Cameron Pow to join the cast of 39 Steps

Producers of the off-Broadway revival of 39 Steps, currently booking at the Union Square Theatre through to 30 November 2015, have announced an upcoming cast change. Arnie Burton will depart the show following his 1,000th performance in the role of Clown #2 on 28 September 2015. Cameron Pow will assume the role from 30 September 2015.

Director Maria Aitken commented:

"Arnie is one of those actors that truly embodies the characters he plays. It has been such a joy to have had him in 39 Steps several times over the last 8 years, and for him to depart the production on his 1,000th performance is truly a remarkable feat for a lead actor in any show. I am thrilled to have veteran stage actor Cameron Pow take his first Step at the end of this month."

39 Steps began previews on 1 April 2015, before an official opening on 13 April.

The cast currently includes Arnie Burton (Clown #2), Billy Carter (Clown #1), Robert Petkoff (Richard Hannay), and Brittany Vicars (Pamela/Annabella/Margaret).

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