This story was produced by the OC Theatre Guild as part of a community media partnership with Culture OC. It was written and edited independently by the Guild’s selected contributors. This collaboration supports our effort to celebrate and amplify the vibrant arts and culture scene in Orange County.

‘The 39 Steps’ at Laguna Playhouse — Poster image for Laguna Playhouse’s “The 39 Step.” Image courtesy of Carlos Zamora

By OC Theatre Guild

October 27, 2026

Written for OC Theatre Guild by Anne Reid

Laguna Playhouse

‘The 39 Steps’

When: Oct. 27 – Nov. 22, 2026

Where: Moulton Theatre, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

More Info: 949-497-2787, www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

Alfred Hitchcock probably never imagined his 1935 spy thriller “The 39 Steps” performed by four actors armed with a handful of trunks, chairs and ladders. But that’s exactly what audiences can expect when Laguna Playhouse presents the stage adaptation this fall.

Adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan’s 1915 novel and Hitchcock’s film, “The 39 Steps” follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary Englishman who finds himself caught in an international espionage plot after meeting a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy. When she turns up murdered in his apartment, Hannay becomes the prime suspect and flees to Scotland, pursued by the police while attempting to uncover the truth behind a secret organization.

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For Laguna Playhouse Producing Executive Director Adele Adkins, “The 39 Steps” offers a change of pace from their musical-heavy season. Adkins considers the play one of theater’s great comedies, blending the suspense of a classic murder mystery with humor reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie stories. And she knew just whom she wanted to direct it.

Hunter Foster brings considerable experience on both sides of the stage. He performed in 10 Broadway productions, earning a Tony Award nomination for “Little Shop of Horrors” in 2004, and co-wrote the stage adaptation of “Clue.” Since turning his attention primarily to directing in 2014, he has worked at regional theaters throughout the country. Credits include directing “A Little Night Music,” “42nd Street” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.” He is making his Laguna Playhouse debut.

“Adele and I had worked together at the Bucks County Playhouse. I directed a production of Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off’ there,” he said. “She contacted me about coming out to Laguna to direct this show, and I jumped at the chance. Laguna + ‘The 39 Steps’ seems like a perfect combination!”

Although the stage adaptation has been produced extensively, Foster hopes to discover some new possibilities during rehearsals.

“There are certain elements that will be similar to other productions, but my hope is that in rehearsal we organically find new ways of doing things,” Foster said. “I took a lot of inspiration from the original film, and I’ve tried to incorporate as much from that as possible.”

One distinctive element of his production is its framing device, which turns into a play within a play.

“It’s theater at its best,” Foster said. “A rag-tag group of four actors stumble into an abandoned movie theater, and they decide to recreate a fantastical show using only found props.”

Much of the action falls to two performers known as the clowns, who play most of the supporting characters, switching roles, costumes and accents throughout the performance.

For those demanding roles, Foster turned to two actors who already knew each other.

“I first thought of Jen Cody who played Dottie in ‘Noises Off’ and then a close friend and collaborator of hers, Jeremy Webb who I have known for years,” Foster said. “I really wanted two actors who had the same vibe, and could work well with each other.”

Local auditions led to the casting of John Root as Hannay and Ashley Margaret Morton as the Woman. Root’s credits include the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Avenue Q,” while Morton is also a musician with an EP set for release in December. Three understudy actors are also available for rotation.

Foster also reunited with scenic designer David Arsenault, a frequent collaborator.

“He’s perfect because he thinks dramaturgically as he designs, and we work really well together,” Foster said.

Among the scenes Foster particularly enjoys is a police pursuit aboard a moving train. Rather than rely on elaborate scenery, the entire sequence remains as simple as the rest of the show.

“It’s very creative and fun, with the police vigorously chasing their suspect using only the magic of theater to create the fast moving and high stakes scene.”

At Laguna Playhouse, he is particularly pleased with the Moulton Theatre’s layout, which offers an intimate audience experience without limiting the space available for the action.

“I love the theater,” Foster said. “Seems like every seat is a great seat, and the stage itself is quite big which gives us a lot of room.”

Hitchcock supplies the suspense, but Foster and his cast are finding their own ways to deliver the surprises. And in a production where almost anything can become something else, audiences may find themselves wondering what they’ll come up with next.