Da Vinci Code.

The play follows symbologist Robert Langdon and curator Sophie Neveu as they investigate the brutal murder of Neveu's grandfather, Jacques Sauniere, inside the Louvre in Paris. Langdon arrives at the scene expecting to discuss the symbolism of The Last Supper, but he is instead treated as a suspect. The pair must flee to uncover the truth behind the killing.

Director Matthew McGee relies on sophisticated technology to transport the audience from Paris to London and then to Edinburgh. The transitions between these locations are subtle, using hints rather than elaborate set changes to convey the shift in geography. This approach allows the pacing to remain quick despite the confined space of the theater.

The cast includes James Putnam as Langdon, Noa Friedman as Neveu, and Jim Wicker as Sauniere. Brian Shea and Jenna Jane portray the police officers in pursuit. Robert Teasdale plays Silas, a character who undergoes physical torture in the opening scene. Teasdale's performance emphasizes the character's pain and devotion, which the director notes becomes central to the plot's resolution.

Other cast members include Larry Alexander as Sir Leigh Teabing, Luis Rivera as Remy, and Vickie Daignault in multiple roles, including Sister Sandrine, Vernet, the Docent, and Marie. The production concludes with a series of plot twists and a major revelation that the director says will surprise first-time viewers.

The run is scheduled to end on December 6. Performances take place Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The venue is located at 6099 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. Tickets are available through freefalltheatre.com or by calling 727-498-5205.