At the age of 15, a “North Shore boy” by the name of Jeff Perry was propelled into the world of theatre at the encouragement of a high school drama teacher. Since then, his life-spanning career has been in support of theatrical endeavors on the local and national level, but few resonate as deeply as […]
On July 27, 1919, Eugene Williams, a Black teenager from Chicago, was murdered after he innocently floated into a territory of the Lake Michigan shore that was colloquially for “whites only.” People on the Lake Shore retaliated by throwing rocks at Williams, causing him to drown. This senseless murder ignited the Chicago Race Riots of […]
Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world-renowned ensemble was joined by more than 460 civic, cultural and business leaders from Chicago for its annual fundraising gala on May 14, raising more than $1.98 million to support its educational and artistic programming. Held at Rockwell on the River, the festive evening was designed and produced by Frost Chicago and […]
In celebration of 42 remarkable seasons of ensemble theater, nearly 700 guests gathered on May 12 to honor Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world-renowned ensemble. With record-breaking attendance, the 2018 Gala raised more than $1.3 million for the theater’s pivotal programing in the arts and local community. Steppenwolf works with local Chicagoland schools and neighborhoods in providing their outreach […]
The fall season gets into full swing with some promising premieres. “East of Eden” Sept. 17 – Nov. 15 Back in 1988, “The Grapes of Wrath” became one of Steppenwolf’s most successful shows ever. Frank Galati, who wrote the script for that groundbreaking Tony Award winner, is now adapting another classic book by John Steinbeck, […]
Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #MIBBestof2015. Live Music Venue Ravinia (North Shore) This winner came as no surprise: You’ve chosen this outdoor music venue every year since 2012. 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, 847-266-5000 […]
Young people can be so puzzling to older generations. Countless articles have asked, “What’s up with millennials, anyway?” And several recent plays at Steppenwolf Theatre, including “The Night Alive” and “Airline Highway,” zeroed in on this struggle for comprehension across the generational divide. In each of these plays, the story is propelled by the arrival […]
Like so many other plays before it, “The Herd” is about a family gathering that turns into a moment of crisis and confrontation. It’s a familiar formula, but British actor-playwright Rory Kinnear’s drama is an exceptionally well-written take on this scenario. Now making its U.S. premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre with a wonderful cast skillfully guided […]
Scene One. Marie Antoinette and her ladies drink tea and nibble on decadent French pastries as they walk back and forth across the golden “Hall of Mirrors” and chat frivolously about fashion, gardens and men. So begins Director Robert O’Hara’s modern and unconventional production of “Marie Antoinette” at Steppenwolf Theatre. Playwright David Adjmi intends to […]
In the abandoned parking lot of the once luxurious Hummingbird Motel, a community of misfits gathers to celebrate the life of Miss Ruby, their elderly and beloved matriarch. So begins “Airline Highway,” a profound and tumultuous play written by Lisa D’Amour and premiering at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Named after Louisiana’s real Airline Highway, a […]
