Photos: First Look at Eclipse Theatre's THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS

Eclipse Theatre Company, the only Midwest theatre company to feature one playwright in one season, will continue its 2018 William Inge Season with the moving family drama The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, directed by guest artist Jerrell L. Henderson.

In a small Oklahoma town in the early 1920s, at the home of the Flood family, is Rubin, a traveling salesman for a harness firm; Cora, his sensitive and lovely wife; Sonny, their little boy; and Reenie, their teenage daughter. A series of short stories unfolds, including a fight between husband and wife; the fear of an overly shy young girl going to a dance; the problems of an introverted little boy who feels that the whole world is against him; the corroding marriage of Cora's rowdy sister; and the tragedy of a military school cadet who suffers from the stigma of being a Jew in an alien community. There is dark at the top of everyone's stairs, but it can be dissipated by understanding, tolerance and compassion.

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs runs approximately two hours with one ten-minute intermission. Post-show discussions with the cast and crew will be held following all Sunday matinees except opening and closing weekends (free with paid ticket).

TICKETS:773-935-6875, Athenaeum Box Office (open noon to last curtain, Wednesday-Sunday) Online tickets at www.eclipsetheatre.com $30 for all regular performances (half-price rush tickets available) $20 for previews; $10 for industry members at previews with headshot/card $20 for each ticket in groups of ten or more, and for seniors (with ID) $20 for students (with ID)