Danville’s Smokestack Theatre Company will present “The 39 Steps” starting Friday and running for two weekends.

For Olivia Richardson, the director, it serves as a homecoming of sorts. Now living in New York City, the actor, director and choreographer has worked with the Danville theater group for other productions, starring in “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”

The comedy, which is suitable for all ages, is based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film and a novel by John Buchan written in 1915.

“Our production leans into that playfulness, embracing the magical and inventive nature of live performance; something that’s messy, clever and full of surprises,” Richardson said in a news release announcing the performances.

“Out of trunks, chairs, coats and shad

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