Broadway’s longest-running comedy, “The 39 Steps,” is now wowing audiences at the Waterfront Playhouse through Jan. 12. This hilarious take on Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1935 movie is really about the magic of theater as only four actors create an entire “movie experience” live on stage. Variety said “‘The 39 Steps’ is a giddy display of theatrical invention” and The New York Times called the show “Theater at its finest.”

Brandon Beach plays Richard Hannay, a man bored with his life and longing for adventure. He meets a mysterious and glamorous German spy at a theater — of course. The spy is played by Erin McKenna, who also plays the other female love interests — a shy Scottish farm wife and Pamela, the ubiquitous Hitchcock blonde. When the spy is murdered in his apartment, Hannay begins to run for his life, as well as attempts to save the British Empire.

David Black and J. B. McLendon play more than 100 characters who help tell the story: lingerie salesmen, Scottish innkeepers, thugs, vaudevillians, women, policemen and at one point, an out-of- control stream.

Heading up “The 39 Steps” is the Waterfront artistic director, Danny Weathers, who says, “Audiences are going to have an unforgettable evening with ‘The 39 Steps.’ The actors are phenomenal, and the brilliant design work of Michael Boyer’s set, Leigh Hooten’s costumes, Kim Hanson’s lighting, Carmen Rodriguez’s props, Trish Manley’s stage management and the sound design by Dan Simpson and myself, all add to the wildly inventive theater magic.”

The production is sponsored by Conch Color and the opening night of Dec. 20 features a gala post-performance party sponsored and catered by Michael’s Restaurant in honor of long-time board president, Henry Woods. Season sponsors are Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

“The 39 Steps” is perfect for the whole family and tickets make an ideal Holiday gift. In fact, gift certificates are available and printable online at waterfrontplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 305-294-5015. Student, military and senior rates are also available, as well as the Friday Night Date Night ticket special. Tickets, memberships, subscriptions and other info are also available on the Waterfront’s website or by calling the box office. Tickets are selling quickly and last year’s “August: Osage County” completely sold out the final two weeks, so call now.