Quick Changes, Crazy Props, Whiskey and Controlled Chaos in the Wings of "39 Steps"

www.playbill.com/multimedia/video Playbill got an exclusive look at the manic goings-on of Off-Broadway's "39 Steps." In the show - a comic take on Alfred Hitchcock's classic film - only four actors play some 100 characters, so quick changes are the rule and a never-ending supply of costumes, accessories, props and set pieces fill the wings at the Union Square Theatre. This is the most organized chaos any theatre fan is bound to see!

[@christopherbenner7516]

That looks like the great mixture of fun and chaos. I played Richard Hannay in our high school production, and I can attest to the fact that it is fun and chaotic at the same time.

[@andrewwjs]

But the chaos is the part that makes it even more fun! :D

[@calebgray6108]

Same here haha i played Clown 1 and there was no break haha

[@anastaciaclarke7236]

Yo. Imagine Understudying any role in this. Byeeee

[@starlightdiaries]

So interesting to see the behind the scenes of this show. I was an ASM at my college this February when we did this show. Had an absolute blast backstage and the most fun I've had with a cast!

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

I got to see this in 2009 when it was running.
It is still one of the greatest play experiences I've ever had.

[@susanfanning9927]

I saw this in London and in Nashville, TN. London was absolutely brilliant! So very funny and wildly paced!

[@witchHunterRN]

I would have loved to see this.

[@backpackdude1]

Me too

[@jaysadventures8887]

Omg how did I miss this

[@AGM2910]

Saw this in Leeds and it's honestly one of my favourite productions 🔥 props to the actors and and everyone involved!

[@Ben-fy2bh]

Lots of props indeed.

[@frostedjosieos3193]

Oof. This is what I want to do. This is why I love props/dressing. Such satisfaction.

[@ellinschafer6907]

How is the knife screwed in? What is it screwed into??

[@jnbvlogs2177]

Ellin Schafer her costume

[@Jack-yf9bc]

Probably a vest

[@crgwllms]

Why does every publicity statement about this show say there are '4 actors playing over 100 roles'? I've been in a professional performance of this play, and there are only just over 30 different characters.

[@josiahtollison2807]

Craig Williams it's called sarcasm..

[@crgwllms]

No, it's not really any form of sarcasm. It's only hyperbole.

[@josiahtollison2807]

Craig Williams oh. Sorry I thought only one person said it.

[@genevieveesquivie889]

Is the scrip for Mr Memory correct? Exentrinsic ? and other words he says.

[@a1a1luis]

best play i have ever seen

[@LouiePGallo]

Robert Petkoff was in the Racial Draft skit on Chapelle Show.

[@stevemeinecke]

I seen this show love it seen back The Drury Lane Oakbrook very funny show train was my favorite he is what he was bouncing around in the train is going

[@wolf-bass]

Off Broadway? I saw this in London more than once, starting about 30 years ago. It looks like the same production, is it?