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Home , Babes With Blades, EZ Streets, Janie Dee, John Whiting Award, Lanford Wilson, Lucy Kirkwood

mosquitoes_program.pdf 1 9/6/19 4:39 PM

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K ENSEMBLE MEMBERS James Allen Peter Dully Caroline Neff Julia Siple Jonathan Berry Jonathan Edwards Jim Poole Sasha Smith Lucy Carapetyan Nate Faust Egan Reich Kendra Thulin George Cederquist Alex Gillmor Joel Reitsma Robin Witt Matthew Chapman Nick Horst Melissa Riemer Brendan Melanson Brad DeFabo Akin Lauren Lassus Brandon Rivera in memoriam Maria DeFabo Akin Ashleigh LaThrop Michael Salinas Thomas Dixon Cynthia Marker Amber Sallis Patricia Donegan Peter Moore Joanie Schultz

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATES Catherine Allen Jon Ravenscroft Simon Stephens Brandon Wardell Kristin Leahey Alison Siple Assoc. Playwright Chelsea M. Warren Emily McConnell Dan Stratton Ellen Willett

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Doug Passmore Anne Marie Mitchell David Bock Kelly Fitzgerald President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Dave Bartusek Sonya Dekhtyar Ted Lowitz Anne Puotinen Kelly Carpenter Ian Galleher Cooper Melgreen Jessica Schrey Louis Chieng Stu Kiesow Elizabeth Moore

EMERITUS BOARD FRIENDS OF STEEP Neil Jain Jon Putnam Heidi Brock Diane Galleher Molly Johnson John White Reid & Jennifer Barry Grant Katie Kett Sara Levy Quinn Broda Christine Rousseau Jen Moore John Dunnigan Craig Steadman STAFF Peter Moore Lucy Carapetyan Lee Miller Brad DeFabo Akin Artistic Director Casting Director Photographer Bartender Kate Piatt-Eckert Caroline Neff Gregg Gilman Kelsey McGrath Executive Director Casting Director Photographer Bartender Julia Siple Egan Reich Abbas Salem THE BOXCAR Managing Director Literary Manager Bartender Thomas Dixon Lisa Troi Thomas Stu Kiesow Artistic Curator Program & Box Graphic Designer Ryan Kling Office Manager Bar Manager

Steep Theatre is supported by the Bayless Family Foundation, a CityArts Grant from the City of Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Work Fund, the Alphawood Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation, the Jordan & Jean Nerenberg Family Fund, the Rothman Family Foundation, the Saints, and the Pauls Foundation. Steep is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres and Theatre Communications Group.

STEEP THEATRE COMPANY 1115 West Berwyn, Chicago, IL 60640 www.steeptheatre.com · [email protected] · (773) 649-3186 Steep Theatre Company proudly presents the U.S. Premiere of Mosquitoes by

CAST (in order of appearance) Jenny ...... Julia Siple^ Alice ...... Cindy Marker^ The Boson / Lyn Evans ...... Richard Costes Luke ...... Alexander Stuart Natalie / Ensemble ...... Upasna Barath Karen ...... Meg Thalken* Henri / Ensemble ...... Peter Moore^ Gavriella / Ensemble ...... Elle Walker Journalist / Ensemble ...... Amber Sallis^

UNDERSTUDIES Jenny ...... Liz Sharpe Alice ...... Amy Johnson The Boson / Lyn Evans / Henri ...... Rio Ragazzone Luke ...... Alex Levy Natalie ...... Menaka Deolekar Karen ...... Judi Schindler Gavriella / Journalist ...... Lisa Troi Thomas

PRODUCTION STAFF Director...... Jaclynn Jutting Stage Manager ...... Lauren Lassus^ Scenic Designer...... Sotirios Livaditis Lighting Designer...... Brandon Wardell^^† Costume Designer...... Emily McConnell^^† Sound Designer & Composer...... Kevin O’Donnell Props Designer...... Russell Langdon Projection Designer...... Stephan Mazurek Violence Choreographer...... Almanya Narula Dialect Coach...... Cate Gillespie Assistant Director ...... Emily Antoff Production Manager...... Lila Gilbert Technical Director...... Evan Sposato Master Electrician...... Alon Stotter Scenic Charge Artist...... Jamie Kreppein Assistant Stage Manager...... Isaac Jay Pineda ^Steep Theatre Ensemble Member ^^Steep Theatre Artistic Associate †Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers. Mosquitoes is presented by special arrangement with , Inc., New York. The video and audio recording of this show is strictly prohibited. You may take photos of before or after the show, but not when actors are present. If you post these photos online or elsewhere, please credit the production’s designers listed above. Season 19 Sponsor: The Bayless Family Foundation This production of Mosquitoes was sponsored by: Susan Burland & George Plumb, Ken Burlington, Colleen & John Mueller, and Jan Willer & Mark Osing Taste of New Orleans Edgewater Chicago

5352 N Broadway Chicago, Illinois pearlschicago.com DIRECTOR’S NOTE

January 2009 was the first time I saw a play at Steep. It was In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. Ever since then, I’ve admired this company of talented artists who treat those of us that walk through their doors like family. In a city of so many moving bodies traveling through time and space, I never feel alone when I’m at Steep.

Lucy Kirkwood’s Mosquitoes reminds us that we are all particles on our own disparate paths. It’s a play that fuses science with the nuclear family, addressing the dynamics of our world — both the cosmic macro and micro reality of our relationships with each other. Some of these characters, like us, are driven by a need to know how the universe fits together and our place in it. Others need to be able to pick up a phone and connect when we are the most scared or alone — to know that we have someone on the other end who listens to our greatest fears and the songs we create. Who stands alongside us in birthing the moments and miracles that we know are rare, but possible.

For the science community, locating the existence of the Higgs Boson in 2008 was one of those rare births. Its existence validated life-long careers and explained how we are all connected through time and space — our past, present and our future. This God’s particle is responsible — as the 16-year old Luke tells us — for giving us mass. In the same way that our relationships — whether it be with a fellow artist, a sibling, a lover or a parent — are what give us mass and our lives meaning. The truth about this spectacular long-awaited particle is the discovery that it, like us, is capable of decay. It can split. When we enter the ATLAS control room with these scientists, we stand with them at the brink of what is next in our ability to achieve, to theorize, to wonder?

It’s this portentous moment that Lucy Kirkwood seems interested in. The possibility of the miracle but also our own capacity for self-destruction. What I love about this play is that it asks us to consider what could split us? What could split a marriage or a country? Because the matriarch of this play is right, the world is held together by fundamental forces, but our model of existence also includes the Weak Force. Things and people can and do fall apart.

The Boson knows these forces too well. He is our guide through the past, equipped with the knowledge of its impacts on our future. We, like the play’s characters, are indeed a fractured people and public. Occasionally in our families, certainly in our countries. As we stand at this fork in the road, a part of the chain reaction of human existence, Lucy Kirkwood’s Mosquitoes asks us to consider the impact of the individual’s life choices on us all.

Jaclynn Jutting Director, Mosquitoes CAST Julia Siple (Jenny) Julia is such Chicago theaters as Interrobang Theatre fortunate to be back on stage Project, Citadel Theatre Company, and Prop at Steep where she is an Thtr. He is a proud alumnus of the Columbia ensemble member. Previous College Chicago acting program, from which he Steep credits include The also received training as a stage combatant Life and Sort of Death of Eric and fight choreographer. Love and thanks to Argyle, Motortown, A Small Fire, Under the the family, friends, roommates, and you! Stay Blue Sky, Love and Money, Moment, Festen, golden. www.alexanderjstuart.com and Harper Regan as well as many others (this is show #20!). She is a holds a BFA in Theatre Upasna Barath (Natalie) Performance from the University of Michigan. Upasna is ecstatic to be Julia can’t imagine life without her Steep making her professional family. Deepest gratitude to her parents for debut with Steep Theatre. making this possible. And especially to Carp She recently graduated from and her babycakes Olive, the centers of her North Central College in little universe. Naperville, IL with double majors in Economics and Theatre. Her previous work includes NCC Cindy Marker (Alice) Cindy productions of The Opportunities of Extinction most recently appeared in (dir. Kristen Osborn) and The Laramie Project Zϋrich, Linda, and Birdland (dir. Carin Silkaitis). She is also a playwright; and is happy to be part of her one-act play The Choice is Yours was the this production. Many runner-up for the 2019 Judith Barlow Prize. congratulations to the Upasna is now pursuing a Masters of Science immensely talented cast and crew! in Leadership for Creative Enterprises at Northwestern School of Communication. She Richard Costes (The Boson / would like to thank her family and friends for Lyn Evans) Richard is thrilled their constant love and support. to be returning to Steep Theatre after appearing in Meg Thalken (Karen) Meg Wastwater in 2016. Chicago has worked at Steppenwolf credits include Reverend D/ Theatre Co, Goodman Baby in In the Blood (Red Tape Theatre), Snout Theatre, The Den, Actors’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Theater of Louisville, Route Shakespeare Theatre), Arjun in the 66, Detroit Public Theater, Opportunities of Extinction (Broken Nose Victory Gardens, Next Theater, Northlight Theatre), the Stage Manager in Our Town Theater, , Travel Light, (Redtwist Theatre), and Astrov in VANYA (or, Wisdom Bridge, Pheasant Run, and The “That’s Life!”) at Rasaka Theatre. He has been Playhouse, among others. fortunate to perform in many other shows TV credits: The Haven, Shameless, Easy Abby, throughout Chicago, Ohio, and New York. He is Empire, Chicago Fire, Detroit 187,ER a graduate of Kent State University and is (recurring), Joan Cusack Show, Turks, Chicago represented by Gray Talent. Hope, Early Edition, EZ Streets, The Untouchables, Chicago Story, Jack & Mike, Alexander Stuart (Luke) Justice: Greylord Style, The Richard Speck Alexander is ecstatic to be Case and Through Naked Eyes. making his Steep debut this Film credits: Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party, season! Within the past year, This Day Forward, Bad Johnson, Hannah Free, Alex could be seen playing Check Please, The Company, U.S. Marshals, Christopher in The Curious III, A Family Thing, The Babe, and Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at both Class. the Actors Theatre of Louisville and Florida Studio Theatre. Before that, he worked with CAST, continued Peter Moore (Henri) Pete is named one of the ’s Hot New a founding member and the Faces of 2017. She is a 2016 Graduate of Artistic Director of Steep. His Northern Illinois University with a BFA in Acting Steep credits include and studied at MXAT theatre school in Pomona, Linda, Birdland, Moscow, Russia. Amber would like to give a Hinter, Earthquakes in huge thank you to her loving and forever London, The Cheats, The Few, Wastwater, supportive family. Motortown, Pornography, Harper Regan, Brilliant Adventures, Love & Money, strangers, Liz Sharpe (U/S Jenny) Liz is babies, Festen, The Life and Sort of Death of thrilled to be working with Eric Argyle, If There is I Haven’t Found it Yet, A Steep for the first time, on Brief History of Helen of Troy, and a few other this beautiful play with such impossibly long titles. Outside credits include an incredible group of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Writers Theatre); artists. Her latest credits In the Canyon (Jackalope Theatre); The include In the Canyon (Hope) at Jackalope Crucible (Steppenwolf Theatre); and The Theatre, Byhalia MS (Laurel) at the Den Downpour (Route 66 Theatre), among others. Theatre and Steppenwolf’s 1700 Space, and TV/Film credits include The Red Line (CBS); SLICE (A24) as Dana. She is represented by Chicago Justice, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD NV Talent. (NBC); the television pilot Convergence; and the Bollywood blockbuster Dhoom 3. Pete is a Amy Johnson (U/S Alice) graduate of Bowdoin College and The School Amy’s first full Chicago at Steppenwolf and is represented in India production was with Steep and the states by Paonessa Talent. Theatre in their 2nd full production, many moons Elle Walker (Gavriella) Elle ago. As a big fan of Lucy is thrilled to work alongside Kirkwood, she is delighted to be working with the amazing artists at Steep Steep on this thrilling play. Most recently, she for the first time. Her favorite was seen in Bechdel Fest 7 with Broken Nose Chicago credits include Theatre at Steppenwolf 1700. She was Madge in Picnic (American honored with a Jeff Award for Best Actress in a Theater Company), Cinderella at the Theatre Play for her work in Falling with !nterrobang of Potatoes (The Den), Dracula (The Theatre Project and has had the privilege to Hypocrites), The Addams Family (Mercury work with several Chicago theatres. She Theater), and three summers as a featured received her MFA from the University of artist with The Fly Honey Show (the Nebraska, Lincoln. amyjeanjohnson.com. Inconvenience). TV/Film: Kappa Force, Two in the Bush. She is represented by Paonessa Rio Ragazzone (U/S The Talent. Instagram: @malortandsavior. Boson / Lyn Evans / Henri) Rio is thrilled to be working Amber Sallis (Journalist) with Steep Theatre Company Amber is beyond excited to for the first time. Other be a new ensemble member Chicago credits include and a part of such an , You Can’t Take It amazing cast. Amber’s With You,* Taming of the Shrew (Oak Park theatrical credits include Festival Theatre, *u/s); In the Canyon Pomona, Earthquakes in London, Hinter, (Jackalope Theatre Company, u/s); and Zϋrich and Birdland (Steep Theatre), The Last Armonica’s: The Secret Gem of the Southwest Days of Judas Iscariot (Eclectic Full Contact Side (Jackalope Groundworks Series.) Rio Theatre), Covenant (Creating Justice holds his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Conference), and A Snowy Day and Other from New Mexico State University and is a Stories (Emerald City Theatre). Amber was proud artistic associate of Oak Park Festival F I E R C E P R O D U C T I O N S P R E S E N T S Fierc & Deadly Halloween A n e x c l u s i v e S e v e n D e a d l y S i n s H a l l o w e e n p a r t y w i t h m a g i c , b u r l e s q u e , d a n c i n g , a n d o p e n b a r a t a p r i v a t e , m e m b e r s - o n l y c l u b i n L i n c o l n P a r k .

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EVENTS THAT DARE TO BE DIFFERENT WEDDINGS | EVENTS | DESIGN | CHICAGO & WORLDWIDE w w w . F i e r c e - P r o d u c t i o n s . c o m CAST, continued Theatre. Everything he does is dedicated to Judi Schindler (U/S Karen) his late mother, Sarita Ragazzone. Judi is pleased to be part of this brilliant Mosquitoes Alex Levy (U/S Luke) Alex is production. Recent roles a graduate of the School of include Roberta in the widely Theatre and Dance at Illinois acclaimed play Admissions State University with a B.A. at Theater Wit and Dr. Toule in Women of 4G in Acting. at Babes with Blades. Other favorite roles credits: Next to Normal include Miriam Goldman in Beau Jest, Juanita (Writers Theatre), Phoebe in Winter (Facility Bartlett in Sordid Lives, and the drunk Theatre), and HAIR (Metropolis Performing passenger in Hellcab. She also has Arts Centre). Regional theatre credits: Hamlet, understudied at such theaters as , Peter and the Starcatcher, and Steppenwolf, Northlight, Shattered Globe and Rodeo (Illinois Shakespeare Festival). TV Victory Gardens, where she went on as Hillary credits include appearances on Chicago Fire in Hillary and Clinton. In addition, Judi can (NBC) and Empire (FOX). Alex is proudly also be seen in various local venues represented by Grossman & Jack Talent. performing her one-woman show, Husbands: An Owner’s Manual, based on 50+ years of Menaka Deolekar (U/S marriage to Jack Schindler. Natalie) Menaka is comedian, actor, and dog Lisa Troi Thomas (U/S Mom who would like to Gavriella / Journalist) Lisa thank the team of Steep Troi is very excited that this Theatre and Mosquitoes for is her first show with Steep; having her on this wonderful project! She is a but she is not a stranger to proud recipient of the 2018 Bob Curry Steep as she is also the Fellowship and graduated from The House and Programming Manager as well as Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Access Coordinator. You may have seen her Human Resources and Acting. Menaka most recently in The Fly Honey Show at The studied theatre in London, and is a graduate Den Theatre or in The Ridiculous Darkness at of Conservatory and Comedy Sideshow Theatre. Lisa is very thankful for Studies Program, and the iO Improv Program. Steep and how much they have let her spread Past credits include Teatro Vista’s Romeo and her wings and flourish. She is represented by Juliet (Nurse), ‘Night Mother (Jessie Cates), Big Mouth Talent. Uncle Vanya (Yelena Andreyevna), Dog Sees God (Marcy). You can see her improvise with Stir Friday Night, and perform theatre, stand up, and sketch comedy around Chicago. Menaka is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent and would not be anywhere without God and her family’s endless love and support. Instagram: MenakasDistressedGenes Twitter: HakunaMenakah PRODUCTION STAFF Lucy Kirkwood (Playwright) Lucy Kirkwood is for Direction in 2019 & 2018 for her direction an acclaimed playwright and screenwriter. In of The Wolves, The Flick, and The Amish 2009, Lucy’s play It Felt Empty When the Project, which also received a KCACTF citation Heart Went at First but it is Alright Now was for Outstanding Direction. She is a teaching produced by Clean Break Theatre Company at artist, who received her M.F.A. in Directing the . The play was nominated from Northwestern University. for an Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer and made Lucy joint winner of the Lauren Lassus (Stage Manager) Lauren is a 2010 . NSFW premiered at proud Steep Ensemble Member. Recent Steep the Royal in 2012, starring credits include: Pomona, First Love is the and Julian Barratt. Revolution, and Zürich. Thanks to Jackie, the premiered at the in 2013 and cast, and crew! subsequently transferred to the West End, earning Best New Play at the 2014 Olivier and Sotirios Livaditis (Scenic Designer) Sotirios is Evening Standard Awards, as well as the excited to be making his Steep Theatre debut. Critics Circle Award and the Susan Smith Recent projects include For Services Ren- Blackburn Prize. Recent work includes dered, The Harvest (Griffin Theatre), Hans Mosquitoes (presented by special arrange- Christian Andersen, When She Had Wings ment with ), which (Northwestern University), Out of Love opened at the National Theatre, London, in (Interrobang Theatre Project) Small World, Fun summer 2017; and The Children, which Harmless WarMachine (The New Colony), premiered at the , London, Language Rooms (Broken Nose Theatre) in 2016. The Children opened on Broadway in Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies (First December 2017. Lucy also writes for screen: Floor Theatre), The Light Fantastic, 1980 or She has written for Skins (Company Pictures); Why I’m Voting for John Anderson (Jackalope created and wrote The Smoke (Kudos/Sky 1); Theatre). He was the associate scenic wrote and directed the short film The Briny; designer on A Midsummer Night’s Dream and is developing projects with Raw TV, (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Djembe! Cowboy Films, Clio Barnard, and Lenny (Apollo Theatre) and Madama Butterfly (Irish Abrahamson. Her new six-part season Adult National Opera) with Todd Rosenthal. MFA Material (Tiger Aspect Productions) and the - Northwestern University. Please experience mini-series of her play Chimerica (Playground more of his work at www.sotiriosdesigns.com Productions) have both recently been greenlit. Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer) Brandon Jaclynn Jutting (Director) Jaclynn Jutting is an is a Lighting and Scenic Designer in Chicago, award-winning freelance director, working out and an Artistic Associate at Steep. Recent of Nashville and Chicago. Directing credits designs include Pomona, Linda, Birdland, Lela include the The Wolves (Actors Bridge & Co., Earthquakes in London, and Brilliant Ensemble), The Flick and The Whale (Verge Adventures with Steep; The Curious Incident Theater), A Midsummer Night’s Dream of the Dog in the Night-Time at Steppenwolf; A (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), Sea Wall (OZ Number at Writers; The Father with Remy Arts), The Amish Project (Actors Bridge Bumppo; In The Next Room with TimeLine; Ensemble/BU), the Jeff-nominated production Men On Boats at ATC; For Services Rendered, of (Eclectic), Love and Under- Titanic, London Wall, and Men Should Weep standing (Redtwist), and Animals Out of Paper with Griffin; and The Game of Love and (Next Up/Steppenwolf Garage). She is the Chance at American Players. Brandon earned former Associate Artistic Director of Vitalist his MFA from Northwestern University and is Theatre and previous head of the BFA-Direct- Professor of Lighting Design at Northern ing program and Assistant Professor at Illinois University. Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She is the recipient of the First Night Outstanding Award PRODUCTION STAFF, continued Emily McConnell (Costume Designer) Emily is Kevin O’Donnell (Sound Designer & Compos- proud to be returning to Steep as an Artistic er) Kevin is happy to be back at Steep, where Associate for Mosquitoes, having designed he last worked on Fallow. In Chicago his work Birdland, Wastwater, The Few, Luther, has been nominated for 20 Jeff Awards Lakeboat, Hollow Lands, and In Arabia.... In (receiving 8). He has worked with Steppen- addition to being the Resident Costume wolf, Chicago Shakespeare, Court, Northlight, Designer for Roosevelt University’s Chicago TimeLine, Lookingglass, Chicago Children’s College of the Performing Arts. She also Theatre, and The House (company member), freelances for such companies as Michigan amongst many others. Regional credits: Shakespeare Festival (The Two Gentlemen of Kansas City Rep, Berkeley Rep, Pasadena Verona), The House (Hatfield & McCoy Playhouse, Olney Center, Seattle Rep. In New - Jeff-nominated), American Blues (Side Man), Orleans: Southern Rep, The Shakespeare Lifeline (3 Little Pigs, Monstrous Regiment), Festival at Tulane, and Le Petite Theatre (2 Big Northlight (Black Pearl Sings), Oak Park Easy Award nominations). New York: St Festival Theatre (Fair Maid of the West, Anne’s, 59E59, Cherry Lane, and the Amadeus, and others), Artistic Home Signature Theatre. He is also a drummer. (Interrogation, The American Plan), Dog & Pony (Roadkill Confidential), Gift Theatre Russell Langdon (Props Designer) Russell is (Suicide Incorporated), Theatre Mir, American a Lighting/Scenic/Props designer based in Theatre Company, Remy Bumppo, Griffin Chicago IL. Originally from Kansas City, Russell Theatre and About Face. She received her is a production designer and manager for MFA in Costume and Set Design from large scale corporate theatre and events. Northwestern University, and is a proud Russell is excited to be working with the Steep member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Theatre for the first time.

Stephan Mazurek (Projection Designer) The Public Theater: Mojada. :

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About the League of Chicago Theatres The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to support, promote, and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The League is proud to serve a membership of more than 240 theatres, a rich and varied theatre community ranging from storefront theatres with budgets under $10,000 to major cultural centers. PRODUCTION STAFF, continued Lady in Denmark. Victory GardensTheatre: Swashbuckling Sisters - a burlesque sword Lettie, Indecent. Steppenwolf Theatre: The fighting act, created with the hopes of Fundamentals, Russian Transport, The Wheel, empowering women and countering the lack of Tempest, Sonja Flew, The Cherry Orchard, Of fem representation within the combat world. Mice and Men. Northlight Theater: Faceless, Discord, Funnyman, Shining Lives, Better Late Cate Gillespie (Dialect Coach) Cate has a and Three Women Talking. St. Louis Repertory Music Theatre degree from Oakland University Theatre: Faceless. Second City Theatricals at in Rochester, Michigan. She has worked on the Montreal Just for Laugh’s Comedy Festival: accents and dialects in recent productions with Reverie: Simply Unspeakable. Galway Arts City Lit Theater, Haven Theatre, Red Theatre Festivall: Better Late. Chicago, Vitalist Theatre, Promethean Theatre www.stephanmazurek.com. Ensemble and Citadel Theatre. As a teaching artist, she has taught at Columbia College Almanya Narula (Violence Choreographer) Chicago, Oakland University’s Music Prep Almanya is a Jeff Nominated fight choreogra- Division, Evanston’s Young Artists Program, pher, actor, writer, and director. She recently The Viola Project and more. She also works in received her M.A in New Arts Journalism from nonprofit fundraising, and holds a certificate in The Art Institute of Chicago. She is the grant writing from DePaul University. Much love founder/editor-in-chief of Chicago Theatre Now to Russell, Quinn and wee Jamie. - a print publication featuring opinion articles from industry members discussion principles of Emily Antoff (Assistant Director) Emily is diversity, equity, and inclusion in the rehearsal thrilled to be working with Steep Theatre for the space. She is also the co-founder of Sizzling first time. Previous directing projects include PRODUCTION STAFF, continued

After (Barrens Theatre), Paragon Festival (Otherworld Theatre Company), Headline Theater Project, Face Value (Chicago Theatre Marathon), La Maestra (Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble), assisting Steve Scott for The Little Flower of East Orange (Eclipse), and Liz Carlin Metz for Multitudes and Merchant on Venice (Vitalist/Rasaka). Originally from Minnesota, Emily holds a BA in theatre from Knox College, and has also studied theatre with the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute and Complicite.

Lila Gilbert (Production Manager) Lila is a Chicago-based freelance production manager excited to make her Steep debut! She holds a BFA in Theatre Technology from The Theatre School at DePaul University and serves proudly as the General Manager for Cloudgate Theatre and as an ensemble member with The New Colony. She is also a Labor Coordinator with PRG North America. Recent production manage- ment credits include Strange Heart Beating (Cloudgate Theatre), Small World (The New Colony), and Second Skin (WildClaw Theatre). In her spare time, she advocates for mental health education and suicide prevention, practices yoga, and admires local birds. See more at lilagilbert.com.

Isaac Jay Pineda (Assistant Stage Manager) Isaac is a Chicano theatre artist, hailing from Southern California. He is a recent Columbia graduate where he studied Costume design and Stage Management. Some favorite credits include, Four Places (The Den), Marcus and the Secret of Sweet (Columbia Chicago) and Orlando (Columbia Chicago). STEEPING AROUND TOWN Steep’s ensemble is busy making theatre around Chicago and across the country.

Jonathan Berry is directing Theatre’s production of Laura Peter Moore will be appearing Lindiwe at Steppenwolf running and the Sea running October on Chicago P.D. this Fall. November 7 through January 5. 25 through December 8. Joanie Schultz is directing A George Cederquist is the Ashleigh LaThrop will appear in Small Fire, which she originally Artistic Director at Chicago Gillian Flynn’s new Amazon directed at Steep Theatre in Fringe Opera, where he directs show Utopia. 2014, at Philadelphia Theatre Tom Waits’ alt-chamber opera Company with Bebe Neuwirth in Caroline Neff will appear in adaptation of Georg Büchner’s the lead role. Linda Vista at 2nd Stage on play Woyzeck in November. He Broadway through November Brandon Wardell is designing continues to host Opera Box 10 followed by Dance Nation at lights for Midsummer at the Score, America’s Talk Radio Steppenwolf In December. Greenhouse, directed by Randy Show About Opera, on Monday White and Rutherford and Sons nights on WNUR 89.3 FM. Brandon Rivera can be heard at TimeLine, directed by wherever podcasts are available Alex Gillmor can be seen Mechelle Moe. in Brava, an audio drama outside of Steep for the first produced by Make-Believe time in many years in Rivendell Association.

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SPECIAL THANKS Jason Akemann Diane & Ian Galleher Elisa Miller Gary Segal Charlotte Berry Elaine Glusac Lee Miller Timothy Sherck The Blackstone Hotel Jerry Goodman Gabe Morrison Adrienne Smith Mary Brennan Jane Hollinger Alderman Harry The School at Ally Brisbin The House Theatre Osterman Steppenwolf Broadway in Chicago Kosmo Music Kelly Parker Alderman Mary Ann Amber Calderon Deirdre Kinahan John Paulun Smith Deb Clapp Kurt Kolar David Raino-Ogden Patrick Shanahan Columbia College Eileen LaCario David Reed Ben Thielm Chicago Dan Luna Jeff Riemer Bart Vivian Kimberly Corrigan Leo Mendoza Beth Rohlmeier Jack Wallace Erica Daniels Liz McGarry Meaghan Schneider Ernst Walter ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES Audio Description and Open Captioning were made possible by the Chicago Cultural Accessibility Loan Program, which is administered by Steppenwolf Theatre Company with major funding provided by the Michael and Mona Heath Fund. Audio Description: Saturday, October 19, 8:00pm Open Captioning: Saturday, October 26, 8:00pm & Sunday, October 27, 3:00pm For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 773-649-3186.

Care for Real is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit serving the Greater Edgewater community. We provide free programs and services to more than 78,000 annually, including: on-site food distribution five times a week deliveries to the homebound and a clothing closet a pet pantry and case management referrals and an Employment Resource Center to help our clients self-stabilize Contributions are essential to maintaining our operations. Please consider supporting Care for Real by making a donation today! 5341 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago IL 60640| 773.769.6182 | www.careforreal.org Steep Theatre is profoundly grateful to the following supporters for their generous contributions. DONORS This list reflects gifts received between September 15, 2018 and September 14, 2019. Season Sponsor Patricia Cox Diane & Ian Galleher Lawrence DelPilar The Bayless Family Kassie Davis & Deborah Garber & Suzanne Deveney & Foundation Bruce Beatus John Tielsch Bob Isaac Lisa Donovan & Gregg Gilman Vincent DiFruscio & Production Sponsors Bradford Smith Elaine Glusac & Neil Averick Susan Burland & Kelly Fitzgerald & Dave Bartusek Alice & Ed Dubose George Plumb Chad Newman Mary & Charlie Gofen Suzanne Elkins Rose Ken Burlington Denise Hazaga & Carol & Alan Greene Sallie Gaines & Colleen & John Mueller Lisa Vandermark Steven A. Grossman & Mark Richardson Jan Willer & Leigh & John Rachel Perlman Michael Glusac Mark Osing Hourihane John Hahm Vicky Gordon & Access Ticket Fund Stu Kiesow Dorothy Harza Donald Martin Sponsors Sara & Adam Levy Carolyn & Gordon Kirk Joe Hartness & Ann & Rich Carr Shana Lowitz & Kerry & Kenny Lassus Troy Baresel Joseph Zambrano William Swaim, M.D. Fran & Chuck Licht Phyllis Hill Steep Producers Timothy Lyman Susie & Tom MacLean Nancy & John ($5,000 and up) The PAV Fund of Susan & Alvin Marr Hoffmann The Alphawood the John D. Anne Marie The Illinois Tool Works Foundation and Catherine Dumas Mitchell Foundation Arts Work Fund for T. MacArthur Elizabeth Moore Cynthia Kirk Organizational Foundation Kate L. Moore Gregory Lewis & Development Cooper Melgreen Amanda & Doug Mary Strek Julie & Roger Baskes Anne & Richard Moore Passmore H. B. Lottero The Bayless Family Jen & Peter Moore Kaye & Bob Passmore Ricki & Joshua Lowitz Foundation Margaret & Peter Susan A. Payne Jim McDermott Susan Burland & Morris Pepsico Foundation Lani Mesa Ellis George Plumb Colleen & John Mueller Becky & David Perry David E. Miller Ken Burlington The Jordan & Jean Barbara & Robert Andrea F. Mitchel Ann & Rich Carr Nerenberg Family Richards Frank Newell The City of Chicago Fund Karen & Frank Lyle Pepin & Department of New Suit Theatre Schneider David Dzurinda Cultural Affairs & James T. O’Neill Dr. Michael Schnur & Melissa & Jeff Riemer Special Events Anne Puotinen Dr. Jack Bulmash Dr. Edward O. Riley The Robert D. Collins The Pauls Foundation Hope & Jeff Sheffield Eugene Rinaldi Fund The Rothman Family Bill & Cathy Siple Dawn & Larry Roberts The Gaylord & Foundation Susie Stephenson Sheila G. Rock Dorothy Donnelley Jessica & Christoph Barbara & Randy Judy & Bernie Foundation Schrey Thomas Rosenstein The MacArthur Fund Karen Shankman & Ann & Richard Hunter Sanders & for Arts and Culture James Fruehling Tomlinson Jason Proper at the Richard Timothy Sherck Laura & Robert Watson Nancy Schaefer H. Driehaus Sylvia & Joseph Stone Kate Welborn & Holly & Tony Storck Foundation Anna Wermuth & Ann McGill Pooja & Peter The Illinois Arts Council Alex Gillmor Joseph Zambrano Vukosavich Lisa & Randy White Lisa Wainwright & Agency Steep Contributors Dr. Jan Willer & Bruce Doblin Ted Lowitz ($250 to $499) Mark Osing Victoria & Sean Wiedel A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Anonymous Martha Anne & Mark Woodward Foundation AbbVie Stephen Yandle The Saints Ann Marie & Steep Circle Steep Benefactors Steep Patrons Joseph Arden (up to $249) ($1,000 to $4,999) ($500 to $999) Jennifer Beachell Anonymous The ADJLM Foundation Anonymous Kay Berkson & Christina Adachi Stacy Bosma & Marlys Akin Sidney Hollander Aurora Adachi-Winter James Allen David Bock Meg & Matt Breslin Rita & Lloyd Allison Holly & David Collins Reid & Jennifer Quinn John Bistolfo Bank of America Broda Karen A. Callaway Aon Foundation DONORS, continued Sarah-Jayne Dell Janice A. Holling Barbara McCaffrey Ashenhurst Lisa Disch Mary Alice Hope Kristina McCloskey Peggy Bagley & Rabbi Joseph Dombrowski Holly E. Humphreys Gretchen McGinn Douglas Goldhamer Jacob Drummond Amy Jacob Kelsey McGrath Larry Baldacci & Ronald Duda Donna Jaggard Kate McGregor Ray Cunha Matthieu Dupas Tamara & Neil Jain Mary & Harris McKee Grace Balogun Sylvia Dybiec & Stasha Jain Geoffrey Meyer Rollie Batten Mike Bayard Klara Jarolimova Ingrid Michaels Tiana Benway Kenneth East & Eric Johanson & Nicholas Miliotis Deanna Berman Timothy Thurlow John Potter Vivian Mitchel Dennis Bierlein Phil Eckert & Pat Dean Gary Johnson Lori Montana Bindy Bitterman Ruthann & Richard Molly Moore Johnson Emily Moore Cathy & Trip Blair, Edwards Edye Kamensky Joseph Moore in honor of Kelly Keely Ellingson Jared Kaplan Corinne Mucha Fitzgerald Kristina Entner Paul Kaufmann Susan & Patrick Nash Joan & Hank Bliss Jennifer & Craig Pam Kaul & Raymond Nicholas Carol Borden & Erdmann Andy Berman Susan Noel Joel Shapiro Edith I. Farrar Charlotte & David Michael O’Connell Claire Bowens Steve & Sharon Fiffer Kempner Marie O’Connor Michael Boyd Michael Fitzgerald, The Kenney Family Joshua Odor Charles Brookover in honor of Kelly Chris Khoshaba Lori Offergeld Corinne Brophy Fitzgerald Thad King Gay Byrne Olk Caroline & Dean Virginia Fitzgerald Ralla Klepak Maria Palermo Browell Arthur Flannery Julie Koerner Hallie Palladino Lee Brozen Michael Foltz Jean Marie & Alice Perlin & Alison Bruegger Shirley Foster Robert Koon Ray Bacon Arch Bryant Jeanne Marie Freed Eugene Koprowski Lauralyn Persson Janet Burroway Kathleen Gaffney Ryan Kordana Rachel Perzynski Patricia Butkus Thomas Gibson Peg & David Kritzler Jane Peterson Lenore & Dale Caldwell Ethel & Bill Gofen Mary & Christopher Anne Phillips Jorge L. Camacho Jane & Leon Goldfayn Krueger Margaret Piatt & Bruce Caris Nancy & Bob Goldin Nada Kuzmanovic Jim White CDW Leonard Goodman Eli Lampson Kate Piatt-Eckert & Jack Cederquist & Sally & Ralph Goren Craig Langman Tony St. Clair Meg Kennedy Shaw Valerie Gorman Rosalie & David Pizzeria Aroma Jacqueline Chang- Prudy & Jacques Lauerman Angela & Charles Platt Stroman Gourguechon Morgan Lavenstein Dan Polsby Louis Chieng Deborah Granite Gerald Lee Jennifer Pope Stephanie Chu Cathie Gray Sandy & John Jerry Proffit Chubb Charitable Cari & Tom Greene Lemming Anton Pujol Foundation Cindy & Mark Joyce & Jules Lerner Mario Ragazzone Johnny Clark Greenwood Laurel Lipkin & Ian Randall Fay Clayton & Glenn Grzonka Mark Neil Elizabeth Raymond & Lowell Sachnoff Xiyu Guan Marilyn Lucas Paul Hybel Heather Colburn & Jeff Hackett Joshua Lombantoruan Marilyn Reid Steve Kane Marilyn Heckmyer & Daniel Lunney & Marco Deirdre Rice Newton Cole Gerald Landy Espinoza Courtney Rioux Frederica & Andrew Simon Hedger Matthew Lunt Mary Sue & Clark Conroy Quinn Hegarty John Maher Robson Ann & Russ Covode Heidi Henning Nancy Malitz & Matt Rosin Stephany Creamer Stephanie Hernandez Lawrence B. Brenda Rossini Janet Creevy Avery Sandra Hewlett Johnson Peggy Rubens Adam Cullin Donna Higgins Gregory Mancuso & Yuliia Rud James K. Cunningham James & Lois Hobart Laurie Breitkopf Juan Ruiz Andrew de Funiak Eric Hogberg Robert Mattaliano Oliver Sava Sonya Dekhtyar Robert Holliday Deborah McBride Chad Schmerling DONORS, continued Jill & Paul Norm Sloan Dave Toropov Barbara Whitney Schoenwetter Ruth Smerling Martha Trueheart Megan Wildebour Sarah Schol Toni Smith Svetlana Tsipursky Katherine Willhoite & David Schousboe Jackie Snuttjer William Udovich Rodd Zolkos James Schulman Mary Solt Elizabeth Verzo Robin Witt, in memory Hugh & Melissa Kevin Sparrow Lana & Roy Voigt of Howard Witt Schulze Charles & Barbara Mitzi Walchak Tom Wojcik Sharon Seeder Spaulding Paul Waterhouse Anne Wrider Susan Ringel Segal & Gail & Bob Spiel Shontavia Weatherly James Young Gary Segal Ryan Stanfield Lorrayne Weiss Loretta Yurek Laurie Shaman & James Stimac Mary Wermuth, in Roberta Zabel Ed Hinkley Joshua Straus honor of Alex Gillmor Brian Zias Louise Sharrow Jim Swanson Catherine Wertjes Charlotte Ziporyn Peggy & Don Shearn Linda Swift Kyle Whalen Becca Sheehan Alexander Timberg Lauren Emily Whalen

1107 W Berwyn Ave Three doors east Enjoy 15% off of Steep Theatre when you present M-F 6am-7pm S-S 7am-7pm this program at Rewired Cafe. STEEP’S SEASON 19 MEMBERS This list reflects Season 19 Members as of September 14, 2019.

Julie & Roger Baskes Lisa Donovan Ted Lowitz Jessica & Chistoph Andrea Biel-Cohen Suzanne Elkins Rose Jim McDermott Schrey John Bistolfo Kelly Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Moore Hope & Jeff Sheffield David Bock Chad Newman Margaret & Peter Timothy Sherck Susan Burland & Gregg Gilman Morris Susie Stephenson George Plumb John Hahm Colleen & John Mueller Laura & Robert Watson Ken Burlington Denise Hazaga & James T. O’Neill Lisa & Randy White Ann & Rich Carr Lisa Vandermark Susan A. Payne Kassie Davis & Stu Kiesow Becky & David Perry Bruce Beatus Thad King Sheila G. Rock Vincent DiFruscio & Gregory Lewis & Karen & Frank Neil Averick Mary Strek Schneider

To join this exceptional group or to learn more about becoming a member of Steep Theatre, inquire at the box office, visit steeptheatre.com, or call us at 773-649-3186. IN-HOUSE FULL COLOR DIGITAL OFFSET PRESS!

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allied print & copy FREE DESIGN | PRINT | SIGN LET US PICK-UP 5640 N. BROADWAY QUOTE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60660. YOUR NEXT & DELIVERY JOB Call: 773.334.5200 / 773.334.5488 Fax: 773.334.5757 • [email protected] www.alliedprintandcopy.com Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Steep Theatre Company is a dedicated, close-knit group of forty- one actors, directors, designers, and writers driven by a shared commitment to the organization’s mission: To bring out the everyday truths in the stories we tell through ensemble work and to reach out to non-traditional theater goers by seeking out stories and creating experiences relevant to them. We believe theatre should stoke conversations about the issues and conditions that are a part of all of our lives; conversations that take place among artists and audiences in the theatre, in the lobby, and long after everyone has gone home. Steep’s goal is to inspire and add voices to these conversations. We strive to reach people who may have abandoned theater as a relevant art form by telling stories that touch their lives in real and palpable ways and by creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone. PRODUCTIONS Pomona by Alistair McDowall . . . July 2019 Harper Regan by Simon Stephens . Jan 2010 First Love is the Revolution Kill the Old Torture Their Young by Rita Kalnejais ...... April 2019 by David Harrower ...... Oct 2009 Red Rex* by Ike Holter ...... Jan 2019 The Hollow Lands by Howard Korder June 2009 Zϋrich by Amelia Roper ...... Oct 2018 Parlour Song by Jez Butterworth . March 2009 Linda by Penelope Skinner . . . . July 2018 In Arabia We’d All Be Kings Birdland by Simon Stephens . . . April 2018 by . . . . .Jan 2009 Hinter* by Calamity West . . . . .Jan 2018 Seven Days* by Egan Reich . . . .Oct 2008 The Invisible Hand by . Oct 2017 Greensboro: A Requiem Lela & Co. by Cordelia Lynn . . . . July 2017 by Emily Mann ...... May 2008 Hookman by Lauren Yee . . . . . April 2017 Breathing Corpses by Laura Wade . Feb 2008 Earthquakes in London Coronado by Dennis Lehane . . . Sept 2007 by Mike Bartlett ...... Jan 2017 Insignificance by Terry Johnson . . July 2007 Bobbie Clearly* by Alex Lubischer .Sept 2016 The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui Wastwater by Simon Stephens . . .July 2016 by Bertolt Brecht ...... May 2007 The Few by Samuel D. Hunter . . . April 2016 Otherwise Engaged by Simon Gray . Feb 2007 Posh by Laura Wade ...... Jan 2016 The Last Days of Judas Iscariot The Cheats* by Hamish Linklater . .Oct 2015 by Stephen Adly Guirgis . . . . Sept 2006 Brilliant Adventures Bang the Drum Slowly by Mark Harris, by Alistair McDowall ...... July 2015 adapted by Eric Simonson . . . June 2006 Martyr by Marius von Mayenburg . April 2015 Of Mice and Men The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle by John Steinbeck ...... March 2006 by Ross Dungan ...... Jan 2015 The Night Heron The Vandal by Hamish Linklater . . Oct 2014 by Jez Butterworth ...... March 2006 A Small Fire by Adam Bock . . . . July 2014 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller . . . . .Oct 2005 If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet Book of Days by . .June 2005 by Nick Payne ...... May 2014 Incident at Vichy by .March 2005 strangers, babies by Linda McLean .Jan 2014 Howie the Rookie by Mark O’Rowe . Oct 2004 Motortown by Simon Stephens . . Sept 2013 Dealer’s Choice by Patrick Marber . Aug 2004 Fallow by Kenneth Lin ...... July 2013 The Time Trial by Jack Gilhooley . . May 2004 The Knowledge by John Donnelly . April 2013 The Hothouse by . . .Aug 2003 Luther by Ethan Lipton ...... Jan 2013 Below the Belt by Richard Dresser . Aug 2003 Making Noise Quietly My Donkey Lady by John Wilson . . Aug 2003 by Robert Holman ...... Oct 2012 The Job by Shem Bitterman . . . May 2003 Moment by Dierdre Kinahan . . . .July 2012 The Aspidistra Code The Receptionist by Adam Bock . . April 2012 by Mark O’Rowe ...... Oct 2002 Love and Money by . .Jan 2012 Geography of a Horse Dreamer Under the Blue Sky by ...... June 2002 by David Eldridge ...... Oct 2011 These Flowers are for My Mother* Pornography by Simon Stephens . .July 2011 by Michael McGuire . . . . . March 2002 Festen by David Eldridge, Thomas Vinterberg, Pvt. Wars by James McLure . . . .Sept 2001 Morgan Rukov, Bo Hr. Hansen . . May 2011 Search and Destroy Lakeboat by . . . . .Jan 2011 by Howard Korder ...... Aug 2001 A Brief History of Helen of Troy Life During Wartime by Mark Shultz ...... Sept 2010 by Keith Reddin ...... March 2001 2,000 Feet Away by Anthony Weigh .May 2010 * World Premiere THE STEEP PASS

For only $100, a Steep Pass gets you: • a reserved seat at each of Steep’s next 4 plays - that’s a 40% savings on a year’s worth of theatre, • discounted tickets for your friends, • a standing invitation to Steep’s famous post-show parties. Plus, the Steep Pass is super flexible - changing your dates is always free and easy. Ask about the Steep Pass at the box office or check it out online at steeptheatre.com/pass. UP NEXT AT STEEP... The Leopard Play, or sad songs for lost boys A World Premiere by Isaac Gomez Directed by Laura Alcalá Baker

January 24 - February 29, 2020

All families have secrets, but some live in an underbelly too dark to even whisper about. After ten years of walking away, Son returns to his home along the U.S./Mexican border searching for answers about his uncle’s mysterious death, but what he finds there are the men he tried to escape and the memories he thought he left behind. The Leopard Play or, sad songs for lost boys is an excavation of truth amidst lies, intimacy amidst violence, and a reckoning of learning how to love the very thing you hate the most.