Now in its second smash year, the Tony Award-winning quick change comedy version of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film thriller is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street) through January 10, 2010. The production has played over 650 performances on Broadway and is the longest running Broadway play of the last seven years.
THE 39 STEPS is adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Maria Aitken. The production is based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon and on the book by John Buchan.
THE 39 STEPS features a cast of four actors who, against all odds, breathlessly and hilariously attempt to reenact all of the characters, locations and famous scenes in Hitchcock's 1935 film thriller with just a few props and a lot of theatrical ingenuity and split second quick changes.
The production stars Arnie Burton (Man #2), Jeffrey Kuhn (Man #1), Sean Mahon (Richard Hannay) and Jill Paice (Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret). The company also includes Rob Breckenridge, Cameron Folmar and Nisi Sturgis.
THE 39 STEPS opened to deliriously ecstatic reviews. Ben Brantley, New York Times, called the production, "Absurdly enjoyable! This gleefully theatrical riff on Hitchcock's film is fast and frothy, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands. The actors themselves seem to be having a helluva good time. As does the audience." Clive Barnes, New York Post, pronounced THE 39 STEPS "Inventively astonishing, riotous & marvelous." Joe Dziemianowicz, Daily News, exclaimed, "Hitchcock probably never imagined his thriller had the makings of a hilarious comedy, but this show is a dizzy delight and an ingenious spoof, inventively directed by Maria Aitken. A fast-paced fun ride!"
Tickets are available from TeleCharge at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com and at the Helen Hayes Theatre box office. Performances are Tuesday at 7:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM, with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM.
www.39StepsOnBroadway.com
