THE 39 STEPS Set to Stage with LATTE Theater in Western Springs

A Behind-the-Scenes with the Cast!

Buckle up for a theatrical whirlwind as LATTE Theater presents its upcoming production of THE 39 STEPS! This isn't your typical spy thriller; it’s a high-octane, meta-hybrid performance where a cast of just six versatile actors, ranging in age from 14 to 23, takes on more than 120 roles in this comedic marathon. Performing May 7-9, 2026, this fast-paced adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1935 film blends film noir with "vaudevillian virtuosity," promising audiences a night of non-stop laughs and edge-of-your-seat spy action.

A "Meta Hybrid" of Comedy and Thriller

"If you blink, you'll miss the rapid-fire funnies that switch in a nanosecond to the next plot point of the thriller... And back again!" LATTE Director Felicia Pfluger (Brookfield) reflects, "You’re in a spy novel, sprinkled with Monty Python mayhem. The cast create trains, planes, andautomobiles out of thin air at the drop of a hat… and there are nearly a hundred hat changes as well!”

What’s it about?

The play follows “lone wolf”, Richard Hannay, who is forced into a wild chase across the UK to clear his name after a spy is murdered in his flat. While the original story is a serious thriller, this stage version turns the plot into a chaotic, comedic farce in which six talented actors—ranging in age from 14 to 23—play London bobbies, train passengers, spies, innkeepers, and more, often in the same scene.

Leading lady, Isidora (Isi) Kowalchuk (Willowbrook), plays the three very different “love interests” of the show. She bubbles, “The story is amazing! It's hilarious and relatable. Any person will love this show!” Director, Felicia Pfluger adds, “And if you blink, you'll miss the rapid-fire funnies that switch in a nanosecond to the next plot point of the thriller... And back again! You never know if you're going to be gasping from laughter or suspense!” Clio Minniti (Willow Springs), who plays Clown #4, including the delightfully disturbing Mrs. Jordon, adds, “The play has so many layers of fun and intrigue. It’s a farcical comedy where every scene has hilarious characters that are brought to life by our amazing actors.”

What makes the show challenging to create?

When asked, the cast broke into hysterical laughter immediately. Nathan Bell (Westchester), who plays the leading role of Richard Hannay jumps in, "To be perfectly honest, my biggest challenge is probably not breaking and laughing at the humorous moments, and take my word for it, there are many!"

Juliette Sosa – Dykstra (La Grange), who plays 10 vastly different roles as Clown #2, reflects, “I love of my roles and how they reflect different parts of humanity – all 10 of them! The differences in the roles reflect different archetypes... (she mischievously chuckles and winks) and sheep. You’re gonna love the sheep! My accents are challenging and vary from High British to Scottish to Irish to bleating like a sheep! So... variety!”

What’s it like playing so many characters back-to-back?

“Playing all these different roles is really chaotic… but it’s also really fun! All of my characters have different personalities and mannerisms, not to mention voices,” reflects Gianna Parolin (La Grange Park). Isla Baker (Downers Grove, Clown #1) agreed, “Every character has a completely different posture, personality, and accent for each of the 7 demanding roles I play. We need to create variety every single second for every different personality and physical tendency. The pace is so quick!”

Clio adds, “Yes! My 4 different characters all require a different way to walk and talk to juxtapose between them…Also, I think it was hard to bring unexpected comedy to some of the darker scenes as well.” Gianna jumps in again, “But it’s also really fun! True, all of my characters have different personalities and mannerisms, not to mention voices. Can you believe I do about three or four different Scottish accents over the course of the show?”

Does anything in the play especially inspire you?

Gianna responds first, “I think the most powerful piece of dialogue in the show is the really inspiring political speech about not giving up when times get tough and working for a peaceful world.” Nathan says, "To me, this play really highlights the importance of exercising caution in who you trust, how appearances can be deceiving, but also how you should still be willing to dive in and embrace adventure and open your heart, even when it is scary!”

How does this play, although written decades ago, relate today?

While the show promises plenty of slapstick and satire, the cast believes there is a deeper resonance beneath the surface. “We need laughter to help us to escape life's complexities and give us a clear vision,” Juliette exclaims as Nathan adds," The story is playful, but it addresses serious problems and prejudices that are very relevant right now. It highlights the importance of exercising caution in who you trust and how appearances can be deceiving. I hope audiences come away with a better understanding of themselves.” Isi adds, “ And this is done both with drama, and still relates to today with the humor, as well.

“THE 39 STEPS unnervingly flows into today's society. Sadly, people always want someone to blame when they are scared. And that fear means we need a hero to step forward,” Juliette reflects somberly as Isla adds, “And although this play was written several decades ago, its comedic timing, quick pace, and sense of humor make it feel more angled to a more modern audience …even though it’s an older story.” Isi’s brow furrows, “One of the pieces of dialogue that was difficult to hear was the speech of the professor. It makes you think.”

What’s it like to be part of this cast?

Clio smiles, “From the moment Mrs. Pfluger talked about how she directs her productions, I wanted to join the company! The way everyone comes together to help each other grow is wonderful to see. LATTE brings those people with this passion together.” Gianna grins, “We have such an amazingly talented cast, so I have zero doubt that the show will be spectacular. I can’t wait to hear everyone laugh at all the comedic bits this show offers and enjoy the ride as we entertain them through all the plot twists.”

Isla jumps in, “I agree! We’ve worked feverishly hard as a team to create something fun that will surprise our audience. Instead of a more serious spy story! It does both. This show incorporates a fast-paced farce with slapstick and physical comedy.” Gianna piggybacks, “Completely! I am really excited about all the comedy we’ll be doing in the show and all the laughs we'll get from the audience … though the show is dramatic, it’s also a farce that’s meant for people to have fun watching, and we will definitely get that across!

What do you hope the audience takes away from this performance?

Isi is pensive, then breaks into a broad grin, “I hope the audience will take away the emotions of the final scenes. I hope the audience will think about … whether they would believe Hannay or not!”

Felicia adds, “I’ve had such a blast directing the cast, inventing the scenes like mad scientists. We’ve loaded it with tongue-in-cheek humor and surprising tenderness. Hitchcock’s fingerprints are everywhere — in the suspense, the shadows, the unspoken romance — but so is LATTE's spirit of ingenuity! I hope the audience can enjoy the ride… and the magic, as they are kept guessing till the very end of the show!” LATTE’s The 39 Steps promises a night of theater that moves as fast as a runaway train.

LATTE's THE 39 STEPS

• Who: LATTE Theater
• When: May 7–9, 2026
• Where: Performing Arts Center (PAC)
• Lyons Township High School South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd.
• Tickets: $5 - $15 at lattetheater.com
• Call: 708-655-0989