John McGinty Joins Cast of Steppenwolf's TRIBES; Performances to Begin 12/5

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces the addition of John McGinty to the cast of the upcoming Chicago-premiere production of Tribes by Nina Raine. Ensemble member Austin Pendleton directs, also featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard and Helen Sadler. The American premiere of Tribes was Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theater in 2012, featuring ensemble member Jeff Perry. McGinty joins the cast as Billy, after playing the role at Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Russell Harvard, previously announced in the role, withdrew due to a schedule conflict. Tribes begins previews December 5, 2013 (opening night is December 15; press performances are December 14 at 3pm and December 17 at 7:30pm) and runs through February 9, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Tickets ($20 - $82) go on sale Friday, October 4 at 11am.

Billy's intellectual and proudly eccentric English family is its own tiny empire: private languages, in jokes and fiery arguments. Billy, deaf since birth, is the only one who truly listens. When he meets his girlfriend Sylvia, he is introduced to a larger Deaf community, which sparks a struggle for self-identity and rebellion against his family. Tribes is a sharp, witty story about finding the place where you can be heard-and a family that feels like home.

The production team for Tribes includes: Walt Spangler (scenic design), Rachel Anne Healy (costume design), Keith Parham (lighting design), Josh Schmidt(sound design and original music) and John Boesche (projection design). Additional credits include: Erica Daniels (casting), Michelle Medvin (stage manager) and Christine D. Freeburg (assistant stage manager).

Ticket prices Previews: $20 - $54; Regular Run: $20 - $82.
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.