The Lantern Theater Company presents The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow

In an attempt to revitalize his boring life, Richard Hannay (Jered McLenigan) decides to spend a night at a London music hall. His wish for excitement is granted upon meeting Annabella Smith (Lee Minora), a spy fleeing assassins who enlists his reluctant assistance to prevent the theft of British military secrets—involving the mysterious “39 Steps”. Hannay embarks upon a thrilling and dangerous journey across Scotland, eluding police and agents of the opposition as he attempts to stop a mysterious mastermind, save the country, and be the spy he never knew he could be.

A stellar quartet

With a cast of just four actors, each one has to knock it out of the park, and they do just that. McLenigan brings a Tim Curry-esque accent and air to the flirtation, anxiety, and dry humor of Richard Hannay, a man experiencing the most stressful three days of his life. The seeming melodrama of his opening monologue evolves into exactly the type of absurdity necessary to sustain the play’s humor. Dave Johnson and Eli Lynn play about 90 percent of the other characters, and somehow they make it look easy, despite the sheer effort of wearing so many hats (literally, thanks to costume designer LeVonne Lindsay) and staying on top of a multitude of characters and accents while keeping us laughing. Meanwhile, Lee Minora tackles several love interests who are often played fairly straight, a potential challenge next to her zanier ensemble members. But each of Minora’s women has uniquely distinguishing characteristics, and Pamela, the female lead, is always sharp and sensible rather than whiny and irritating, reminding the audience that her perspective is very different from ours.

Inventive laughs and surprises

Director Charles McMahon finds utility at every turn, with a very limited number of props and a minimalist setting by Dirk Durossette that works wonders within the small space. Two “windows”, a podium, some chairs, and two very hardworking trunks feature in nearly every scene. Lights by Shon Causer and sound by Christopher Colucci play crucial roles in setting the mood, like the pink romance and dreamy music that wafts through the theater as Hannay seduces his way across the UK, or the tense music and dramatic spotlights that catch the actors when they mention The 39 Steps, getting a laugh every time.

Michael Long’s projections are particularly imaginative, adding significantly to the scenery. Projected paper cutout backgrounds and shadowy pantomime present a unique and surprisingly interactive medium for the actors to play with concepts of space and location. I won’t elaborate further, so as not to spoil the effect as the stage convincingly transforms from London flat to moving train, farmhouse, damp moor, inn, and more with the clever movement of a few simple items and some very persuasive acting.

I highly recommend the Lantern’s 39 Steps, but you’ll be fighting me for tickets as I try to bring everyone I know.

Know before you go: this performance includes theatrical fog and simulated gunshots.