The 39 Steps: Charles Edwards to reprise the role ofRichard Hannay in New York Premiere

The Roundabout Theatre Company's presentation of the New York premiere of Alfred Hitchcock�s The 39 Steps, will see Charles Edwards reprise the role of Richard Hannay, which he played to great acclaim in the London production. Edwards is joined by Arnie Burton (Clown), Jennifer Ferrin (Pamela/Margaret) and Cliff Saunders (Clown).

Charles Edwards' London stage credits include "Hay Fever" at the Haymarket in 2006; "The Duchess of Malphi" at the Lyttelton, NT in 2003; "All My Sons" at the Cottesloe, NT in 2000.

The 39 Steps which was originally scheduled to begin previews on 28 Dec 2007, and open on 10 Jan 2008, will now open on 15 Jan 2008, following previews from 4 Jan. The comedy will still end its limited engagement on 16 Mar 2008, as originally announced.

The 39 Steps is adapted by Patrick Barlow, based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon and based on the book by John Buchan.

Patrick Barlow's comic adaptation of John Buchan�s classic spy thriller has been adapted into a spoof of the book and the Hitchcock film. The �unstageable� thriller is staged, with four cast members playing a minimum of 150 roles. The story revolves around an innocent man who learns too much about a dangerous spy ring and is then pursued across Scotland, before returning to London to foil the villain�s dastardly plans.

The 39 Steps contains every single legendary scene from the award-winning movie � including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the sensational death-defying finale in the London Palladium, besides many other favourite cinematic moments, including the memorable and controversial �stockings and suspenders� scene!

The 39 Steps opened at The Tricycle Theatre, a fringe theatre, on 14 Aug 2006 where it ran to 9 Sep 2006 before transferring to The Criterion, in the West End from 14 Sep 2006, where it is currently booking to 7 Jun 2008. The show won the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

The Boston based Huntington Theatre Company presented the pre-Broadway run of The 39 Steps from 14 Sep - 14 Oct 2007, directed by Maria Aitkin, who directed the original London production. Charles Edwards led the cast in Boston opposite Jennifer Ferrin, Cliff Saunders and Arnie Burton.

Maria Aitkin is to direct the Broadway production.

The broadway production is being presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company, in association with Bob Boyett, Harriet Leve/Ron Nicynski, Stephanie P. McClelland, Fiery Angel Ltd. and the Huntington Theatre Company.

(For more information click here)

Charles Edwardsas Richard Hannay