The Waterfront Playhouse kicks off its 73rd season with Broadway’s longest- running comedy, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps.” Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards, “The 39 Steps” is part juicy spy novel, part Monty Python and all theatrical dazzle. “‘39 Steps’ is absurdly enjoyable! This gleefully theatrical riff on Hitchcock’s film is fast and furious, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands,” raved The New York Times.

“The 39 Steps” plays at the Waterfront from Dec. 20 to Jan. 12, with low-priced previews Dec. 18 and 19. All performances are at 8 p.m. The opening night of Dec. 20 will feature a gala post-performance party sponsored and catered by Michael’s Restaurant in honor of longtime board President, Henry Woods. The production is sponsored by Conch Color.

“The 39 Steps” is the stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 awardwinning movie of the same name. The original source material was John Buchan’s 1915 novel “The 39 Steps.” The stage version calls for the Hitchcock film to be performed in its entirety, but with the amazing feat of using only four actors to portray a cast of hundreds in under two hours, including intermission.

Set in the 1930s, “The 39 Steps” is the story of Richard Hannay, a man who is bored with his life and anxious for adventure. When a beautiful and mysterious woman winds up murdered in his flat, he suddenly becomes a man on the run, trying to clear his name. More importantly, he desperately tries to prevent top secret information from falling into enemy hands, which could bring down the British Empire.

The play doesn’t mock the movie, but rather takes the film dialogue as a jumping off place for comic mayhem. Shameless stereotypes, overthe- top accents and physical gags help spoof the Hitchcock style and genre, all played with a speed that will leave audiences breathless. There are allusions, winks and puns on the titles of other Hitchcock films, including “Rear Window,” “Psycho,” “Strangers on a Train” and “North by Northwest.”

“The 39 Steps” was showered with critical raves: “Theater at its finest (The New York Times), “Ingenious! A dizzy delight! (Daily News), “Riotous & marvelous” (The N.Y. Post), “A giddy display of theatrical invention” (Variety) and “A wonderful triumph of theatre!” (BBC)

Director Danny Weathers says, “‘The 39 Steps’ is arguably the most challenging show we’ve done in my nine years with the Waterfront, and that covers a lot of territory. However, I’m thrilled that we have an incredible group of actors, designers and technicians who are committed to wowing our audiences with this wonderful piece of theater.”

Brandon Beach will play the hero, Richard Hannay. Erin McKenna plays three women with whom Hannay has romantic entanglements. David Black and J. B. McLendon play the two “clowns” who portray more than a 100 characters (vaudevillians, salesmen, villains, women, etc.).

Michael Boyer will create the constantly evolving set and set pieces that move with lightning speed. Professional lighting designer, Kim Hanson, will design the atmospheric lighting. Leigh Hooten will design the period and quick-changing costumes. Danny Weathers, along with Dan Simpson, will create the film-like sound design. Stage manager, Trish Manley, will make sure the hundreds of technical cues are executed with the required breathless pace. For tickets call 305-294- 5015 or go to Waterfront Playhouse.org for the online ticketing service. You may also call or go to the website to request a season brochure or to buy season subscriptions, memberships or individual tickets. “The 39 Steps” is perfect for the whole family, and student rates are available. Do not delay — tickets are already selling apace. Season sponsors for the 2012/13 season are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Wodu Media.