Steppenwolf's HOW LONG WILL I CRY? Begins 2/26

Steppenwolf for Young Adults' 2012/13 season continues with How Long Will I Cry?: Voices of Youth Violence by Miles Harvey, directed by Edward Torres, with artistic consulting by Kelli Simpkins in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Presented as part of the citywide Now Is The Time initiative, How Long Will I Cry? features Charles Gardner, Tara Mallen, J. Salomé Martinez, Jr., Shannon Matesky, Jesse David Perez, Gabriel Ruiz, Mark Smith, Mark Ulrich and Celeste Williams. How Long Will I Cry? runs February 26 – March 9, 2013; the press performance is on March 4 at 7:30pm. Performances Tuesday through Friday are reserved for school groups only; public performances are scheduled on March 2, 4 and 9. Single tickets and tickets for school groups are currently on sale. Following the run at Steppenwolf, How Long Will I Cry? will tour to seven Chicago Public Library branches with free workshops for the public to follow each performance; visit steppenwolf.org for the schedule and locations.

Woven together from interviews gathered by journalist Miles Harvey and his students at DePaul University, How Long Will I Cry? provides raw, truthful insight into the problem of youth violence. By giving voice to those who know the tragic consequences of violence first-hand-families of the victims, residents of crime-ridden neighborhoods and especially young people-How Long Will I Cry? inspires all of us to join together in search of a solution.

Now Is The Time is a year-long citywide conversation about how young people can make positive change in their communities and stop the trend of youth violence and intolerance. Through major projects taking place throughout 2012/13, Chicago Public Library, Facing History and Ourselves, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company join forces to activate this conversation in our city's many neighborhoods. They are joined by dozens of other organizations and institutions around the city, including a coalition of Chicago's finest theater companies, Now is the Time to ACT. Learn more at nowisthetimechicago.org.

The production team for How Long Will I Cry? includes: William Boles (scenic design), Sally Dolembo (costume design), J. R. Lederle (lighting design), Gregor Mortis (sound design) and Michael Fernandez (projection design). Additional credits include: Erica Daniels (casting), Terrence Mosley (assistant director), Megan Shuchman (dramaturgy) and Tess Lauchaire (stage manager).