39 Steps to close on 3 January 2016 at Union Square

Producers of the off-Broadway revival of 39 Steps have announced that the comedy will play its final performance at the Union Square Theatre on 3 January 2016, and that it is eyeing a Broadway transfer in 2016.

Producer Douglas Denoff commented:

"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. 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 currently includes Robert Petkoff (Richard Hannay), Brittany Vicars (Pamela/Annabella/Margaret), Billy Carter (Clown #1) and Cameron Pow (Clown #2).

39 Steps is a comedy adapted by Tony nominee Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble & Nobby Dimon, based on the book by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film.

This production reunites the entire original creative team, including direction by Tony nominee Maria Aitken, lighting by Tony winner Kevin Adams, sound design by Tony winner Mic Pool, and scenic and costume design by Tony nominee Peter McKintosh.

Synopsis: "39 Steps is a comedic spoof of the classic 1935 film, with only 4 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."

39 Steps originally premiered at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in the UK in 2005. It then transferred to London's Tricycle Theatre and then into the West End's Criterion Theatre in 2006, winning the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2007.

It was mounted on Broadway in January 2008 and ran for over three years - the longest running play in 7 years - and earned six 2008 Tony nominations (including Best Play), winning two Tonys for Sound design and Lighting design. In North America, it is one of the top ten licenses for shows in regional theatres.

- by Tom Millward