THE 39 STEPS Begins Previews At New World Stages 3/25

The new company of the Tony Award-winning comedy, Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS will begin previews tomorrow, March 25 at 8:00pm.

THE 39 STEPS will open officially on Thursday, April 15 at New World Stages / Stage 1 (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).

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 cast features John Behlmann as Richard Hannay, Cameron Folmar as Man #2, Jamie Jackson as Man #1 and Kate MacCluggage as Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret.

The move marks the fourth New York home for the peripatetic Tony Award-winning comedy. THE 39 STEPS received its American premiere in September, 2007 at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston. The Broadway production began performances on January 4, 2008 and opened January 15, 2008 at Roundabout Theatre Company's American Airlines Theatre. The production then moved to the Cort Theatre and Helen Hayes Theatre, playing for over two years and 771 laugh-filled performances, the longest run of any Broadway play in seven years.

Adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Maria Aitken, THE 39 STEPS is based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon and on the book by John Buchan.

Set and costume design is by Peter McKintosh, lighting design is by Kevin Adams and sound design is by Mic Pool. Original movement was created by Toby Sedgwick. Additional movement is created by Christopher Bayes. Production stage manager is Nevin Hedley.

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." 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 ($89.50 - 69.50) are available through Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com. Student rush is available for $27.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Performances are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 3:00 and 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 and 7:00 PM.

www.39StepsNY.com

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