Constellation Theatre Company: The 39 Steps

If you're not certain what a good farce looks like, this would be the perfect play for you! 

It is based on a film by Alfred Hitchcock made in 1935, which is based on a book written by John Buchan in 1915.  To give you summary of the plot, I am going to lift it straightway from Wikipedia: "It [The 39 Steps] is about an everyman civilian in London, Richard Hannay, who becomes caught up in preventing an organization of spies called the 39 Steps from stealing British military secrets.  After being mistakenly accused of the murder of a counter-espionage agent, Hannay goes on the run to Scotland and becomes tangled up with an attractive woman while hoping to stop the spy ring and clear his name."

In the hands of playwright, Patrick Barlow, the original plot is merely the string that holds the silliness together.  Replete with homage moments to a range of other Hitchcock films, and with over-the-top characters worthy of a P. D. Wodehouse high society pasquinade, there isn't a serious moment in the entire show.  The set is fairly simple with props that slide and spin to create quick scene changes.  The actors manage the pace and costume changes with ease.  Did I mention that although there are over 40 characters, there are only 4 actors.  Drew Kopas plays Richard Hannay throughout, Patricia Hurley plays three characters--all Hannay's love interests, and the rest are in the capable hands of Gwen Grastorf and Christopher Walker. 

In a phrase, "a good time was had by all."

Patricia Hurley as Annabella Schmidt and Drew Kopas as Richard Hannay

Christopher Walker and Gwen Grasdorf as constables, with Drew and Patricia as Pamela.

Patricia again, this time as Margaret, the Scottish farmer's wife, Christopher as the farmer, and Drew.

Christopher as the Scottish Innkeeper's husband, Patricia and Drew, and Gwen as the Scottish Innkeeper;