The 39 Steps, Moonbox Productions, Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts, through December 9. 617-933-8600 or bostontheatrescene.com

Alfred Hitchcock was clearly fascinated with vulnerable protagonists struggling to prove their innocence of crimes they did not commit. Think of his underrated documentary-like movie "The Wrong Man" and his popular winner "North by Northwest." Before these two gems, he turned the John Buchan 1915 England and Scotland-set adventure novel "The 39 Steps" into a diverting film with the same name.

Huntington Theatre Company fans should fondly recall the rollicking 2007 American premiere of Evan George Patrick Barlow's highly imaginative 2004 stage adaptation of Hitchcock's movie (England, 2005; Broadway 2008). Now, under the inspired direction of Allison Olivia Choat, Moonbox Productions is taking Boston Center for the Arts theatergoers on a roller coaster ride as fast-paced and enjoyable as its Huntington predecessor.

The keys to the audience's own 90-minute experience are the talent and the timing of the cast. For those unfamiliar with this cleverly madcap play, Barlow's melodramatic take on the more serious original "The 39 Steps" calls for four actors to play more than 150 parts: Kevin Cirone as hunted innocent Richard Hannay, Sarah Gazdowicz playing Pamela, Annabella and Margaret, the three women with whom Hannay becomes involved, and Bob Mussett and Matthew Zahnzinger-identified respectively as Man 1 and Man 2-playing the many other roles between them. Director Choat's smooth blocking has cast members moving set pieces and props as quickly as they change their respective outfits-kudos to set designer John Paul Devlin and especially costume designer Erica DeSautels.

At the same time, Jeffrey E. Salzberg's shadow-rich lighting and Dan Costello's vivid sound design round out the remainder of the play's humor and adventure-satisfying demands.

Besides the quick wit and hilarious plot turns, movie buffs will enjoy spotting allusions to Hitchcock masterpieces-''Rear Window,'' ''Strangers on a Train'' and ''Vertigo''among them -that enhance the fun. ''North by Northwest'' stands out in the play's rich use of plot parody as Hannay hurries from London to Scotland and flees from a plane.

Cirone has the style, looks and vulnerability one expects in Hannah. His evocation of a bridge flight is a highlight. Gazdowicz keeps her three roles distinct and has the right strong attitude as Margaret. Best of all are Mussett and Zahnzinger together and separately. Mussett brings vivid gesturing to pivotal Mr. Memory. Zahnzinger is an absolute hoot playing women and capturing the accent and toughness of a Scottish husband.

Self-deprecating Hannay calls himself irredeemable and irreclaimable. By contrast, "The 39 Steps" is irresistible.