THE BOOK THIEF Kicks Off Steppenwolf for Young Adults 2012/13 Season Today, 10/21

Steppenwolf for Young Adults' 2012/13 season kicks off with The Book Thief, based on the novel by Markus Zusak, adapted by Heidi Stillman and directed by Hallie Gordon in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St).

Presented as part of the citywide Now Is The Time initiative, and in partnership with Chicago Public Library's One Book, One Chicago program, The Book Thief features ensemble member Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews, Amy J. Carle, Rob Fagin, Rae Gray, Dennis William Grimes, Nikki Klix, Ian Knox, Anthony-Jon LeSage, Clancy McCartney, Andy Monson, Mark Ulrich and Nicole Wiesner. The Book Thief runs now through November 9, 2012 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St); the press performance is today, October 21 at 3pm. Matinees Tuesday through Friday are reserved for school groups only, with Saturday and Sunday performances available to the public. Single tickets and tickets for school groups are currently on sale.

Leisel Meminger is a young girl struggling to survive in Nazi Germany. Her life is filled with risk and danger but her love of books guides her through a brutal world. Death watches over her, fascinated by humankind's will to live. The Book Thief looks at the terrible cost of violence, bearing witness to our compassion and complicity. When Death tells a story, you listen.

Since the fall of 2001, One Book, One Chicago has encouraged Chicagoans of all backgrounds and ages to read the same book at the same time, and come together to discuss a great piece of literature. This marks the third Steppenwolf production of a One Book, One Chicago selection, following The House on Mango Street (2009) and The Crucible (2007).

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, for Now is the Time to ACT. Learn more at nowisthetimechicago.org.

The production team for The Book Thief includes: Lizzie Bracken (scenic design), Sally Dolembo (costume design), J. R. Lederle (lighting design), Rick Sims (sound design and original music) and Mike Tutaj (projection design). Additional credits include: Erica Daniels (casting) and Deb Styer (stage manager).

Title The Book Thief
Author Markus Zusak
Adaptor Heidi Stillman
Director Hallie Gordon
Featuring Ensemble member Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews, Amy J. Carle, Rob Fagin, Rae Gray, Dennis William Grimes, Nikki Klix, Ian Knox, Anthony-Jon LeSage, Clancy McCartney, Andy Monson, Mark Ulrich and Nicole Wiesner

Location Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St
Dates October 16 – November 9, 2012
Public Performances Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm (no 7:30pm performance on October 20)
and Sundays at 3pm
School Performances Tuesday – Friday at 10am
Press Performance October 21 at 3pm

Public Ticket Price $20 on Saturdays, 2-for-1 on Sundays
$15 student tickets available via Audience Services/phone only
Audience Services 1650 N Halsted St, 312-335-1650
Online ticketing available at steppenwolf.org
For information about Steppenwolf for Young Adult school performances,
contact SYA Education Assistant Lauren Sivak at 312-654-5643.

Accessible Performances Audio-described performance and touch tour: October 27 at 1:30pm (3pm performance)
Open-captioned performance: October 28 at 3pm
Sign language-interpreted performance: November 4 at 3pm

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