The 39 Steps, Abridged
by John Buchan, Claudia Shear, Patrick Barlow, Chris Miller, Nathan Tysen, Tim Federle
Highlights
Awards & Recognition
Winner! Two 2008 Tony Awards Winner! 2008 Drama Desk Award, Unique Theatrical Experience Winner! 2007 Laurence Olivier Award, Best New Comedy Nominee: Six 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Play
Synopsis
The 39 Steps, Abridged is a 60-minute version of the hit whodunit, speeding along but never missing any of the comic brilliance and thrilling moments of the full-length play.
The shorter version features the most loved and legendary scenes, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on The Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged, and the death-defying (or nearly!) finale at the London Palladium!
With four actors playing a minimum of 139 roles, it’s an astonishing theatrical tour de force.
Press Reviews
"Tuck startles with its emotional resonance and theatrical force! A warm-spirited and piercingly touching musical!"
— The New York Times
"Poignancy mixes well with humor, the songs are fresh and sweet... The music by Chris Miller is magical, grounded in folk, foot-pounding earthy beats and soaring melodies... Nathan Tysen's lyrics are even better - delving into complex themes with elegance... Long may it live."
— Associated Press
Characters
| Character |
|---|
RICHARD HANNAY |
COMPERE |
MR MEMORY |
ANNABELLA SCHMIDT |
HEAVY 1 |
HEAVY 2 |
BUSINESS MAN 1 |
BUSINESS MAN 2 |
PAPERBOY |
PORTER |
POLICEMAN 1 |
POLICEMAN 2 |
VOICES |
PAMELA EDWARDS |
RADIO ANNOUNCER |
LOUISA JORDAN |
PROFESSOR JORDAN |
SHERIFF |
MR DUNWOODY |
MR MCQUARRIE |
MRS MCGARRIGLE |
MR MCGARRIGLE |
SUPERINTENDANT ALBRIGHT |
Publication
The 39 Steps, Abridged is a comedy play written by John Buchan and published by Samuel French (2022).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle.
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Performance Rights
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
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