Elkhart Civic Theatre’s award-winning cast will bring Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” to The Lerner stage on Friday, June 12, before taking the show to a national competition.

ECT will appear at the American Association of Community Theatre’s National Festival (aact.org/national-festival) with a comedic recreation of Hitchcock’s original film. Just four actors play all the parts – it’s fast-paced, fun, and very funny.

The free 7:30 p.m. show at The Lerner will be presented under competition conditions. The performance must fit within 60 minutes, and all props or backdrops must be contained in a 10-foot square box that can be opened only 10 minutes before the opening curtain.

Annette Kaczanowski, Kevin Egelsky, Michael Honderich and David Kempher will be on stage. Kaczanowski was awarded best actress at both the state and regional competitions this year, and Honderich received best supporting actor recognition at both levels, as well. Kempher received a best supporting actor award at the regional level.

Dave Dufour is directing the humorous thriller, which centers on a London man’s attempt to prevent spies from stealing top-secret information.

While admission is free, Elkhart Civic Theatre (elkhartcivictheatre.org) will accept donations for the purpose of covering expenses related to the competition and travel. Just 12 troupes from around the United States have advanced to the National Festival, which will be June 23-27 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

For more information about “The 39 Steps” and other Lerner events, contact the box office at (800) 294-8223 or visit TheLerner.com.