The Comedic Side of Espionage

For over 40 years, Cascade Theatrical Company has been bringing the stage to life in Central Oregon through community theatre, having put on over 350 productions. Its latest venture is sure to leave guests rolling in the aisles. “The 39 Steps,” a play described by director Desi Thrower as a “hilarious and multi-faceted piece of theatre parody…The show mixes the mystery of a Hitchcock film with the outrageous humor of Monty Python.” Adding, “Four actors play over 25 characters, so it is full of quick changes, many accents, and a lot of hats.” “The 39 Steps” was originally published in 1915 by John Buchan. In 1935 Alfred Hitchcock directed the film version and in 2009 it was adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow.

The Source recently dropped in on the troupe’s first dress rehearsal to get a behind-the-scenes view. Thrower became involved with Cascade Theatrical as an actor, joining the cast of shows like “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Murder On the Orient Express,” “Sylvia,” and “God’s Favorite Lunch” before making the transition to director with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in 2024. When asked what inspired her to take on the adaptation of The 39 Steps, Thrower replied, “This play is right in my wheelhouse. First, I am always attracted to comedies, especially comedies that have Monty Python-Esque humor. I am also a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan, which this play parodies. Even though Hitchcock films are suspense thrillers, he always infused a bit of humor into each one, so I believe he would have enjoyed this adaptation.”

John Alan Hulbert runs through the monologue of Richard Hanay. Credit: Stephanie Gregory

The 1935 film version, which the play closely follows, is a dark story of murder and espionage. Thrower credits the playwright Partick Barlow for giving the story a comedic twist, saying, “He gives us license to use exaggerated physical comedy, heightened melodrama, and rapid pacing, which transforms that tone of the original film into fast-paced comedy through theatrical style rather than changing the core story. The play leans into the idea that this is theater, not film — and that self-awareness adds to the comedy.” Another challenge to the physicality of transforming film to stage, drama to comedy, is action scenes. The Hitchcock film has a fast-paced chase scene on a moving train. “Oh yes, the train chase is in the play. Staging the train-chase from “The 39 Steps” in the play version isn’t about copying the film literally — it’s about using theatrical creativity to suggest speed, danger, and movement with limited resources. Our stage version leans into theatrical illusion rather than realism. Through the blocking, the physicality of the actors, deliberate theatrical “cheapness” — obvious prop changes, visible costume swaps, and exaggerated mime, the audience enjoys seeing how the illusion is made. It is an especially funny scene,” says Thrower.

Enter the spy in the stage production of “The 39 Steps.” Credit: Stephanie Gregory

The world of performing arts, like many other industries, saw its audience dwindle with the onset of the pandemic in 2020, but it is seeing a resurgence as people make their way back to the theatre.

“Bend is a community that embraces the arts. CTC has received grants that have allowed them to replace old theater seats and make other improvements. We’ve had a great audience of all ages who have supported the shows, and many volunteers who help with concessions, logistics, and other aspects of entertainment.” It has also seen an evolution of inclusivity. Thrower notes the change, seeing theater “become so much more diverse and inclusive. There is greater representation of different cultures, identities, and social issues on stage.” Adding, “Playwrights from varied backgrounds now have more opportunities to tell their stories, and audiences expect broader perspectives.” Expanding cultural impact and amplifying the importance of diversity while fueling creativity.

Cascade Theatrical Company is an organization that is nearly entirely run with this assistance of volunteers, and it’s always looking for more people to help out. If you are interested in auditioning for future productions, building sets or running concessions, you can find more information on positions that need filled by visiting the company’s website or emailing volunteer@cascadestheatrical.org.

"The 39 Steps"
March 19-April 5 2pm or 7:30pm
Cascades Theatrical Co
148 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend 
cascadestheatrical.org/
Adults $45/Seniors & Students $39

This article appears in the Source March 12, 2026.