Photo Flash: First Look at Young Jean Lee's STRAIGHT WHITE MEN at Steppenwolf Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company welcomes internationally acclaimed playwright and director Young Jean Lee this winter as she directs the Chicago premiere of her play, Straight White Men. The fearless and entertaining play features ensemble member Alan Wilder as the patriarch, Ed, who welcomes home his three sons-Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Brian Slaten (Matt) for the holidays. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Previews began February 2, 2017 (press performances are Saturday, February 11 at 3pm and Tuesday, February 14 at 7:30pm; opening night is Sunday, February 12) and the show runs through March 19, 2017 in the Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St).

As Ed, a widower, prepares to celebrate Christmas, he calls his three grown sons back to the family home. Games are played, Chinese food is ordered, and brotherly pranks and trashtalk distract them from the ongoing issue that threatens to ruin the festivities: when personal identity is essential and privilege is a problem, what is a straight white man to do? Young Jean Lee takes an outside look at the traditional father/son play narrative, shedding new and often hilarious light on a story we think we know all too well.

Alan Wilder, an original ensemble member, has appeared in more than 60 Steppenwolf productions, including Steppenwolf's current world premiere of Erika Sheffer's The Fundamentals (through Dec 31, 2016). Madison Dirks was last seen in Steppenwolf's production of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, which later transferred to Broadway. Ryan Hallahan makes his Steppenwolf debut in this production, and was last seen in Jackalope's production of Octagon. Elliott Jenetopulos, who originated the role of Stagehand-In-Charge in the premiere of Straight White Men at The Public Theater in 2014, makes their Steppenwolf debut in this production. Syd Germaine also makes their Steppenwolf debut with this production and was last seen in Julius Caesar at Writers Theatre. Brian Slaten, who previously performed the role of Matt in the Center Theatre Group production, also directed by Young Jean Lee, joins the Chicago cast in the same role.

The Straight White Men production team includes David Evans Morris (scenic design), Enver Chakartash (costume design), Sarah Hughey (lighting design), Jamie McElhinney (sound design) and Chris Giarmo (original music and composition). Additional credits include Laura Glenn (stage manager), Christine D. Freeburg (assistant stage manager), JC Clementz (casting director), and Jonathan Berry (artistic producer).

Note: Elliott Jenetopulos plays the role of Stagehand-in-charge through March 4; Syd Germaine will take over the role from March 5 - 19. Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Ensemble member Alan Wilder (Ed), Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Brian Slaten (Matt)
Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew), Brian Slaten (Matt) and ensemble member Alan Wilder (Ed)
Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Brian Slaten (Matt)
Madison Dirks (Jake) and Ryan Hallahan (Drew)
Elliott Jenetopulos (Elliott) and Will Wilhelm (Will)
Brian Slaten (Matt), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Madison Dirks (Jake)
Ensemble member Alan Wilder (Abe)
Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Madison Dirks (Jake)
Madison Dirks (Jake)
Brian Slaten (Matt), Madison Dirks (Jake) and Ryan Hallahan (Drew)
Ryan Hallahan (Drew), Madison Dirks (Jake), Brian Slaten (Matt) and ensemble member Alan Wilder (Ed)