By Randi Bjornstad

Whether the 1915 novel by John Buchan or the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock, The 39 Steps remains a thriller to this day, and Cottage Theatre will join the production parade in December 2024 by producing a stage version that will run the first three weekends, beginning Dec. 6 and running through Dec. 22.

But first, there must be auditions, and those will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. at the theater, located at 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove.

It’s a small cast — only four actors — and the play is a lively spoof of Hitchcock’s mystery genre. The Cottage Theatre’s production will be directed by Bil Morrill.

In announcing the auditions, Cottage Theatre describes The 39 Steps this way, borrowing a bit from the original Playbill announcement when it hit the Broadway scene:

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of live theatre! Richard Hannay is visiting a 1930s London music hall when a disturbance breaks out and a shot is fired. In the ensuing panic, he finds himself holding a frightened Annabella Schmidt, who reveals that she is on the run from foreign agents. After Annabella is murdered in Hannay’s flat later that night, he sets off on a madcap adventure to break up the spy ring and prove his innocence.

Sounds like nothing if not a fun time. And in fact, it is.

(I have to mention here that my husband, Paul Carter, and I saw The 39 Steps in New York City — it ran there in various theaters from January 2008 to January 2010 — and we still remember it as one of our best theater experiences ever.)

One reason for that is the amazing performance by the four actors, who manage, among themselves, to play about 150 roles, changing their identities and costumes with breakneck speed to keep the action moving.

Needless to say, these roles will be challenging, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Read on for details.

Auditions for The 39 Steps at Cottage Theatre

Note: Pre-registration for auditions is requested; see form online at cottagetheatre.org

When: 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024

Where: Cottage Theatre, 700 Village Drive, Cottage Grove (east of the I-5 Freeway via Exit 174)

Audition details: Come prepared with a short (60-90 second) comedic monologue, and be ready to perform it twice as two distinctly different adult characters to show wide-ranging acting ability. There also will be cold-readings from the script. (Note: Roles primarily for adult actors; experienced performers ages 15-17 years should email director Bil Morrill at biloregon@gmail.com to discuss the feasibility of auditioning.)

Characters (Note — there are no preassigned gender roles for any characters):

Richard Hannay — age 20s-50s: A sophisticated and charming person, resourceful, quick-witted, and determined to unravel the conspiracy while dodging both the
police and foreign spies.

Annabella Schmidt/Margaret/Pamela — ages 20s-50s: Actor portrays three distinct characters (mysterious spy with Russian accent; Margaret (Scottish farmer’s wife with Scottish accent); and Pamela (feisty and independent woman with British accent) and becomes Hannay’s unexpected companion in the quest to uncover the truth. The actor must demonstrate skill in creating distinct personalities for each character.

Two “clowns” (performers able to portray exaggerated characters through a mixture of comedy, physical performance, and costuming): Actors must be able to swiftly transform into many (150+) characters, including heroes, villains, men, women, children, even occasionally inanimate objects, providing comedic relief; physical agility and comedic timing essential, as well as some ability to develop “foreign” (not necessarily real) accents.

Special Note: The love story is the central aspect of the play. Familiarity with the source material (Buchan’s novel, Hitchcock’s film) will be helpful.

Rehearsals: Begin Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024