Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler withRobert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio,Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 - May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups. The press performance is Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.
John Steinbeck's classic tale of friendship follows two migrant workers in California during the Great Depression. George Milton looks after his mentally-disabled friend, Lennie Small, as they travel looking for work. The two men hope to one day settle down on their own piece of land, but their plans of living the American Dream prove difficult to achieve.
Michael Patrick Thornton starred as John Merrick last season in Steppenwolf for Young Adults' production of The Elephant Man. As a director, Michael has helmed productions at The Gift Theatre Company, where he is co-founder and artistic director. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Gift's production of The Good Thief.
The design team includes: Courtney O'Neill (sets), Branimira Ivanova (costumes), Charles Cooper(lights), Miles Polaski (original music and sound) and John Tovar (fight choreography). Kathleen Petroziello is the stage manager.
Title: Of Mice and Men
Playwright: John Steinbeck
Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton
Featuring: Ensemble member Robert Breuler (Carlson) with Robert Belushi (Curley), Emanueal Buckley(Crooks) Ron Butts (The Boss),Paul D'Addario (George), James D. Farruggio (Slim), Jessie Fisher (Curley's Wife), Richard Henzel (Candy), Keith Kupferer (Lennie) and Guy Massey (Whit).
Location: Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Dates: April 21 - May 10, 2009
Press Preview: Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.
Public Performances: April 25, May 2-3 and 9-10 at 11 a.m.
(All additional performances are reserved for school groups)
Ticket price: $20
Audience Services: 1650 N. Halsted, (312) 335-1650
Online ticketing available at www.steppenwolf.org
For information on Steppenwolf for Young Adult weekday school performances, contact the SYA Education Coordinator at (312) 654-5639.
About The Steppenwolf for Young Adults Programs:
Steppenwolf for Young Adults department brings high-quality theatre to artistically curious young adults across Chicago. Each production resonates with a mature teen audience, in hopes of inspiring a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners. Productions have ranged from original work and adaptation, to classics like The Glass Menagerie and Of Mice and Men - both being produced in the 2008-2009 SYA season. The department produces two full-scale shows each year, performed during the week for students and opened up to the public during weekend matinees.
Productions for Students and Families
Steppenwolf for Young Adult productions are performed exclusively for students Tuesday - Friday mornings at 10 a.m. Schools interested in deepening their relationship with Steppenwolf should considering becoming a subscriber or residency school.
The Young Adults Council is a unique after-school program for passionate and motivated high school students who wish to learn the inner-workings of professional theatre from the most celebrated artists in the city. In addition to invaluable face-time with these leading professionals, Council members attend the best plays in Chicago, learn how to analyze and speak about these plays, and organize events for their peers around Steppenwolf productions in hopes of inspiring a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners.
Educator Workshops
The Teacher Theatre Immersion Course is a professional development program that provides teachers with theatre arts integration tools designed to improve student achievement. Participants are exposed to principles, pedagogies and values inspired by the theatre arts and Steppenwolf Theatre Company that are directly applicable in the classroom setting and relevant to core curriculum. The Master Teacher Workshops help teachers improve student comprehension of literature through drama, using texts related to our Steppenwolf for Young Adults productions. All offer the opportunity to earn CPDU credits. All courses and workshops are free.
Steppenwolf for Young Adults is a citywide partner of the Chicago Public Schools School Partner Program.
