'Dead Man's Cell Phone' Premieres at Steppenwolf March 27

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 32nd season with Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl, directed by associate artist Jessica Thebus.  The production, featuring ensemble member Molly Regan (March 27 – June 1) with Sarah Charipar, Marilyn Dodds Frank (June 3 – July 27) Coburn Goss, Mary Beth Fisher, Marc Grapey, and Polly Noonan, runs March 27 – July 27, 2008 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre (1650 N. Halsted St).

"In this whimsical and imaginative comedy from one of America's leading contemporary playwrights, Jean begins answering a stranger's cell phone because he's, well, dead, and can't answer it himself.  When the phone won't stop ringing, and Jean can't stop answering, she embarks on an eye-opening journey into the man's mysterious life," explain press note.

Sarah Ruhl gained widespread recognition for her play The Clean House, which won the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2004 and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005.  She also won the 2006 MacArthur Fellowship.  Other plays include Eurydice and Passion Play. 

Dead Man's Cell Phone is directed by Jessica Thebus.  The design team includes:  Scott Bradley (sets), Linda Roethke (costumes), James Ingalls (lights) and Andre Pleuss and Ben Sussman (sound and original music).  David Perez is the assistant director.  Christine D. Freeburg is the stage manager and Michelle Medvin is the assistant stage manager.   

The cast includes ensemble member Molly Regan (Mrs. Gottlieb, March 27 – June 1) with Sarah Charipar (The Other Woman/Stranger), Marilyn Dodds Frank (Mrs. Gottlieb, June 3 – July 27), Marc Grapey (Gordon), Coburn Goss (Dwight), Mary Beth Fisher (Hermia) and Polly Noonan (Jean).

Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre is located at1650 N. Halsted St. 

Previews are March 27 – April 5; Opening Sunday April 6 at 6PM with performances through July 27. There are no performances on May 3 or July 4.

Show times are Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30PM. Sunday evening performances through June 22, 2008 only. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3PM. The matinee on Sunday April 6 begins at 2PM. Wednesday matinees on June 25, July 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 2PM.

Tickets (Previews: $20-$45, Regular Run: $20-$68). Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances).  Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show.  Student discounts available.  Call 312-335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org