The 39 Steps (which has now dropped the "The" from its title) received its American premiere at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston prior to opening on Broadway in 2008 at the American Airlines Theatre. It transferred to the Cort Theatre and then to the Helen Hayes Theatre before closing in January 2010. After closing on Broadway, the work moved to New World Stages, where it played through January 2011.
Producer Douglas Denoff is behind the Off-Broadway return of the intimate, fast-paced show that played 14 preview performances and 303 regular performances during its latest run at the Union Square Theatre.
The show is aiming for a Broadway return sometime next year. This will mark the second time the production has made the leap from Off-Broadway to the Main Stem.
"We are thrilled that our play that Ben Brantley calls 'the little show that could' has been so warmly welcomed back to New York City. The intimate and historic Union Square Theatre was the perfect location for our jewel of a show. 39 Steps has had an incredible journey worldwide, and in New York alone has played in three theatres on Broadway, at New World Stages, and now at Union Square," said lead producer Douglas Denoff. "Roma Torre said of 39 Steps that 'you can't keep a good show down, and for good reason, this one has been special.' We are looking to continue the journey back on Broadway in the coming year… and in the meantime, for the next few weeks we invite everyone to come to Union Square to see the show for their first time, second time, or even the 39th time, as MANY fans have done." The cast features Robert Petkoff as the dashing hero Richard Hannay, Billy Carter as Clown #1, Cameron Pow as Clown #2 and Brittany Vicars as Pamela/Annabella/Margaret.
The creative team includes Tony-nominated author Patrick Barlow, Tony-nominated director Maria Aitken, Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams, Tony-winning sound designer Mic Pool and Tony-nominated scenic and costume designer Peter McKintosh. Binder Casting cast the production.
39 Steps, according to press notes, "is a comedic spoof of the classic 1935 film, with only 4 'insanely talented' actors portraying more than 150 characters, sometimes changing roles in the blink of an eye. The brilliantly madcap story follows our dashing hero Richard Hannay as he races to solve the mystery of The 39 Steps, all the while trying to clear his name. The show’s uproarious fast-paced 100 minutes promises to leave you gasping for breath… in a good way! It’s fun for everyone from 9 to 99."
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 39StepsNY.com or call (877) 250-2929.
