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39 Steps returns to New York at Union Square Theatre

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Producer Douglas Denoff presents the New York return of 39 Steps, beginning previews at the Union Square Theatre on 1 April 2015, before an official opening on 13 April. The current booking period runs through to 6 September 2015.

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.

Director Maria Aitken released the following statement:

"39 Steps is a joyful and anarchic experience for all concerned - I'm delighted to return to it - and there's a particular pleasure in making theatrical magic without trillion dollar sets!"
Producer Douglas Denoff added:
"With the worldwide success of the show, since 2011, virtually the only place on Earth that audiences haven't been able to see 39 Steps has been New York City. The historic Union Square Theatre is a beautiful home for 39 Steps, and its location on 17th Street, just '39 steps East of Union Square', puts us right in the heart of New York's bustling activity! Subways from Times Square and almost every corner of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn converge right on our doorstep. We are also making the show very accessible for everyone, with our entire mezzanine priced at $39 for every performance - with $20 tickets for students, veterans, armed forces, NYPD and FDNY. It's a Broadway-caliber experience at a very affordable price."
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 is currently in its 9th year in the West End. The play has since staged productions all over the world, including Melbourne, Madrid, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Tokyo and Buenos Aires. 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.

Casting for the upcoming off-Broadway production will be announced at a later date.

- by Tom Millward

Originally published on

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