Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most important names in cinematic history, and is responsible for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films — titles like “Psycho,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo” and “The 39 Steps.”

But you don’t have to be a follower of Hitch to enjoy the madcap laughs brought to hilarious theatrical life in Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of “The 39 Steps.”

Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., is hosting “The 39 Steps” March 23 through April 29. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“This is a show I’ve been circling for a while now, and one I’ve always wanted to be a part of,” said Casey Andree, who plays Richard Hannay in the production. “The best thing about the show is that it really celebrates the magic of the theater.”

In addition to Andree, the show features Alaina Beth Reel as the roles of Annabella Schmidt, Margaret and Pamela, John Wittbrodt as Clown One and Sean Michael Cummings as Clown Two. Both Wittbrodt’s and Cummings’ roles require them to play a variety of dozens of characters — something Hitchcock was able to do with a large cast and extras.

“A lot of high jinks and hilarious characterizations ensue,” Andree said. “It’s such a fast-paced show, and there’s so much physical comedy for people who love laughing.”

The show tells the story of Hannay, a man with a boring life who meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt begins.

Tips of the hat and Easter eggs abound for fans of Hitchcock’s oeuvre, but the show is really made for those who crave a theatrical experience that will leave them smiling.

“You’re going to have a great time at this show,” Andree said. “But your face might hurt from smiling so much.”

For tickets and more information, call 303-935-3044 or visit www.minersalley.com.

A jazzy start to Easter weekend

New York-born Jane Monheit has been one of the jazz world’s most beautiful voices since she first appeared on the scene with her debut album, “Never Never Land” in 1998.

In the ensuing years, she’s released a steady stream of albums, using her lush, bluesy style for a variety of styles and songwriters. Her most recent album, “The Songbook Sessions,” finds Monheit taking on one of the most sacred of jazz repertories — Ella Fitzgerald’s songs.

Jane Monheit will be stopping by Dazzle jazz club, 1512 Curtis St. in Denver, at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.

For tickets and information, visit www.dazzledenver.com.

Emmy-winning comedy comes to Denver

There’s a good chance you know Rory Albanese’s work, even if you don’t recognize his face right away.

Albanese is a nine-time Emmy-winning writer and executive producer from his time on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” Most recently, he was executive producer, writer and on-air correspondent for Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” — which was cancelled way too soon for my tastes.

In preparation for the taping of his first hour-long special, Rory Albanese is touring the country non-stop, and will be performing five shows at Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. in Denver. He’ll perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, and at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Friday, March 30, and on Saturday, March 31.

For tickets and more information, call 303-595-3637 or visit www.comedyworks.com/comedians/rory-albanese.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Lucy Dacus at Globe Hall

It’s entirely possible that 2018 will be Lucy Dacus’ year.

She released her sophomore album, “Historian,” on March 2, to rapturous acclaim from critics and listeners alike. It’s easily one of my favorite albums of the year, and her assured rock music and razor-sharp lyrical writing points to an artist we’re going to be celebrating for years.

“This is the album I needed to make,” Dacus said in a provided statement. “Everything after this is a bonus.”

The album was recorded with her band in Nashville, and she worked with studio-master John Congleton to get the dynamic sound just right.

Listeners looking for one of the best and most promising musical talents of the year won’t want to miss Lucy Dacus at the Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. in Denver at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.

To get your ticket, go to www.globehall.com.

Revving up for the Denver Auto Show

The Denver Auto Show is gearing up for this year’s event — which will feature the newest imports and domestics, look ahead to the future, and more.

The Denver Auto Show — the largest premier auto show of its kind between Chicago and Los Angeles — returns April 4 through 8 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., in Denver.

Attendees can sit in the driver’s seat of more than 500 new vehicles, including the newest domestics and imports, cars, vans, hybrids, electrics, crossovers, light trucks, sport utilities, luxury models and exotic cars.

The event will also include off-road challenges at Camp Jeep, an opportunity to meet IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson from Andretti Autosport, and one-of-a-kind antique vehicles from the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Call 800-251-1563 or visit www.DenverAutoShow.com for more information.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. A community editor with Colorado Community Media, he can be reached creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com.