Steppenwolf for Young Adults Presents SAMUEL J AND K, 2/22-3/13

Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the Midwest premiere of Samuel J. and K. by Mat Smart, directed by Ron OJ Parson.  The production, featuring Cliff Chamberlain and Samuel G. Roberson, Jr., runs February 22 - March 13, 2011 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.  Weekday matinees (Tuesdays - Fridays) are reserved for school groups only, with weekend performances (Saturday and Sunday) available to the public.  The press performance is Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11 am.
 
Set in modern-day suburban Chicago, Samuel J. and K. follows the path of two brothers - one black and one white. In honor of Samuel K.'s college graduation, Samuel J. surprises his adopted brother with two round-trip tickets to his birthplace in Africa to explore his roots. As the brothers set out on a life changing journey, they confront long-buried issues of identity, race and family secrets.
 
Naperville, Illinois native Mat Smart is a two-time recipient of the Jerome Fellowship from The Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis.   His other plays include The Hopper Collection, The 13th of Paris and The Bebop Heard in Okinawa. He is a co-founder of Slant Theatre Project in New York City and an alumnus of the Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab.  For Steppenwolf, Ron OJ Parson previously directed The Horn, Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train and Wedding Band and appeared in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest with Gary Sinise.  He is a Resident Artist at Court Theatre and has also worked in Chicago at the Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Congo Square, Black Ensemble Theater, ETA, Chicago Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, Writers' Theatre, Eclipse Theatre and UrbanTheater Company.
 
The Samuel J. and K. production team includes: Jack Magaw (sets), Melissa Torchia (costumes), J.R. Lederle (lights) and Kevin O'Donnell (sound).  Additional credits include Erica Daniels (casting), Polly Carl (dramaturg) and Beth Spencer (stage manager).