HILLSBORO — What do you get when you mix an Alfred Hitchcock movie based on a juicy spy novel and add some hilarious farce a la Monty Python? You get “The 39 Steps,” opening Saturday at the Harmony Theater in Hillsboro. The production continues through Oct. 24.
Jeremy Littlejohn, formerly the artistic director at the Hillsboro theater from 2018 to 2021, returns as guest director. Andrew Meyer, last seen on the Harmony stage as the Professor in Gilligan’s Island, stars as Richard Hannay who is wrongly accused of murder and travels across England and Scotland to prove his innocence. Sophia Kilburg, who last appeared on the Harmony Stage in Nunsense Jamboree, plays three femme fatales including the murder victim.
Noah Johnson, who has appeared in several Harmony productions, plays one of the two “clowns” in the show while Andrew Bower, new to the Harmony stage, plays the other clown. These two actors will hilariously play dozens of different roles over the course of the production.
Harmony favorite Don Hart returns to assist with the action behind the scenes. Jessica Masner serves ably as production stage manager.
Hitchcock movie fans should be on the lookout for sly and not-so-subtle references to other movies from the master of suspense during the play. Seafood is also the subject of multiple references, so fish fillets will be one of the entrees served on the buffet along with meat loaf, crispy chicken, four hot sides, and two soups. Broccoli and tossed salads, fresh-baked rolls, and multiple dessert choices are also included with the buffet.
More information on “The 39 Steps” including the full food menu, showtimes and how to purchase tickets can be found at theharmonytheater.com.
