Steppenwolf's The Seafarer Announces 2 Week Extension

Due to popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is adding two additional weeks of performances to its critically-acclaimed production of The Seafarer, by Conor McPherson, directed by ensemble member Randall Arney. A new block of tickets for performances February 9 - 22, 2009 is currently on-sale.

The Seafarer, featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan (through 2/1), tom irwin, John Mahoney and Alan Wilder with Bradley Armacost (2/3 - 2/22) and Randall Newsome, runs December 4, 2008 - February 22, 2009 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

It's Christmas Eve in Dublin. In the rundown house where Sharky cares for his blind brother, Old Acquaintances gather for a card game-joined by an ominous stranger. As the booze flows and the game intensifies, Sharky discovers he is playing for his soul. In this eerie, darkly humorous tale, celebrated playwright Conor McPherson examines how we face the demons of our past as we struggle to find redemption.

The Seafarer is the second of two plays by Conor McPherson premiering in Chicago at Steppenwolf this season. McPherson's Dublin Carol played November 6, 2008 - January 4, 2009 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre. The Seafarer makes its Chicago premiere following a critically-acclaimed Broadway run.

Born in Dublin, playwright Conor McPherson's plays include include The Seafarer (premiered on Broadway in 2007), Poor Beast in the Rain, Port Authority, Dublin Carol (premiered on Broadway in 2002), The Weir (premiered on Broadway in 1999), St Nicholas and This Lime Tree Bower. Mr. McPherson won London's prestigious Olivier Award for The Weir and received a Tony nomination for Shining City.

Ensemble member Randall Arney has directed Conor McPherson's The Weir at L.A.'s Geffen Playhouse, where he serves as Artistic Director. Other directing credits include Atlanta, Speed the Plow, All My Sons, Take Me Out, I Just Stopped by to See the Man, Boy Gets Girl and God's Man In Texas. Steppenwolf Broadway transfers under his leadership include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Song of Jacob Zulu (six Tony Award nominations) and The Grapes of Wrath (Tony Award winner).

The design team for The Seafarer includes: Takeshi Kata (sets), Janice Pytel (costumes), Daniel Ionazzi (lights) and Richard Woodbury (sound). Christine D. Freeburg is the Stage Manager and Rose Marie Packer is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Online ticketing available at www.steppenwolf.org