Photo Flash: First Look at Erika Sheffer's THE FUNDAMENTALS at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 41st season with 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 membersAlana Arenas (Millie), Caroline Neff (Stellan) and Alan Wilder (Abe) with Audrey Francis (Eliza) and Armando Riesco (Lorenzo). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action 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 ofThe 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.

The show is currently in previews for an opening night this Sunday, November 20, running through December 23, 2016 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

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