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110th out of 382 books
—
282 voters
The 39 Steps: A Play
>The 39 Steps, is Broadway's longest running comedy, playing its 500th performance on Broadway, May 19th, 2009!
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This 2-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 1...more
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This 2-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 1...more
Paperback, 112 pages
Published
November 10th 2009
by Samuel French Trade
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"The 39 Steps" is a wildly popular, farcical romp of noir theatricality. After reading the script, I'm convinced that the magic is in the execution. The story is thin and dumb, but the conceit of having four actors flounce around the stage performing hundreds of different roles is nicely encapsulated in the writing. Hats off. There is no question that this play will become a staple of regional and educational theatre; it provides ample room for improvisation in casting, directing, acting and ove...more
Being a big Alfred Hitchcock fan myself, I found this piece of comedy to be delightful. It is light-hearted enough to poke fun at the ultra-heightened drama of the typical Hitchcock film, while still staying true enough to the story to keep it within the confines of farce. Patrick Barlow takes every character in Hitchcock's original movie and doles them out to four actors. Some of the gags are written in, such as references to several Hitchcock movies, and some are left open to interpretation. P...more
This was a quick funny read. It is a potboiler pulp fiction novel turned into a very good movie turned into a hilarious play. Four actors play dozens of parts with minimal sets and props. The script does not fully capture the magic of the onstage performance because so much of the action is impromptu physical humor. Still, with a little imagination and a quick youtube search, I think you can quickly grasp the possibilities for onstage production. Fun.
So this is a play adapted from a movie which was adapted from a book, and it is hilarious. There is a lot of humor in the script itself, but to see the real value of some of the things in the script I think that it is important to see the play on stage. I haven't actually seen it, but the clips on youtube from the Broadway and London productions can give you an idea. I recommend it.
I got this book online. Expected it to be the novel of John Buchan. This is an adaptation for stage. Enjoyed it though. I saw the Hitchcock movie, so while reading I saw the actors in it. The play is very funny. It really makes want to see it in an actual theatre. No chance in Belgium, I'm afraid.
Very enjoyable. Still want to read the novel.
Very enjoyable. Still want to read the novel.
Going to be performing this play soon at my school.
Actually doing the play makes me enjoy the script a lot more so thats the main reason for giving it three stars. :)
Actually doing the play makes me enjoy the script a lot more so thats the main reason for giving it three stars. :)
Must be seen to really be appreciated. This is a play where the actors must bring it to life
Oct 08, 2012
Eileen Bader Williams
added it
This is a fun potboiler, read it on a car trip to Delaware!
One of the funniest shows I've ever seen - and a great read. Two parts 'See How They Run' mixed with one part Hitchcock thriller, add a dash of Monty Python and viola - 'The 39 Steps - A Play'.
Hilarious! I saw the play first (which I think played a big part in my opinion), but the script gives a taste of the genius and fun-poking of the play!
I am currently stage managing this show. It is uber complicated backstage but a good time to watch.
DCTC 2010
Wonderful, zany production!
Wonderful, zany production!
May 17, 2013
Tommy Trietley
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2013
Robin Heiberg
marked it as to-read
May 09, 2013
Katjp
marked it as to-read
May 04, 2013
Kenny McGinnis
marked it as library
May 02, 2013
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Apr 19, 2013
Nichole Meehl
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Apr 13, 2013
Erika
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Mar 15, 2013
Rob
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Patrick Barlow is an English actor, comedian and playwright. His comedic alter ego, Desmond Olivier Dingle, is the founder, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the two-man National Theatre of Brent, which has performed on stage, on television and on radio. Barlow is the scriptwriter, as well as lead performer, in many National Theatre of Brent productions, in particular All the World's a Glob...more
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