Photo Flash: In Rehearsal for THE FUNDAMENTALS at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Rehearsals are underway for the Steppenwolf-commissioned world premiere production of Erika Sheffer's The Fundamentals, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov, who also directed Sheffer's Russian Transport at Steppenwolf in 2014. The cast features ensemble member Alana Arenas as Millie, a Manhattan hotel maid with higher aspirations, alongside ensemble members Caroline Neff and Alan Wilder with Audrey Francis and Armando Riesco. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Millie is a smart, resourceful young mother who works as a housekeeper in one of New York's premier luxury hotels. When an opportunity to move into management gives her the chance to leave behind her blue collar life, Millie must decide how much, and who, she's willing to sacrifice to secure her family's future. A funny and scathing look at America's corporate culture, The Fundamentals examines the compromises we make in order to fulfill our dreams.

The Fundamentals was commissioned by Steppenwolf and developed as part of the First Look new play series in 2015. As part of First Look, audiences were able to attend an open rehearsal of The Fundamentals followed by a discussion with Erika Sheffer and the artistic team, in addition to seeing a stage reading. This September, The Guggenheim Museum in New York presented selected scenes from The Fundamentals with the Chicago cast as part of their "Works & Process" series. The reading was followed by a discussion moderated by Julian Sheppard with the cast, director and playwright.

Previews begin November 10, 2016 (press performances are Saturday, November 19 at 3pm and Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30pm; opening night is Sunday, November 23) and the show runs through December 23, 2016 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted. Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Joel Moorman

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