Photo Flash: Tracy Letts's 'Superior Donuts' At Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf Theatre Company concludes its 32nd season with the world premiere Superior Donuts by ensemble member and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau.  The production, featuring ensemble members Jon Michael Hill, Yasen Peyankov and James Vincent Meredith, with Jane Alderman, Kate Buddeke, Cliff Chamberlain, Michael Garvey, Robert Maffia and Michael McKean, runs June 19 – August 24, 2008 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

Arthur Przybyszewski (Michael McKean) owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.  Franco Wicks (Jon Michael Hill), a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better.  This provocative world premiere comedy, set in the heart of one of Chicago's most diverse communities, explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

Ensemble member Tracy Letts received the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his critically-acclaimed play August: Osage County, currently playing on Broadway following a sold-out run at Steppenwolf in 2007.  Mr. Letts is also the author of Man from Nebraska, which was produced at Steppenwolf in 2003 and was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize; Killer Joe, which has been produced in Chicago, London and New York; and Bug, which has played in New York, Chicago and London.

Ensemble member Tina Landau most recently directed Steppenwolf's 2007 production of The Diary of Anne Frank.  Other Steppenwolf directing credits include Cherry Orchard, The Time of Your Life (also Seattle Rep, A.C.T.), Theatrical Essays, Maria Arndt, The Ballad of Little Jo, The Berlin Circle, Time to Burn, and her own play, Space (also NY's Public Theater, Mark Taper Forum).

Superior Donuts is directed by Tina Landau.  The design team includes:  Loy Arcenas (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), Christopher Akerlind (lights), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (original music and sound) and Chuck Coyl (fight choreography).  Edward Sobel is the dramaturg.  Laura D. Glenn is the stage manager and Lauren V. Hickman is the assistant stage manager.  

For more information please visit www.steppenwolf.org

Yasen Peyankov and James Vincent Meredith

Jon Michael Hill, Cliff Chamberlain and Robert Maffia

Robert Maffia and Michael McKean

Photos by Michael Brosilow