If you’re in the mood for foolish fun, a trip to the Lone Tree Arts Center may be in order, where you’ll find the clever romp “The 39 Steps.”
As theatrical runs go, those at tend to be shorter than they at times deserve. So hurry.
Other than that, very little exertion on the part of theatergoers is required by this silly and enduring reworking of Alfred Hitchcock’s and the 1915 novel that inspired it.
A stunning amount is demanded, however, of the four performers who play more than 100 roles. Make that three actors who play more than 100 parts. Because John DiAntonio has the responsibility for only one character: Richard Hannay.
We first meet our Brit hero as he lounges in his London flat, complaining of boredom. It will be the last time he gets to relax.
At a theater during an act called “Mr. Memory,” Hannay meets the mysterious Annabella Schmidt (Heather Hughes). Looking like a cross between Mia Wallace in “Pulp Fiction” and Morticia Addams, she insists on accompanying the handsome Hannay back to his apartment. This is no mere flirtation.
But then, “The 39 Steps” is no simple thriller. It’s tempting to say that with this outing, Hitchcock is repeated first as thriller now as outlandish farce.
Annabella is being followed. After a turn that ladles on the accent, and crossing the stage with an amusing mince of a walk, she’s done for. And Hannay is on the run for her murder.
And run he does. And does. And does. He evades cops and shadowy agents. As he tries to figure out what Annabella’s dying mention, “the 39 steps,” could possibly mean.
He meets a pretty woman or two along the way. In addition to Annabella, Hughes also plays Margaret and Pamela. He also runs up against a German mastermind (Ward), hiding out in Scotland.
Sammie Joe Kinnett and Graham Ward are gainfully employed as nearly every character. Steve Cole Hughes directs this lunatic endeavor with a tight grasp of physical humor.
This show’s goofball hilarity depends on expert timing, not just of the actors but of the lighting designer (Jen Kiser) and, particularly, of the sound designer Brian Freeland.
As Hannay works to thwart a foreign conspiracy, he’ll encounter plenty of foes and sundry outlandish sorts. There are aged politicians, bumbling constables and a hotel proprietor and his incomprehensible mate. There is physical shtick to put you in the mind of Tim Conway and Harvey Korman break-character sketches and Monty Python’s absurd wordplay.
And to the delight of this audience member, there is even a baby. Yes, a big, astonishing, delightful infant.
Lisa Kennedy: 303-954-1567, lkennedy@denverpost.com or twitter.com/bylisakennedy
“THE 39 STEPS”
Adapted by Patrick Barlow. From the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Directed by Steven Cole Hughes. Featuring John DiAntonio, Heather Hughes, Sammie Joe Kinnett, and Graham Ward. Through April 11. 2 hours, 30 minutes. At the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree. Tickets $33-$55 via or 720-509-1000.
