Perhaps there will be a few theatergoers who won’t appreciate the current production of “The 39 Steps” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. It is, after all, an adaptation of a mostly forgotten Alfred Hitchcock film and mostly done so for laughs. When translated to the stage, the inherent silliness of the story &emdash; an ordinary British bachelor caught up in an absurdly complicated spy ring &emdash; is the primary attraction. The Rep’s production, directed by Bob Hupp, delivers the silliness with expert flair and even generates an emotional connection. But maybe there are some in the audience expecting and wanting more meat on their theatrical bones.
This group has to be in tiny minority because “The 39 Steps” is like theatrical champagne &emdash; it’s bright, fizzy and will lift your spirits. The trick at the center in which four actors play a cast of a hundreds and create on stage what only makes sense to film (such as a chase on top of a speeding train) is a trick &emdash; but one that’s a seemingly endless fountain of fun. And, while “The 39 Steps” is quite funny, the most notable attribute is how much fun it is to watch. It will put and keep a smile on your face.
The race begins with dapper, pencil-mustached Richard Hanney (played by Avery Clark) bemoaning to the audience of his boring life in London and the endless newspaper talk of war. He needs a diversion, something trivial, “I know. I’ll go to the theater!” he exclaims to great guffaws. There are many more knowing winks to the audience to come.