Steppenwolf Theatre Hosts Conversation with Frank Rich and Martha Lavey, 5/7

Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosts an evening of conversation on Monday, May 7 between two exceptional students of American theater: renowned journalist and former New York Times drama critic Frank Rich and Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey. Inspired by Steppenwolf's season theme, "Dispatches from the Homefront," their onstage discussion offers a unique perspective on culture and world events. Following the conversation, the audience has the opportunity to ask questions of Rich and Lavey.

The May 7 conversation is part of the theater's ongoing engagement with theatergoers beyond the productions on Steppenwolf's stages. The event is on May 7, 2012 at 7pm in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Tickets ($10) go on sale April 13 at 11am through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted), at 312-335-1650 or at steppenwolf.org. 

Frank Rich joined New York magazine in 2011 as Writer-at-Large, following a distinguished 31-year career at The New York Times, where he was an OpEd columnist after serving as chief drama critic for 13 years. He has written about culture and politics for many major national publications and is the author of several books, including Ghost Light: a Memoir and The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina. He is executive producer of two forthcoming HBO projects: Veep, a new comedy series satirizing Washington, DC, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus; and a documentary about Stephen Sondheim. 

Martha Lavey is an ensemble member and the Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, where she has appeared in more than 20 productions. In Chicago she has performed at the Goodman, Victory Gardens, Northlight and Remains theaters. Martha has served on numerous grants panels, including the National Endowment for the Arts and Theatre Communications Group. She holds a doctorate in Performance Studies and is a recipient of an Alumni Merit Award and Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Northwestern University, and is a member of the National Advisory Council for the School of Communication at Northwestern. She is currently featured in Steppenwolf's The March.