LATTE Theater opens "The 39 Steps" May 7 at the Performing Arts Center of Lyons Township High School's South Campus in Western Springs, with six cast members splitting more than 130 roles in a fast-paced parody of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 spy classic.
The stage version, adapted by Patrick Barlow, turns the thriller into an absurdist comedy packed with rapid-fire costume changes, on-stage chases, and a 100-minute runtime. Director Felicia Pfluger told the Daily Southtown she was inspired to stage the show after seeing it on London's West End.
Nathan Bell, a Westchester resident and Triton College sophomore who plays the lead role of Richard Hannay, said the part suits him.
"In personality, Richard is somewhat shy and awkward — a bit like myself — but he is also witty, charming and confident, despite his awkwardness," Bell told the Daily Southtown. "And he's actually a ladies man, which is really fun to act out because it enhances the humor of the show."
The cast also includes Isi Kowalchuck of Willowbrook, Isla Baker, 15, of Downers Grove, and Juliette Sosa-Dykstra, 16, of Willow Springs.
If You Go
- What: LATTE Theater presents "The 39 Steps"
- When: Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m.; Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Where: Performing Arts Center, LT South Campus, 4900 Willow Springs Rd., Western Springs
- Tickets: $5–$15 at lattetheater.com or 708-655-0989
