Dashing hero Richard Hannay (Leif Norby, center) seeks shelter from Man 1 (Darius Pierce, left) and Man 2 (Ebbe Rose Smith) in Portland Center Stage’s adaptation of “Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.” The play will run through March 21 at the Gerding Theater at the Armory in Portland.

Long before “Where’s Waldo,” movie lovers were searching for Alfred Hitchcock.

Known as the “Master of Suspense,” Hitchcock famously appeared in 37 of his movies. On screen for a matter of seconds, the brief cameos included the famous director boarding a train, walking dogs and appearing in a newspaper ad for weight loss.

The running gag continues in the Portland Center Stage’s production of “Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.” Opening tonight, the play runs through March 21 at the Gerding Theater at the Armory in Portland.

Along with a hidden cameo, film lovers will find references to Hitchcock’s classics such as “Psycho” and “Rear Window.”

Adapted by Patrick Barlow, the play follows the plot of one of Hitchcock’s earliest films “The 39 Steps” (1935). A cast of four actors (Leif Norby, Christine Calfas, Ebbe Roe Smith and Darius Pierce) re-create more than 130 characters — sometimes several at the same time.

A fast-paced “whodunit meets hilarious,” the play was a hit of the 2008 Broadway season, according to a press release.

“This gleefully theatrical riff on Hitchcock’s film is fast and frothy, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands,” wrote Ben Brantley of The New York Times.

Bringing Hitchcock’s world to the stage, the Portland production is directed by Nancy Keystone (“Apollo,” “Antigone”) and features lighting designer Justin Townsend, costume designer Jeff Cone and sound designer Casi Pacilio,

Ticket prices range from $30 to $65, depending on seat location and day of performance. Discounts are available for students and children (ages 18 and younger). To purchase tickets and for more information, contact 503-445-3700 or visit www.pcs.org.