Ira Amyx, Gabe Ruiz and More Join Martha Lavey in Steppenwolf Theatre's THE WAY WEST, Now thru 6/8

Casting is nearly complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-premiere production of The Way West by Mona Mansour. Ensemble member Amy Morton directs a cast of six featuring ensemble member Martha Lavey with Ira Amyx, Caroline Neff, Deirdre O'Connell, Zoe Perry and Gabe Ruiz. This wryly funny play-with music-about the contemporary quirks of our American spirit is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. The Way West begins previews tonight, April 3, 2014 (opening night is April 13; press performances are April 12 at 3pm and April 15 at 7:30pm) and runs through June 8, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Tickets ($20 - 78) are on sale now at steppenwolf.org.

In a modern-day California town that's seen better days, Mom shares death-defying tales of pioneer crossings with her two squabbling adult daughters as she waits for her bankruptcy to come through. Peppered with original prairie songs, this hilarious and heartbreaking play about today's American family explores the mixed blessing of our great frontier spirit, which has fueled both self-delusion and survival.

The production team for The Way West includes: Kevin Depinet (scenic design), Nan Cibula-Jenkins (costume design), David Weiner (lighting design), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound design and original music) and Malcolm Ruhl (musical director). Additional credits include: Erica Daniels (casting), Deb Styer (stage manager) and Michelle Medvin (assistant stage manager).

Performances run at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Previews: April 3 - 12, 2014; Press Performances: April 12 at 3pm and April 15 at 7:30pm; Opening: April 13 at 6pm; Regular Run: April 15 - June 8, 2014. Curtain Times Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm and Wednesday matinees at 2pm on May 14, 21 and 28. Note: There are no 7:30pm performances on April 8, May 18, 25, June 1 and 8. There is no 3pm performance on April 13 and the evening performance that day is at 6pm and is by invitation only. There are no performances on May 3.

Accessible Performances: American Sign Language Interpretation: May 11 at 7:30pm; Open Captioning: May 24 at 3pm; Audio Description and Touch Tour: May 25 at 1:30pm (3pm performance)

Ticket prices Previews: $20 - $54; Regular Run: $20 - $78; 20 for $20: Twenty $20 tickets are available for subscription shows on the day of the performance at 11am (Mon - Sat) and 1pm (Sun), by phone only at 312-335-1650. Limit 2 per person. Rush Tickets: Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student Discounts: Limited $15 student tickets are available online. (Limit 2 tickets. Must present a valid student ID for each ticket). For additional student discounts, visit steppenwolf.org/students. Group Tickets: All groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate for any performance throughout the season. Audience Services 1650 N Halsted St, 312-335-1650. Online ticketing available at steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America's longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theater spaces-the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat Garage Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 43 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming at Steppenwolf includes a five-play Subscription Season, a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season and two repertory series: First Look Repertory of New Work, and Garage Rep. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Martha Lavey is the Artistic Director and David Hawkanson is the Executive Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Currently on stage is Tribes by Nina Raine, directed by ensemble member Austin Pendleton (through February 9, 2014) in the Downstairs Theatre.

The 2013/14 Subscription Season also includes Russian Transport by Erika Sheffer, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov (February 6 - May 11, 2014) in the Downstairs Theatre; and The Qualms by Bruce Norris, directed by Pam MacKinnon (July 3 - August 31, 2014) in the Downstairs Theatre.