Photo Flash: OF MICE AND MEN Runs At Steppenwolf Through 5/10

Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler with Robert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D’Addario, James D. Farruggio, Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 – May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted.  Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups.

Set in the desperate world of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men is a compelling tale of friendship and survival. George and Lenny are migrant workers who dream of one day settling down on their own piece of land. Their shared vision of a better future and the strength of their friendship carry them through the loneliness, oppression and uncertainty of difficult times.

Michael Patrick Thornton starred as John Merrick last season in Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ production of The Elephant Man.  As a director, Michael has helmed productions at The Gift Theatre Company, where he is co-founder and artistic director.  He received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Gift’s production of The Good Thief.

The design team includes: Courtney O’Neill (sets), Branimira Ivanova (costumes), Charles Cooper (lights), Miles Polaski (original music and sound) and John Tovar (fight choreography). Kathleen Petroziello is the stage manager.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults department brings high-quality theatre to artistically curious young adults across Chicago. Each production resonates with a mature teen audience, in hopes of inspiring a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners. Productions have ranged from original work and adaptation, to classics like The Glass Menagerie and Of Mice and Men - both being produced in the 2008-2009 SYA season. The department produces two full-scale shows each year, performed during the week for students and opened up to the public during weekend matinees.

Steppenwolf for Young Adult productions are performed exclusively for students Tuesday – Friday  mornings at 10 a.m.  Schools interested in deepening their relationship with Steppenwolf should consider becoming a subscriber or residency school.

The Young Adults Council is a unique after-school program for passionate and motivated high school students who wish to learn the inner-workings of professional theatre from the most celebrated artists in the city. In addition to invaluable face-time with these leading professionals, Council members attend the best plays in Chicago, learn how to analyze and speak about these plays, and organize events for their peers around Steppenwolf productions in hopes of inspiring a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners.

The Teacher Theatre Immersion Course is a professional development program that provides teachers with theatre arts integration tools designed to improve student achievement. Participants are exposed to principles, pedagogies and values inspired by the theatre arts and Steppenwolf Theatre Company that are directly applicable in the classroom setting and relevant to core curriculum. The Master Teacher Workshops help teachers improve student comprehension of literature through drama, using texts related to our Steppenwolf for Young Adults productions. All offer the opportunity to earn CPDU credits. All courses and workshops are free.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults is a citywide partner of the Chicago Public Schools School Partner Program.

Steppenwolf is located near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible.  Street and lot parking are available.  Assistive listening devices are available for every performance in the Upstairs or Downstairs Theatres.

Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon.  The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through on-going group work.  Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of 42 artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking and textual adaptation.  For additional information, please visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Photos by Peter Coombs

Paul D’Addario and Keith Kupferer

Richard Henzel, Emanueal Buckley, Paul D’Addario and Keith Kupferer

Keith Kupferer and Jessie Fisher