Spun from the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, “The 39 Steps” whirls into Theatre at the Center in Munster.
Set for a Feb. 18-March 20 engagement, the fast-paced tale follows the frenzied adventures of Richard Hannay, an Englishman who finds himself on the run after trying to aid a female spy, played by Matt Mueller of Chicago.
Quick costume changes help set a tone that is anything but somber.
“It’s done very tongue-in-cheek,” director David Perkovich said.
From a technical standpoint, “The 39 Steps” is rolling out notable audio aspects.
“There’s an elaborate, elaborate sound design,” said Perkovich, a resident of Oak Park, Ill.
He is overseeing a quartet of performers that tackles numerous roles and dons crisp, stylish period clothing from the 1930s.
It is all being complemented by the sound design of Barry G. Funderburg.
“The sound is the fifth actor,” Perkovich noted.
Key acting responsibilities have been given to Chicago’s Linda Gillum.
“I play three different women,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a fun challenge to play three different roles.”
One of the trio of personalities is the mysterious Annabella, who is involved in secretive exploits. As far as the toughest task at hand, Gillum cited her top challenge: “The first one is the dialect.” She described one of the females that she plays as a Scottish farm girl. Gillum also related this month that a dress is being made for the femme fatale character she plays.
The different looks that Gillum gets to experience are a source of joy for her.
“The makeup is really fun,” she said.
Gillum recently finished a 2015 engagement as the mother in “A Christmas Story” at Theatre at the Center.
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This time at the 410-seat venue, she is working in “The 39 Steps” with a decidedly smaller cast.
“There’s only four of us,” the professional actress said. “I like ensemble-type work. We’re really going to have to lean on each other.”
Originally emanating from a 1915 novel by John Buchan, “The 39 Steps” is now being unfurled by Theatre at the Center as a comedic spoof that has played London’s West End and Broadway in New York City.
“It’s been very successful,” said Perkovich, who directed “Monty Python’s Spamalot” for the Munster troupe last year — another slice of zany theater.
According to a news release from Theatre at the Center, “The 39 Steps” utilizes the acting skills of Norm Boucher and Kevin McKillip, who each play a bevy characters that include women, children, villains and even “the occasional object.”
The production is recommended for anyone older than 10.
“The 39 Steps” is set in 1935 in the British Isles, according to Perkovich.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘The 39 Steps’
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: Feb. 18-March 20; 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings, and Saturday matinees
Tickets: $20-$44
Information: 219-836-3255, www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com