Four actors plus '39 Steps' equals laughs

IF YOU GOWhat: "The 39 Steps."When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 29.Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre's Circle Stage, 400 River St.Admission: $18.Phone: 267-8534.Website: www.theatrecentre.com.

Combine the suspense of Alfred Hitchcock, the wit of Monty Python and the pulp of a spy novel, and what do you get?

"The 39 Steps."

Written by English playwright Patrick Barlow, the 2005 play opens the season on the Chattanooga Theatre Centre's Circle Stage.

The play re-creates Hitchcock's 1935 film of the same name, using four actors to portray more than 150 characters.

"Both the cinephile and the theater nerd will find something to appreciate," said CTC artistic director Scott Dunlap in a news release. "This show takes a huge film and boils it down to something simple, clever and funny."

Theatre Centre mainstay LeBron Benton plays Richard Hannay, the lead character. Hannay is introduced to an espionage organization known as "The 39 Steps" through a spy.

Hannay finds himself romantically entangled with three women, including the aforementioned spy. All three women are played by Joanna Lewis.

Jim Eernisse and Justin Bridges round out the cast, taking on the remainder of the roles -- men, women and children.

"The 39 Steps" won two Tony Awards in 2008, for lighting and sound design, and was nominated for best play and best direction of a play.

It shows at the Theatre Centre through Sept. 29.

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