'The 39 Steps' a fast-paced and funny romp

“THE 39 STEPS,” Hale Center Theater Orem, through Feb. 11 (801-226-8600 or at www.haletheater.org); running time 2 hours (one intermission)

OREM — A dour Alfred Hitchcock voice may introduce this bit of stage comedy and mystery, but from that point on, this show bears little resemblance to the dark story told years ago on film and stage.

Fast talk, fast action, fast costume changes and quick character shifts all come together to create an unusual story in “The 39 Steps” in its regional premiere.

From the moment shots ring out to the final bows, this is an adventure with romance and peril shackled to the ridiculous.

It’s better just to sit back and laugh as Jake Suazo, Kelly Hennessey, Blake Barlow and Carter Thompson (with Alex King providing cue cards and “right-on-time?” sound effects) tell a tale of intrigue and mirth rather than trying to follow a logical story line.

The four play the parts of more than 40 characters complete with different props, hairpieces, jackets, hats and dialects.

King supplies additional surprises as he continues to ring a phone that’s been hung up, cracks a window one more time and keeps the party going behind a shade.

How the actors keep their parts straight is a puzzlement. It appears there’s barely time for a costume change — much less a character shift. There’s no slouching here.

Hennessey adopts a different persona for each woman as she shifts from playing Anabella Schmidt, the victim, to Margaret, the Scottish housewife, to Pamela, the beauty on the train. She takes on a different look, a different manner and keeps it interesting all the while.

Sauzo uses his gifts as a comedian to make the most of his multiple roles, although on opening night he added some fun with a few honest slip-ups.

At one point he is walking back and forth between playing the train conductor, the police constable and a hapless passenger, and it’s simply mind-boggling to watch.

He also dies well, again and again, and then one more time.

Barlow maintains the facade of a composed, dignified man caught up in a series of circumstances that try his soul, while Carter Thompson goes from serving as the brilliant Mr. Memory to playing some very homely household matrons who are funny just to look at.