BLKS
CONTENTS 4
WELCOME TO BLKS Letter from Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro
10 REHEARSAL PHOTOS By Juli Del Prete 12 BIOS FEATURE 18 P LAYWRIGHT AZIZA BARNES ON BLKS Edited by Greta Honold
EDITOR Paul G. Miller
CONTRIBUTORS Juli Del Prete Greta Honold Brianna Parry A.J. Roy Anna D. Shapiro
DESIGN David Masnato
COVER Illustration by David Masnato
What happens when a woman trapped in a dead-end job and a fizzling relationship accidentally gets pregnant by a man that she’s not dating? A coming-of-age story about race, class and motherhood, Breach by Antoinette Nwandu (Pass Over) and directed by Lisa Portes, examines how hard it is to love others when it’s you that you loathe most of all.
TO ADVERTISE Contact: Bryan Dowling 773-275-1247 bryan@media8midwest.com smARTmagazines/ smARTsponsorships
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BREACH:
a manifesto on race in America through the eyes of a black girl recovering from self-hate STEPPENWOLF SOCIAL facebook.com/SteppenwolfTheatre youtube.com/user/steppenwolftheatre instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr
FEBRUARY 9–MARCH 11, 2018 BY
D I RECT ED BY
ANTOINETTE NWANDU LISA PORTES
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WELCOME TO BLKS There are few things more exciting for me than being handed a script that feels both audaciously new and yet, strangely familiar. My first encounter with Aziza Barnes’s bold, hilarious, breakthrough play was just that experience. Reading it, I was shocked, I laughed out loud, and finally, was deeply moved by the story of these young black women trying to make it through the common and uncommon struggles of a seemingly never-ending day. I’m not sure I could share less background or fewer conditions with the characters in BLKS, but spending time with them, even just on the page, made me feel that particular connection made possible by the bridge that great writing can sometimes build between ourselves and the worlds beyond our own.
Give the Gift of a Night Out
This play begins with an argument about intimacy. Two young black women, Octavia and Ry, try to determine whether their relationship has progressed to a point where specific intimate personal details can be shared with one another. There is, in this argument, an astute recognition of the effort we put forth every day to present a version of ourselves that will somehow be palatable or acceptable, not just to our loved ones, but to the whole of society. To be unfettered in your presentation of self is a remarkable privilege. The burdening effort of constantly negotiating how you’re perceived is something than you can only fully understand through experience. The miraculous coup that Aziza pulls off in this play is presenting these young women of color finding their way in the very particular heaviness of their world, while still managing to find joy and laughter and release in the universal bonds of friendship. They come together, they cling to one another and lift one another up and, when the world tries to render them invisible, they affirm one another by seeing each other, in all of their glorious, complicated contradictions. Earlier this year, Aziza and Nataki Garrett, our director, came together with the cast for a week -long workshop of the play. While there was a lot of great work done, for me, the most meaningful take away was watching a group of young black women, guided and nurtured with care and love and empathy by Nataki, move through a process where they did not have to be defined solely by their race, or their struggle, or their gender or sexual identity, but rather, by their hopes and dreams for a life that, up close, don’t look that different than my own. Aziza has created a work where z’s characters (and by proxy, z’s actors) are comfortable enough to be seen, fully and well and without apology and whose journeys matter to us because we all struggle with our own sense of self-worth. What I discovered and what I hope you will discover, is that the intimacy of being seen, unburdened of any mask of perception, can be not just empowering but actually, and perhaps more importantly, a blessed relief. To see and to be seen: there is not a more important service that the theater can provide. Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director
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Anna D. Shapiro† Artistic Director
David Schmitz Executive Director
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
BLKS
By Aziza Barnes Directed by Nataki Garrett
STEPPENWOLF SALUTES THE LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR OF BLKS Helen Zell
FEATURING Ensemble member Namir Smallwood†* with Leea Ayers*, Nora Carroll*, Celeste M. Cooper*, Danielle Davis* and Kelly O’Sullivan*
PRODUCTION ComEd is the 2017/18 Season Lighting Sponsor
Sibyl Wickersheimer+ Scenic Design Trevor Bowen Costume Design Marcus Doshi+ Lighting Design T. Carlis Roberts Sound Design and Original Music Rasean Davonte Johnson+ Projection Design Gigi Buffington Company Vocal Coach Christina Gorman Fight Choreographer Anna D. Shapiro† and Jonathan Berry Artistic Producers Brianna Parry Production Manager JC Clementz Casting Director Malcolm Ewen* Stage Manager Cassie Calderone* Assistant Stage Manager
BLKS was developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference; Robert Egan, Artistic Director/Producer. The world premiere of BLKS was produced and presented at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director and David Schmitz, Executive Director. Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for nonprofit professional theater. † member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble. * member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. + member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
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CAST AND CONTRIBUTORS CAST (in alphabetical order)
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Leea Ayers* June Nora Carroll* Octavia Celeste M. Cooper* Imani Danielle Davis* Ry Kelly O’Sullivan* That Bitch On The Couch/ Drunk White Woman Namir Smallwood†* Dominican Dude/ Justin/Sosa
Kristina Valada Viars Assistant Director Princess Grace Fellow Sara Gosses Assistant Lighting Designer Pornchanok Kanchanabanca Assistant Projection Designer and Programmer Jaclynn Joslin Production Assistant Aaron Stephenson Sound Board Operator Emily Swanson Wardrobe Penny Lane Studios Hair Kenyatta Mitchell Echols Hair Means of Production Set Construction Sammi Grant Dialect Coach Shannon Perry Additional Carpentry Regina Victor Script Supervision Regina Victor and Ellen Wiese Research Associates Jacqueline Saldana Stage Management Apprentice Rebekah Camm, Gregory Geffrard, Lavina Jadhwani, Lauren Katz, Derek Matson, Neel McNeill, Derek McPhatter, Ligia Sandoval and Leean Torske Post Show Discussion Moderators
UNDERSTUDIES (in alphabetical order) Kyrie Courter Octavia, June India Gurley Imani Rasell Holt Dominican Dude/Justin/Sosa Aidaa Peerzada Ry Charlotte Thomas That Bitch On The Couch/Drunk White Woman SETTING Brooklyn and Manhattan This play will be presented with one fifteen minute intermission. There will be a post-show discussion immediately following the performance. † member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble. * member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. + member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
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Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager. The theater reserves the right to limit admission of children younger than the age of six. As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance. The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws. Digital media will be deleted, and tape or film will be confiscated.
LOOKOUT
BLKS SALON SERIES
Co-curated by BLKS playwright Aziza Barnes and Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series Celebrating the world of BLKS and featuring a beautiful lineup of black artists, queer artists, women-identified artists, artists of color, and their communities. All events $5 OR Attend all four events for $15
An Intentional Turn Up with Slo ‘Mo Party
The Poetry Gods Featuring Eve L. Ewing
Thursday, December 14 8pm
Sunday, December 17 7pm
Slo ‘Mo, Chicago’s party for lovers, presents an evening of joy and self-care through sensuality. B.A.P.S. Comedy Presents: Curlz, ‘Fros & Braids. Saturday, December 16 8pm A night highlighting the wonders, woes and ‘fros of being us. Three black women.
1700 THEATRE | 1700 N HALSTED ST
Poets are f**king hilarious. Joyful and absurd, with stories for days. We wanted to hear it in a podcast. So we made one. Hosted by Aziza Barnes, Jon Sands, and José Olivarez. BLKS Poetry Salon: Curated & hosted by Aziza Barnes Tuesday, December 19 8pm Poet and playwright Aziza Barnes says good-bye-for-now to Chicago with a Poetry Salon featuring a lineup of beloved, supremely talented Chicago poets.
BLKS IN REHEARSAL
Director Nataki Garrett, Playwright Aziza Barnes, Script supervisior Regina Victor and Cast member Celeste M. Cooper
Photography by Juli Del Prete
Cast members Leea Ayers and Namir Smallwood*
Cast members Celeste M. Cooper, Nora Carroll and Leea Ayers
Cast members Kelly O’Sullivan and Celeste M. Cooper Cast members Kelly O’Sullivan, Celeste M. Cooper, Danielle Davis and Leea Ayers
Director Nataki Garrett and Playwright Aziza Barnes
Cast members Danielle Davis and Nora Carroll Rehearsal Room
*Steppenwolf ensemble member
Cast members Kelly O’Sullivan, Danielle Davis, Nora Carroll and Celeste M. Cooper
*Steppenwolf ensemble member
Playwright Aziza Barnes
Visit steppenwolf.org for videos, production images and more rehearsal images. 10 BLKS
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BLKS BIOS Celeste M. Cooper (Imani) Leea Ayers (June) is thrilled to is so grateful to officially be making her Steppenwolf make her Steppenwolf Theatre Company debut! Theatre Company debut! She Previous Chicago credits most recently appeared in include performing Strawdog Theatre Company’s production understudy in Great Expectations of Barbecue. Some theatre credits include (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Blues for an Alabama Sky (Court Theatre/ Silk Road Theatre Project); Earthquakes Jeff Awarded Best Production); The Hard in London (Steep Theatre Company); and Problem (Court Theatre); Measure for Letters Home (Griffin Theatre Company). Measure (Goodman Theatre); Stick Fly She also understudied at Court Theatre (Windy City Playhouse); Never the Sinner last season for their productions of The (Victory Gardens Theater); The Hammer Hard Problem and Man In The Ring. Leea Trinity (The House Theatre of Chicago, is a graduate of the MFA Acting program Adrienne Arsht in Miami); The Mecca Tales at DePaul University and is represented by Gray Talent Group. “She would like to thank (Chicago Dramatists); Our Lady of 121st Street (Eclipse Theatre Company); How We her friends, family and Beyoncé for all of Got On (Citadel Theatre Company); You On their support.” The Moors Now (The Hypocrites, Theater on Nora Carroll (Octavia) is the Lake remount); Ruined (Eclipse Theatre happy to be back home Company, BTAA Most Promising Actress in Chicago making her recipient); and her original one woman Steppenwolf Theatre shows Fight 4 Your Life and The Incredible Company debut in BLKS. Cece (MPAACT & Stage 773). Television Nora was most recently seen this summer and film credits include a recurring role on playing Guildenstern in Hamlet and Queen Chicago PD, Spike Lee’s Chiraq, Sense8, and Isabel in Richard II (The Old Globe). Other various other projects. Ms. Cooper has a credits include Rena in Maderati, Athena BA in Speech Communications and Theatre in Ajax, Outlaw in Two Gentlemen of Verona from Tennessee State University and an (The Old Globe); BLKS reading (Ojai MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at Playwrights Festival); Clarence/Hastings DePaul University. “Celeste is incredibly in Richard III and Bastard in King John grateful for Papa God, family, friends like (New York University’s Tisch School of the family and Paonessa Talent Agency.” Arts). Nora received her BFA in Drama Danielle Davis (Ry) is thrilled from New York University’s Tisch School of to join the cast of BLKS! the Arts and will be receiving her MFA in Credits include Fun Home Acting (2018) from The Old Globe and the (Victory Gardens Theater); University of San Diego Shiley Graduate An Octoroon (Definition Theatre program. “Much love and gratitude Theatre in association with Goodman for my family and friends who have Theatre Company); Ragtime (Griffin supported me on this journey.” Theatre Company); Rent (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); Love, Loss and What I Wore (First Folio Theatre); Women at War (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble); The Hundred 12 Bios
Dresses (Chicago Children’s Theatre); The Velveteen Rabbit (Lifeline Theatre); Spark, Six Stories Tall (Adventure Stage Chicago); From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, Ain’t No Crying the Blues... Howlin’ Wolf (Black Ensemble Theater); and The Wiz (Theatre at the Center). Television credits include Chicago PD, Sense8 and Empire. She holds a BFA in Acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Danielle is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency. Kelly O’Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/Drunk White Woman) is thrilled to return to Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Theatre credits include This is Modern Art, The Internationalist, Honest, Good Boys and True, The Crucible, 100 Saints You Should Know (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Men on Boats, Bruise Easy, The Humans, Columbinus, The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (American Theater Company); The Seagull (Goodman Theatre); The Skin of Our Teeth (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company); Bad Jews (Theatre Wit); Hesperia (Writers’ Theatre); My Wonderful Day (Barrymore Award nomination, The Wilma); The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Northlight Theatre); Jon (Collaboraction Theatre Company); Mr. Marmalade (Jeff Nomination , Dog & Pony Theatre Company). Television credits include The Mob Doctor, Battleground, two seasons of Sirens, and The History of Us. Film credits include In Memoriam, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party and Brother Sister. Kelly is a graduate of Northwestern University and The School at Steppenwolf. She is a 3Arts Make a Wave grantee and a recipient of a Princess Grace Fellowship for Theatre.
Namir Smallwood (Dominican Dude/Justin/Sosa) joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in March 2017, and has been seen in Steppenwolf for Young Adults’s Monster, Christina Anderson’s Man In Love and The Hot L Baltimore. Other Chicago credits include The Lost Boys of Sudan (Victory Gardens Theater); the world premiere of Philip Dawkins’s Charm (Northlight Theatre); The Grapes of Wrath (Gift Theatre) and East Texas Hot Links (Writers’ Theatre). Regional credits include Marin Theatre Company, Pillsbury House Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater, Ten Thousand Things and Guthrie Theater. Television credits include Chicago Fire and Betrayal. Aziza Barnes (Playwright) is the winner of the 2015 Pamet River Prize for Aziza’s first full length collection i be but i ain’t from YesYes Books 2016. Barnes is a Cave Canem Fellow and co-host of the popular podcast The Poetry Gods. Z is a graduate of New York University and participant in the 2016 Ojai Playwrights Conference. Nataki Garrett (Director) is the Associate Artistic Director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts—performing the duties of the Artistic Director during their leadership transition. She was featured in the November 2016 edition of American Theatre Magazine’s “One to Watch”. She is the former Associate Artistic Director of CalArts Center for New Performance. She is a Company Member at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and she is on the Advisory Board for Mixed Blood Theatre Company. Garrett is a recipient of the NEA/TCG Career Bios 13
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Development Program for Directors, a NAACP Award nominee and a member of SDC. Upcoming regional projects include Jefferson’s Garden (Ford’s Theatre); and Carolyn Bryant (CalArts Center for New Performance). Recent projects include Smart People (DCPA Theatre Company); An Octoroon (Woolly Mammoth and Mixed Blood Theatre); Pussy Valley (Mixed Blood Theatre); and Neighbors (The Matrix Theater and Mixed Blood Theatre). Radio credits include Biloxi Blues, Tape, 16 Wounded and The Living Room. Opera credits include Wet and Sucktion (RedCat). www.natakigarrett.com
Trevor Bowen (Costume Design) makes his Steppenwolf Theatre Company debut. His credits include Girl Shakes Loose (Penumbra Theatre); Fly By Night, Bars and Measures (The Jungle Theater); the road weeps, the well runs dry (Pillsbury House Theatre); An Octoroon, Pussy Valley, Hir (Mixed Blood Theatre); Nina Simone: Four Women (Park Square Theatre); Electra, Fiddler on the Roof (Ten Thousand Things Theatre); We Are Proud to Present… and Choir Boy (Guthrie Theater). Regional credits include Ragtime (The 5th Avenue Theatre); Welcome To Fear City, Byhalia, Mississippi, pen/man/ship, Dead and Breathing and A History of Light (Contemporary American Theatre Festival).
Sibyl Wickersheimer (Scenic Design) resides in Los Angeles where she is an Marcus Doshi (Lighting Design) designs Associate Professor of Set Design at the for theatre, dance, opera and nonUSC School of Dramatic Arts. Her recent performance-based work. His designs credits include Julius Caesar, Richard II have been seen internationally at The (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Wild & Barbican, Festival Lyric d’Aix-en-Provence, Reckless, Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (Portland Center Stage); and La Comédie Française, La Monnaie, Venice Biennale, Dutch National Opera, Holland next she is designing Oklahoma! (Oregon Festival, Canadian Opera Company, Sydney Shakespeare Festival). Other regional Festival and many others. In the US, his credits include productions at American designs have been seen at most major Conservatory Theatre, Woolly Mammoth regional theatres and opera companies Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre, and in Chicago with Steppenwolf Theatre Seattle Repertory Theatre, Portland Company (Mary Page Marlowe, Visiting Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory, Arizona Edna, Linda Vista, Pass Over), Goodman Theatre Company, Center Theatre Group, Theatre, Court Theatre, Lyric Opera of The Geffen Playhouse and South Coast Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Repertory. Sibyl’s work in Los Angeles and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Marcus includes designs for The Actors’ Gang, is also a frequent collaborator with Theatre Bootleg Theatre, Circle X and Theatre at for a New Audience in NYC where he most the Boston Court. Other projects include recently designed The Skin of Our Teeth. the dinosaur puppet stage at The Natural History Museum of LA County and a touring He has degrees from Wabash College and Yale Drama and is an Assistant Professor production for Keiser Educational Theatre of Theatre at Northwestern University. program. Sibyl’s art installations have also marcusdoshi.com been exhibited in a variety of Southern California gallery spaces.
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T. Carlis Roberts (Sound Design and Original Music) is excited to return to Steppenwolf Theatre Company where they last were composer for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults’s production of The House on Mango Street. As a composer and designer, T has worked at theaters around the country including California Shakespeare Theater, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Next Theatre Company, About Face Theatre, American Theater Company, Teatro Luna, TimeLine Theatre Company, Steep Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists and Northwestern University. T leads the queer retro band The Singing Bois and can be heard on multiple recordings as a songwriter, percussionist and vocalist. Rasean Davonte Johnson (Projection Design) is delighted to be working with Steppenwolf Theatre Company. A Chicagobased designer, his credits include Rock of Ages (Drury Lane Theatre); A Disappearing Number (TimeLine Theatre Company); Wit (The Hypocrites); and columbinus (American Theater Company). Regional credits include Smart People (Geva Theatre Center); The Magic Negro (Alliance Theatre); The Stone Witch (Berkshire Theatre Group); and Cymbeline (Yale Repertory Theatre). International credits include Farewell My Concubine (Ningbo Song and Dance Company). Other credits include collaborations with Manual Cinema, The Kitchen Theatre, Halcyon Theatre, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction Theatre Company. He received his MFA at the Yale School of Drama. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists. raseandavontejohnson.com.
Ana Cristina (Gigi) Buffington (Company Vocal Coach) is pleased to return to Steppenwolf Theatre Company where she has also worked on The Minutes, The Rembrandt, Hir, Pass Over, Linda Vista, The Christians, Visiting Edna, Mary Page Marlowe and John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Other credits include Coriolanus (Red Bull Theatre Co); The Tempest (LaMaMa); The Merchant Of Venice, 500 year commemoration of the Jewish Ghetto (Venice, Italy); Elizabeth R: texts & beheadings (BAM and The Folger Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet (with David Tennant and Patrick Stewart), Love’s Labour’s Lost, (The Royal Shakespeare Company); The Taming Of The Shrew (RSC Newcastle tour); The Maids (director); Pericles, Othello, An Iliad, The Seagull, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet and Richard III (American Players Theater). She is an Associate Arts Professor in the Department of Drama at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. Gigi is a member of AEA, SAG/AFTRA and VASTA. Malcolm Ewen (Stage Manager) has worked at Steppenwolf Theatre Company since 1987 and his credits include The Christians, Mary Page Marlowe, John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, Airline Highway, Russian Transport, American Buffalo, The Tempest and Man From Nebraska. He has taken four Steppenwolf shows to Broadway including The Grapes of Wrath and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? which both won Tony Awards. Also on Broadway, he was the Production Stage Manager of Paul Simon’s musical, The Capeman. He serves on the Council of Actors’ Equity Association. Last spring, he was awarded the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in Stage Management by the Stage Manager’s Association. A graduate of
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Amherst College, he returns every summer to Vermont to direct at the Weston Playhouse. Cassie Calderone (Assistant Stage Manager) returns to Steppenwolf Theatre Company for her 11th season after recently stage managing Pass Over this summer. Recent credits include Straight White Men, The Christians (Steppenwolf) and Taming of the Shrew (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Chicago credits include Betrayal, Gary, Fair Use, The Glass Menagerie (twice), To Kill a Mockingbird, Head of Passes, The Wheel, The Gospel of Franklin, Grand Concourse, Marie Antoinette, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Hushabye, Russian Transport, The Compass, Between Riverside and Crazy (Steppenwolf); The Heir Apparent, Othello (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Song for the Disappeared (Goodman Theatre); Grease, A Chorus Line (Paramount Theatre); The Homosexuals (About Face Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet (Chicago); The MLK Project (Writers Theatre); The Sparrow (Broadway in Chicago) and the Gay Games Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field. Regional credits include work with ArtsPower National Touring Theatre, Catharsis Productions, Opera Illinois and Portland Stage. Cassie is a proud member of AEA. “Thank you, Bear.” Anna D. Shapiro (Artistic Director) joined the Steppenwolf ensemble in 2005 and was awarded the 2008 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for August: Osage County (Steppenwolf, Broadway, London). She was nominated in 2011 in the same category for The Motherf**ker with the Hat (Public Theater, Labyrinth Theater). Other directing credits at Steppenwolf include The Minutes, Visiting Edna, Mary Page Marlowe, Three Sisters, A Parallelogram, Up, The Crucible, The Unmentionables (also at 16 Bios
Yale Repertory Theatre), The Pain and the Itch (also in New York), I Never Sang for My Father, Man from Nebraska, Purple Heart (also in Galway, Ireland), The Drawer Boy, Side Man (also in Ireland, Australia and Vail, Colorado), Three Days of Rain, The Infidel and This Is Our Youth (which transferred to Broadway). Other Broadway credits include Of Mice and Men (with James Franco) and Fish in the Dark (with Larry David). OffBroadway credits include Domesticated (Lincoln Center). She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and Columbia. She is a full professor in Northwestern University’s Department of Theatre. David Schmitz (Executive Director) has worked at Steppenwolf Theatre Company for 12 years, serving in the roles of Director of Finance and Administration, General Manager and currently as Executive Director. Prior to working at Steppenwolf, David was the General Manager at Lookingglass Theatre Company, Associate Artistic Director of Stage Left Theatre and Business Manager at the entertainment agency Adair Performance. Currently, he serves as Vice President of the Board for The House Theatre of Chicago as well as on the boards of the League of Chicago Theatres and Arts Alliance Illinois. David is a former board member for the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and has worked as a strategic planning, business practices, finance and hiring consultant for numerous Chicago organizations, including The House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites and Stage Left Theatre, among others. He holds a BA in theatre from the University of Northern Colorado, an MFA from the Theatre Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University and a Certificate in Non Profit Management from Roosevelt University.
AD A WARM, CREATIVE SPACE TO GRAB A DRINK, HAVE A BITE, OR MEET UP WITH FRIENDS AND COLLABORATORS, DAY OR NIGHT.
1700 N HALSTED ST | ALL DRINKS, NO DRAMA.
PLAYWRIGHT & POET AZIZA BARNES ON BLKS To experience BLKS is to experience poet/playwright Aziza Barnes. The deeply personal, riotously funny, and meticulously honed play springs from the mind of a truly contemporary and honest new American voice. So before you see BLKS, get to know Aziza. Edited by Greta Honold
“YOU’RE JUST AMERICAN FOOLS” So I went to NYU, and I spent a semester abroad in Ghana. I was grieving my cousin who had just been killed, and I was getting over this horrendous breakup, and feeling disillusioned and like, jaded in that American fashion. So I went to Ghana with one of my best friends Nora Caroll, who is also in the cast of BLKS, and without her I honestly would not have felt it important to write this play. Because she and I would just get into these ridiculous shenanigans thinking that we had like arrived at “African heaven” and really the Ghanaians were like, “you’re just American fools.” It made us really focus on ourselves as Black American people, as Black American women and gender-non-conforming people. Why is our experience so nuanced from the get? Why don’t we belong anywhere in Africa or the U.S.? Why isn’t our voice heard? We’d go into the club and the most absurd things would happen to us that didn’t make any sense. They weren’t happening to any white people we knew or Ghanaian people we knew… even other Black people that we knew. And other people did not have the same absurd perspective on the world. I came back from Ghana feeling all that and then I became aware that the stories we would tell about our trip, and the stories we would tell in general, were so funny and heartbreaking and beautiful that I was like “that has to be theatrical somehow.” Like telling the story of that ridiculous night when everything went wrong, and you have to
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deal with yourself, that has to be a play. And so I started writing BLKS. For the next few years after I graduated I worked on it intermittently and the premise of the play continued to ring true to me – these three very different kinds of Black women in their early 20’s trying to deal with themselves through all the ways we self-medicate. They drink a lot. They smoke a lot. They try to have sex a lot. These are all ways of avoiding the actual acute problem: WHICH IS THAT YOU’RE MISERABLE AND THAT NO ONE LISTENS TO YOU. You don’t listen to yourself. I’d have those nights in Ghana and I’d have them afterwards and I realized I had had these kinds of nights my whole life. This made me ask, why am I running from what I’m running from, and why is it usually myself? Especially when no one wants to see you, why are you betraying yourself? So that’s why BLKS exists.
“IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE NOT ABOUT A COLOR” The title is quite cheeky because the Chicago-based poet Avery R. Young coined the word BLKS because it’s about people not about a color. We are Black. And it’s also fun to frazzle people who then have to say it. Say it! We’re Black people. Cuz I was in school with a bunch of very delusional neo-liberal people who would say “I just don’t see race.” To which I say, “Bitch you better! What is wrong with you?” I see it as such a fearful erasure, it’s dangerous not to see, and it’s dangerous to say it’s not your politics.
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“SO WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE IMAGES IN MY PLAY…” For me as an early 20’s person you don’t care about your bed yet. You’re not happy enough to know that you need to take care of yourself and that kind of starts with having a nice bed. Like, a couch is communal, you and your homies can sit on it, and it ties the room together, it’s comfy. That’s how I envision this couch, like if someone were to take this couch away the world would end. If you don’t have it you really need it; it could be the shittiest couch but it’s yours. There’s something intrinsic to a couch in black culture. It’s like a porch for city-dwellers. You know how people in the south sit on their porch and it’s where you can make out with a cute person because your bed ain’t shit. It’s very evocative of a pioneer life and what matters and what mattered was a place that you or anyone could feel comfortable. And you’ll end up having a time in your early 20’s where you’re couch-surfing; no one is immune from couch. So when I think about the images in my play, I also think about each character’s hair and how they decide to do it. June has this moment where Justin is calling her and he finally shows up and she’s pinning it up cuz it’s straight and she has to pin it up at night and put the thing on it… And I feel like Imani has always had low natural… And Octavia has real dreads or silky dreads… I see their hair
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because it is such a thing – a crown. And it’s how you express yourself and align yourself politically. Hair is like a flag. And I think about the clothes that they wear. There’s a moment when Octavia’s in the house with Justin and she puts on this big crazy pink afro wig and sunglasses indoors and she wants to look and feel like Pam Grier. The ways in which you create fantasy are, I feel, very important. June creates the fantasy that she’s put together; Octavia puts together a fantasy that she can be a different person at any given part of the day; and Imani don’t really give a shit about her clothes. Imani would go to the club in a white tee, jeans and sneakers and that’s Gucci for her. Their clothes are almost like portable houses that way.
“THAT’S MY LIFE AS A POET” Poetry is a huge part of my life. At my elementary school we’d memorize and perform poems for a poetry contest and if you won then you got an award and stuff so my parents would always put these poetry books under my nose and so from the time I was little I was memorizing poems. That was my first entry point into writing. Which I feel like, is why I’m on the planet. It feels very aligned. I’ve always written, and it was always poetry, mainly because I was obsessed with condensing very big feelings into singular moments. I remember always seeing the world like
that. I remember when my Grandma passed, it was too big to encompass or understand, but I remember a poem about her. You could put all that life into a page and it’s still true and real. I thought that was like alchemy; that was like the most magical thing a person could do and it’s why BLKS is only 24 hours. The same concept of “put all of this life into one night, one moment, one day.” That’s how I approach a lot of things. Then when I was in college I did a lot of slam poetry. The slam world is a strange and magic world. You work so hard for this one moment which, to me, is the most important thing. I won this really big collegiate slam and was really disturbed after that. If you’re good at slam and successful at slam, weird shit happens to you. Mentally, what the fuck is going on? Why are people having opinions about me when I don’t know them? So I started writing again and focusing on the quietness that comes with it and the reflection that comes with it. I started playing with voice and creating poems written from the voice of other people. I wrote my first book me Aunt Jemima and the nail gun. And it won this poetry prize from Button Poetry, the first book to win a prize from that publishing house. And then my first full-length poetry collection i be but I ain’t came out in 2016 and won the Cabinet River Prize for books. Poetry for me is a really beautiful way to hone
the moment and why it’s important, and hone a character’s voice. When people aren’t paying attention they say some really gorgeous things. I love hearing when people slip up and say something gorgeous. That’s my life as a poet.
“PLEASE LET IT BE A COMEDY” In reflecting on my own experiences to write the play I realized my friends and I are fucking funny. It’s the thing to deal with the thing. Like the laugh so you don’t cry thing. I’m not interested in writing people who are miserable and sad. I’m interested in people who run from it, creatively, until they can’t anymore. So it’s a comedy. Like shit, please let it be a comedy. People are so fucking sad, it needs to be a comedy. As outrageous as they are, that’s the only way they deal with it. I mean if they were like “dang my boyfriend cheated on me” and “dang my dad’s dead” and “dang I don’t know what my own brain is doing…” Jesus Christ no. I think of the horrors of my life, why I felt so out of my body and mind, like the only thing that would have helped was to laugh and to put on some makeup and a wig. It’s just horrifying, and you can’t walk around being horrified all the time.
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THE STEPPENWOLF ENSEMBLE Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble of 49 members represent a remarkable crosssection of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards—have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a twoplay Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performance series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin.
JOAN ALLEN
KEVIN ANDERSON
ALANA ARENAS
RANDALL ARNEY
KATE ARRINGTON
IAN BARFORD
ROBERT BREULER
GARY COLE
GLENN DAVIS
KATHRYN ERBE
AUDREY FRANCIS
K. TODD FREEMAN
FRANK GALATI
FRANCIS GUINAN
MOIRA HARRIS
JON MICHAEL HILL
TIM HOPPER
TOM IRWIN
ORA JONES
TERRY KINNEY †
TINA LANDAU
MARTHA LAVEY*
TRACY LETTS
JOHN MAHONEY
JOHN MALKOVICH
SANDRA MARQUEZ
MARIANN MAYBERRY*
TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY
JAMES VINCENT MEREDITH
LAURIE METCALF
AMY MORTON
SALLY MURPHY
CAROLINE NEFF
BRUCE NORRIS
AUSTIN PENDLETON
JEFF PERRY †
WILLIAM PETERSEN
YASEN PEYANKOV
MARTHA PLIMPTON
RONDI REED
MOLLY REGAN
ANNA D. SHAPIRO°
ERIC SIMONSON
GARY SINISE †
NAMIR SMALLWOOD
LOIS SMITH
RICK SNYDER
JIM TRUE-FROST
ALAN WILDER
CO-FOUNDER * IN MEMORIAM ° ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
†
STEPPENWOLF STAFF
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Anna D. Shapiro Artistic Director
Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise Executive Artistic Board
David Schmitz Executive Director
Artistic
Gabriel Alaniz Events Management Associate Nic Andrews IT Associate
Joel Moorman Digital Content Producer Kevin Castillo Digital Marketing Manager Development Neel McNeill Marketing and Sandy Karuschak Memberships Director of Manager Development Jacqueline Rosas Eric Evenskaas Marketing Associate Director Coordinator of Development Patrick Zakem LookOut Producer/ Courtney Anderson Audience Engagement Director of Special Coordinator Events David Masnato Kristy Conway Graphic Designer Director of Corporate Leean Kim Torske and Foundation PR Assistant Relations Casey VanWormer Leslie Mastroianni Audience Services Campaign Director Director Billie Rye Bryant Suzanne Miller Audience Services Annual Giving Manager Director Stephanie Heller Jessica Gretch Audience Services Individual Giving Subscription Manager Manager Jimmy Freund Max Lando Audience Services Training Manager Institutional Giving Manager Mike Brunlieb Geehoon Lim Karyn Oates Audience Services Donor Engagement Supervisors Manager Molly Layton Sarah Giovannetti Group Sales Special Events Coordinator Coordinator Roseann Bishop Membership A.J. Roy Coordinator Development Benjamin Adams Coordinator Craig Barnes Chelsea Smith Itzel Blancas Campaign Rebecca Butler Coordinator Rebekah Camm Sarah Carter Samantha Price Juli Del Prete Development Allison Diamond Associate Rachel DuBose Kenya Hall Marketing, Charles Strater Communications & Audience Services Audience Services Associates John Zinn Director of Marketing Audience and Communications Outreach Donovan Foote Joshua Cashman Design Director Audience Outreach Manager Madeline Long Communications Spencer Blair Director Audience Outreach Supervisor Erika Nelson Marketing Director Benjamin Adams Charles Frydenberg Greta Honold Rukmini Girish LookOut Producer/ Audience Engagement Marilyn Hillary Brian Lee Producer Isaiah Polstein Audience Outreach Associates
Operations
Jonathan Berry Aaron Carter Hallie Gordon Artistic Producers JC Clementz Casting Director Polly Hubbard Literary Manager Kristina Valada Viars Princess Grace Fellow Francis Guinan Tracy Letts Sandra Marquez Amy Morton Yasen Peyankov Associate Artists
Education
Hallie Gordon Artistic Director Megan Shuchman Education Director Jared Bellot Education Manager Fatima Sowe Education Projects Assistant John Rooney PLP Assistant Peter Andersen Kari Betton Jazmin Corona Cara Greene Epstein Tiffany Fulson Christina El Gamal Charles Andrew Gardner Greg Geffrard Larry Grimm Mara Stern Wilfredo Ramos, Jr. Fatima Sowe Teaching Artists
Administration
Karena Fiorenza General Manager Lupe Garcia Quiles Events Management Director Jackie Snuttjer Finance Director Jovito Alvarez Finance Manager Paul Miller Office Manager LaDonna Lane Human Resources Generalist Brian Hurst Finance Coordinator
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Cory Jeanes Director of Operations Peter Van Kempen Facilities Manager Adrian Castro Operations Coordinator Harold Jaffe Facilities Staff Irukia Ahmed Ali Victor David Padam Dhungel Tul Ghaley Madan Gurung Noor Alam Islam Ababe Mekonen Shamshuddin Mohamed Shofi Aminata Talawally Bhagirath Timsina Custodial Staff
Audience Experience
Evan Hatfield Director of Audience Experience Danielle Shindler Food & Beverage Director, Front Bar General Manager Stevie Conway Café Manager Denise Yvette Serna Front of House Manager Donald Coulson Parking Manager Aaron Aptaker Audience Experience Coordinator Nick Burt Ana Cackley David Clauson Lynn Cosby Maureen Davies Curtis Jackson Megan Kaminsky Georgette Kirkendall Leah Meacham Greg Mehl Liz Myrick Christopher Sanchez Renato Sanchez Allison Shackelford Jessica Smith Shunna Tolliver Kelly Voke Lizzy Wigley Audience Experience Associates Morgan Burkey Ben Burmeister Tori Davidson Jake Drummond Quinn Hegarty Jared Hecht Dani Nicole James
Juwan Lockett Patty Malaney Alyson Morrill Meaghan Morris Ashley Schilling Lukas Vlasnik Raquel Villalobos Taleshia Walker Front Bar Staff Mustafa Chaudry Sam Morales Gabriel Sanchez Parking Associates Jack Meyer and Lauren Louer, The Saints Volunteer Usher Coordination
Production
Tom Pearl Director of Production Brianna Parry Associate Production Manager Erin Cook Company Manager and Assistant to the Artistic Director Mike Donohue Technical Director Chad Hain Associate Technical Director Erin Freeman Scene Shop Supervisor Kyle Land Ryan Luwe Russell Scott Lydia Strini Scenic Carpenters Jon Woelfer Draftsperson Zoe Shiffrin Scenic Charge Artist Jenny DiLuciano Properties Master Emily Feder Jay Tollefsen Assistant Properties Masters Charles Moser Master Properties Artisan Aimee Plant Properties Artisan Shannon Higgins Wardrobe, Hair and Make Up Supervisor AJ Littlefield Staff Wardrobe Caryn Weglarz Klein Costume Director
Mae Haskins Assistant Costume Designer Laurel Clayson Head Draper Lynae Vandermeulen Work Room Supervisor and Draper Daisy Lindas Assistant Costume Director Staci Weigum Costume Shop Assistant J. R. Lederle Lighting Supervisor Ernesto Gomez Master Electrician Rick Haefele House Carpenter Dawn Przybylski Stage Carpenter Martha Wegener Audio Engineer Gregor Mortis Assistant Audio Engineer Matthew Chapman 1700 Tech Coordinator Karen Thompson Light Board Operator Cassie Calderone Malcolm Ewen Christine D. Freeburg Laura D. Glenn Brian Maschka Stage Managers
Professional Leadership Program
Elyse Balogh Katelynn Barker Madi Bivins Alex Dillon Evan Duckworth Shelby Edwards Estrellita Edwell Rachel Hogen Jane Kittendorf Persephone Lawrence Am’Ber Montgomery Rio Ragazzone Jacqueline Saldana Alexi Siegel Kiefer Szumlas Regina Victor Cody Von Ruden Ellen Wiese
Agency of Record Grip
Counsel Provided by Rick Pappas and the attorneys at Schiff Hardin.
Executive Committee Eric Lefkofsky, Chair Keating Crown, Vice Chair Deborah H. Quazzo, Secretary L. Heather Mitchell, Treasurer Henry S. Bienen Douglas R. Brown Elizabeth H. Connelly Nora Daley Rich Feitler Paul W. Goodrich Lynn Lockwood Murphy Bruce Sagan Matthew Shapiro Stephanie B. Smith John R. Walter Helen Zell
Manuel “Manny” Sanchez Anna D. Shapiro Colette Cachey Smithburg Elliot A. Stultz Bryan Traubert
Trustees Sarah Beardsley Michael W. Bender Amy Bluhm Meredith Bluhm-Wolf Marlene Breslow-Blitstein Carole L. Brown Ebs Burnough Beth Boosalis Davis Amy Eshleman Juliette Feld D. Cameron Findlay Matthew Gray Robert J. Greenebaum, Jr. Caryn Harris John Hart Jon Michael Hill Dennis D. Howarter George A. Joseph Tina Landau Tracy Letts Mary Ludford Ronald J. Mallicoat, Jr. Holly Maloney Tarell Alvin McCraney David E. Mendelsohn Verett Mims Christopher M. Murphy Katherine Nardin Yasen Peyankov Cari B. Sacks Robert Sanborn
Past Chairpersons William L. Atwell Larry D. Brady Douglas R. Brown Nora Daley Laurence Edwards John N. Fox, Jr. Elliott Lyon Gordon Murphy William H. Plummer Bruce Sagan Gloria Scoby Donna Vos
Emeritus Trustees J. Robert Barr Lawrence Block Michael Cahan John N. Fox, Jr. Lawrence M. Gill Donna La Pietra Kenneth J. Porrello Merle Reskin Randall K. Rowe Gloria Scoby
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LEADING CONTRIBUTORS Steppenwolf Ensemble Fund multi-year commitment to Steppenwolf’s artistic development Grand Patrons Julie and Roger Baskes Joyce Chelberg The Davee Foundation The Harris Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. King Harris Kathy Harris Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Szokol Mr. and Mrs. William Friend Mr. and Mrs. John Harris John Hart and Carol Prins Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Lynn Lockwood and Barrett B. Murphy The Negaunee Foundation Helen Zell Distinguished Patrons Sarah Beardsley and Dr. Christopher Randolph Michael Bender and Sheridan Prior Henry and Leigh Bienen Betty Bradshaw Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly Amy and Cameron Findlay Richard and Mary L. Gray Bob and Amy Greenebaum Steven D. Loucks Jim and Kay Mabie Holly and Matt Maloney Karen Zelden and Ralph Senst Season Production Support Allstate Insurance Company Ameriprise Financial Douglas R. Brown Phil and Mary Beth Canfield The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation Elizabeth H. Connelly ComEd Frank G. and Gertrude Dunlap Fund Donald and Anne Edwards Christine Albright and Lawrence Gill Ethel and Bill Gofen Lynn Hauser and Neil Ross Marian, Fruman and Lisa Jacobson Melcher Charitable Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Northern Trust The Orlebeke Foundation PwC Deborah and Stephen Quazzo
Merle Reskin Robert and Louise Sanborn Harry and Susan Seigle Matthew Shapiro and Jacqueline Podewils Toni Sandor Smith Colette Cachey Smithburg and Tom Smithburg Bill and Orli Staley New Plays, New Artists, New Audiences The Davee Foundation The Edgerton Foundation The Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Prince Charitable Trusts Time Warner Foundation Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Zell Family Foundation Steppenwolf for Young Adults Allstate Insurance Company Alphawood Foundation Archer Daniels Midland Company Paul M. Angell Foundation Helen Brach Foundation Douglas R. Brown Ann and Richard Carr Citi Private Bank City of Chicago: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events The Crown Family Nora Daley and Sean Conroy Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot The Field Foundation of Illinois Mary and Paul Finnegan Lloyd A. Fry Foundation Joan Hall Hub International Illinois Tool Works Foundation J.P. Morgan Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Tracy Letts Doug and Cynthia McKeen Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation Lynn Lockwood Murphy and Barrett B. Murphy The Negaunee Foundation Northern Trust Charitable Trust Polk Bros. Foundation Robert and Louise Sanborn Dr. Scholl Foundation Steppenwolf Associates United Airlines
2017/18 SEASON SPONSORS Veterans’ Night Gary Sinise Foundation Major Support of General Operations and Special Projects American Express Buchanan Family Foundation Julius Frankel Foundation The Reva & David Logan Foundation John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Joyce Foundation Prince Charitable Trusts Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert Rhoades Foundation Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Smart Family Foundation Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust The Wallace Foundation The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, Lead Underwriter of fundraising for The Campaign for Steppenwolf 2017 Gala Allstate Insurance Company Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Exelon PwC DLA Piper LLP (US) and Mendelsohn Legal Greenberg Traurig LLP Grosvenor Capital Management Mrs. John M. Hartigan The Negaunee Foundation Cameron and Amy Findlay 2016/17 Steppenwolf Salutes Women In The Arts Luncheon BMO Harris Bank Official Exclusive Airline United Airlines Official Lighting Sponsor ComEd Contact the Development Department at 312-654-5621 to learn more about unique ways to support the work on our stages.
Steppenwolf’s reputation derives from our willingness to take on challenging, ambitious projects. Our future relies upon the generous support of season sponsors who provide invaluable resources for the work of our actors, directors and playwrights. We thank you for your commitment to the vision of our ensemble. Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s 2017/18 season is generously sponsored by: Grand Benefactors
Benefactors
2017/18 CORPORATE ARTS COUNCIL Steppenwolf’s Corporate Arts Council brings together a community of smart, innovative companies to connect in a unique, exciting environment here at the theater. Supporting Steppenwolf’s mission to champion new talent within the theater, the Corporate Arts Council engages members throughout the year to network, entertain, and give back. Leading Members Allstate Insurance Company, Meghan Sporleder Ameriprise Financial, Patricia Moll Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ben Bard DLA Piper LLP (US), Katrina Hausfeld Exelon Corporation, Jason Decker J.P. Morgan, Kelly Epstein Northern Trust, Mark Taylor PwC, Vilma Chan
Members Baker McKenzie, Ginger Partee Newcastle Limited, Michael Haney Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Brian Duwe Winston & Strawn LLP, Matthew R. Carter
Premier Members Faegre Baker Daniels, Patrick M. Miller Sidley Austin LLP, Elizabeth M. Schubert For more information on corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact Max Lando at 312-654-5697 or mlando@steppenwolf.org.
Lead Accessibility Sponsor John Hart and Carol Prins
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CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTORS
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS New Play Development Fund Committee supports Steppenwolf’s mission to be a preeminent producer of new American plays. Caryn Harris*, Co-Chair Anna D. Shapiro*, Co-Chair Julie Baskes Susan O. Berghoef Douglas R. Brown* Joyce Chelberg Nora Daley* Liz Lefkofsky Jim Mabie Deborah Quazzo* Robert Sanborn* Matthew Shapiro* Colette Cachey Smithburg* Helen Zell* Education Committee advocates for the programming of Steppenwolf for Young Adults and for access to quality arts experiences for teens and teachers. Amy Eshleman*, Chair Michael Bolton Sheila Chapman Beth Boosalis Davis* Jeremy Dunn Jane Fleming Paul Gaynor Larry Grimm John Hart* Solveig Herzum Sybil Madison-Boyd Susan Noel Ashley Pettit Anne M. Phillips Donald J. Phillips II Deborah Quazzo* Robert Sanborn* Michelle Schlack Sydney Sidwell Jennifer Stuart Elliot A. Stultz* Annie Tully David Wagener Nina A. Winston Bobbi Zabel
Directors Circle Committee helps steward and grow the theater’s largest donor program. Gail Steingold, Chair Patricia Bobb Janyce D. Brengel Bryce Cooper Beth Boosalis Davis* Greg Desmond Ritu Dhingra Stacy Fleming Aimee Graham Julie Gustafson Mike Gustafson Rebecca Johnston Sherri Kayser Michael LaTona Susan Lichtenstein Stephanie Linn Beth Loeb Cathy Nathan Toni Sandor Smith Gail Straus Frances E. Tuite 2017 Gala Steppenwolf’s Gala Co-Chairs plan the signature fundraising event led by the theater’s Board of Trustees. Amy Eshleman* and Lori Lightfoot Cameron* and Amy Findlay Susan and David* Mendelsohn Jon Michael Hill* Tim Hopper and Karen Viola Amy Morton and Rob Milburn
Women in the Arts Luncheon Committee spearheads our annual fundraising event, honoring leading artists in theater, film and television. Vilma Chan Elizabeth H. Connelly* Keating Crown* Nora Daley* Mary A. Dempsey Amy Eshleman* Noreen Gallagher Julie Jensen Donna La Pietra* Liz Lefkofsky Mary Ludford* Dr. Lisa McGrady Lynn Lockwood Murphy* Deborah Quazzo* Stephanie B. Smith* Elliot A. Stultz* Helen Zell* Young Adult Council, a unique after-school program for high school students, immerses them in Steppenwolf’s operations and organizes events for their peers around Steppenwolf productions. Meitav Aaron Jocelyn Arrieta Ayaan Asthana Rachel Bynum Desiree Cobbins Ines Garcia Rory Hayes Gwyneth Lemaster Jiamon London Liliana Mastroianni Lilian McGrady Zosia Nowak Kealoha Ogunseitan Amber O’Sullivan Nikhil Patel Diana Pham Sarah Powers Giezi Salazar Jairo Saucedo Tia Smith Tyra Smith Karen Sylvester Ramman Takhsh Holden Thomas Jenifer Trujillo Anika Waco Natalie Wexler
To get involved or learn more, please contact Eric Evenskaas, Associate Director of Development, at 312-654-5615 or eevenskaas@steppenwolf.org.
* Steppenwolf Trustee
Grand Benefactors ($100,000+) Allstate Insurance Company* The Crown Family‡ The Davee Foundation‡ Lefkofsky Family Foundation‡ John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation‡* The Negaunee Foundation Shubert Foundation, Inc. Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust‡ United Airlines The Wallace Foundation‡ Zell Family Foundation Benefactors ($50,000 – $99,999) Anonymous Paul M. Angell Foundation Chicago Community Trust ComEd Julius Frankel Foundation The Harris Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. King Harris Kathy Harris Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Szokol Mr. and Mrs. William Friend Mr. and Mrs. John Harris J.P.Morgan* The Joyce Foundation‡ Laurents/Hatcher Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Northern Trust* Polk Bros. Foundation* PwC Smart Family Foundation of Illinois Time Warner Foundation‡ Vinci Producers ($25,000 – $49,999) Alphawood Foundation Anonymous (2) American Express Ameriprise Financial Archer Daniels Midland Company The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation DLA Piper LLP (US) The Field Foundation of Illinois Lloyd A. Fry Foundation‡ Greenberg Traurig LLP Grosvenor Capital Management BMO Harris Bank* The Orlebeke Foundation
Pfingsten Partners, L.L.C Prince Charitable Trusts J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation Searle Family Trust Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust Seigle Family Foundation Earl and Brenda Shapiro Foundation Sidley Austin LLP Gary Sinise Foundation Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Patrons ($10,000 – $24,999) Anonymous (2) Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture Ambassador Chicago Aon Baker McKenzie Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois The Boeing Company Helen Brach Foundation Buchanan Family Foundation The Canning Foundation City of Chicago: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Citadel LLC CRC Swett Henry Crown and Company Dover Foundation Frank G. and Gertrude Dunlap Fund Faegre Baker Daniels Graycor, Inc. Green Courte Partners, LLC GrubHub Hotel Indigo Hotel Lincoln Illinois Tool Works Foundation Kirkland & Ellis LLP McKinsey & Company, Inc. Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation Melcher Charitable Foundation Newcastle Limited Norcon, Inc
* Corporations and foundations that have made employee matching gifts
‡ Multi-year pledge
Rhoades Foundation Ropes & Gray LLP Sage Foundation Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP Schiff Hardin LLP Dr. Scholl Foundation Siragusa Family Foundation The Smithburg Family Foundation John and Carol Walter Family Foundation William Blair & Company, LLC Winston & Strawn, LLP Sustainers ($5,000 – $9,999) Baird Modestus Bauer Foundation Baxter International Inc.* Citi Private Bank Mary Dempsey, Philip H. Corboy Foundation John R. Halligan Charitable Fund Irving Harris Foundation Ice Miller LLP Karkomi Family Foundation Mendelsohn Legal, Inc. Nordstrom PERT Foundation Pepsico Foundation Louis & Nellie Sieg Fund Sponsors ($2,500 – $4,999) Amsted Industries Foundation The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation FROST Hub International Innovative Benefit Consultants New Horizon Foundation Sahara Enterprises, Inc. Suite Home Chicago Westside Mechanical Group Guarantors ($1,000 – $2,499) BNY Mellon Wealth Management Gramm Family Foundation Hamilton Thies & Lorch LLP The Ira & Janina Marks Charitable Trust Lillian H. Florsheim Foundation Metzner Family Foundation Plante Moran Resolute Consulting LLC Rochman Charitable Foundation TTX Company
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ENDOWMENT SPONSORS Hope Abelson Fund for New Play Development
Richard and Mary L. Gray Production Endowment Fund
Artistic Endowment established through the Leading National Theatres Program, a joint initiative of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund for the Development of New Work
Douglas R. Brown Playwright/ Director Endowment Fund Ford Foundation Artistic and General Operating Endowment Funds
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Daniel E. McLean National and International Production Fund
DIRECTORS CIRCLE Steppenwolf Theatre Company Endowment Fund created with Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust Nancy L. Wald Production Endowment Fund John and Carol Walter Production Endowment Fund
Avy and Marcie Stein Sustaining Fund for the Ensemble Steppenwolf Board Designated Endowment Fund
VISIONARY CIRCLE We are honored to recognize the following individuals who have included Steppenwolf in their will or estate plans. The esteemed members of the Visionary Circle help ensure the vitality of Steppenwolf for future generations. Contact the Development Department at 312-654-5621 to learn more about the giving options to consider in your estate planning. Anonymous Valerie and Joseph Abel Robert C. Anderson Dr. Marvin and Joyce Berman Norma Borcherding Douglas R. Brown Barbara L. Dean Janice and Rob Esser Robert H. Glaze Michael Goldberger
Michael Hansen and Nancy Randa John Hart Lynn Hauser and Neil Ross Tom Irwin Stephen Johnson Jared Kaplan and Maridee Quanbeck Michele Kenner Melanie G. Larch
Dr. Paul Lisnek Kenneth J. Porrello and Sherry L. McFall Sylvia J. Pozarnsky Merle Reskin Dr. Edward O. Riley T. Marshall Rousseau Patrick J. Schauer Harry Seigle Judy Sugarman
We remember the following members of the Steppenwolf family who have made a bequest to the theater. Their legacy will help to ensure that Steppenwolf continues to flourish. Hope A. Abelson Alba Biagini Nelson D. Cornelius Jo Hopkins Deutsch
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Marjorie Douglas James F. Oates Andrea Romain and Cleo V. Orthel
Rose L. and Sidney N. Shure Nancy L. Wald
The generosity of Steppenwolf’s Directors Circle members annually provides vital support for Steppenwolf’s many streams of artistic and community programming. In recognition of their contributions, members receive complimentary subscriptions with VIP ticketing services and are invited to private events with the artists of Steppenwolf. Donors with ‡ have made a generous multi-year pledge. To join this distinguished group, call Jessica Gretch at 312-654-5672 or e-mail directorscircle@steppenwolf.org. Premier Patrons ($50,000+) Anonymous Julie and Roger Baskes‡ Sarah Beardsley and Dr. Christopher Randolph Michael Bender and Sheridan Prior‡ Leigh and Henry Bienen‡ Marlene Breslow-Blitstein and Berle Blitstein Douglas R. Brown Ann and Richard Carr Joyce Chelberg‡ Elizabeth H. Connelly Caroline and Keating Crown Nora Daley and Sean Conroy‡ Rich and Margery Feitler Amy and Cameron Findlay King and Caryn Harris‡ John Hart and Carol Prins‡ Pam and Dennis D. Howarter Liz and Eric Lefkofsky‡ Mary and Bill Ludford Ronald J. Mallicoat, Jr. Robert and Louise Sanborn Elliot A. Stultz Helen Zell‡ Grand Patrons ($25,000 – $49,999) Phil and Mary Beth Canfield Beth Boosalis Davis and Maxwell S. Davis Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly‡ Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot Ethel and Bill Gofen Richard and Mary L. Gray‡ Bob and Amy Greenebaum Mrs. John M. Hartigan Marian, Fruman and Lisa Jacobson Lynn Lockwood Murphy and Barrett B. Murphy‡ Steven D. Loucks‡ Jim and Kay Mabie‡ Holly and Matt Maloney Mr. and Ms. David E. Mendelsohn Pam and Ashley Netzky
Randy and Susi Rowe Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill Manny Sanchez and Pat Pulido Sanchez Sue and Harry Seigle‡ Matthew Shapiro and Jacqueline Podewils Bill and Orli Staley Karen Zelden and Ralph Senst‡
Toni Sandor Smith Colette Cachey Smithburg and Tom Smithburg Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker Frances E. Tuite John and Carol Walter Nina B. Winston Ronald and Geri Yonover
Distinguished Patrons ($10,000 – $24,999) Betty Bradshaw Michael and Cathy Brennan Julie and Bill Casserly Mr. and Mrs. A. Steven Crown Donald and Anne Edwards Juliette Feld and Andrew Grossman Mary and Paul Finnegan Stacy and Ian Fleming John and Katherine Fox Gordon and Wendy Gill Christine Albright and Lawrence Gill Valerie and Paul Goodrich Aimee Graham and Nigel Caine Leslie and Matthew Gray Joan Hall Jon Michael Hill Perry and Cathy Iverson Jeffrey Maling and Rebecca Johnston Brad and Kim Keywell Tracy Letts Kate and William Macdonald Cynthia Luse-McKeen and P. Douglas McKeen Verett Mims L. Heather Mitchell and Kenny Mitchell Christopher and Eileen Murphy Anne and Don Phillips Deborah and Stephen Quazzo Merle Reskin Lynn Hauser and Neil Ross Ms. Elizabeth Schubert Stephanie B. Smith and Gerald Smith
Patrons ($5,000 – $9,999) Anonymous (4) Loren Almaguer and Frank Gerleve Mr. and Mrs. Jack Angelo Suzanne and David Arch Andy and Sue Arnold Gerry Barad and Sharon Ehrens Dr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Berman Kevin Boehm and Courtney Moon Janyce D. Brengel Lois Browning Gia and Isaac Colunga Jerry and Josephine Conlon Liam and Francesca Connell Kent and Liz Dauten Mary A. Dempsey, Philip H. Corboy Foundation Laura and Scott Eisen Mary M. Emerson Tom and Pat Erickson Becki and Scott Etzler Maurice Fantus and Judith Aiello Kenneth and Bonnie Feld Jane Fleming and Melinda Kempton Ms. Joan Harris Mrs. Louise Hart Michael and Mona Heath Fund Judy and Jay Heyman David Hiller George A. Joseph and Carolyn Bateman‡ David and Susan Kalt Jared Kaplan and Maridee Quanbeck Jen and Brad Keck Stephen Kriegel and Family
steppenwolf 31
…cont’d Directors Circle
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lad Christine and Michael LaTona Mr. Marvin J. Leavitt and Ms. Susan Karkomi Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz Brian Lukanic and Kelly Dixon Amos and Anat Madanes Howard and Sandy Nagelberg Mr. and Ms. Dave Obenauer Ashley and Noah Pettit Jennifer and Perry Pinto Burton X. and Sheli Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Rosenfeld Sandra and Earl Rusnak, Jr. David and Susan Schmid Mr. and Ms. Ilan Shalit Jeffrey Singer and Patricia Carman Steven Smith Marcie and Avy Stein Gail and Eugene Steingold Jacqueline Tilton Richard and Elaine Tinberg Michael and January Ward Robert and Susan Warrington Dr. David Wasserman Lorrayne and Steve Weiss Philip Zadeik and Elizabeth Krepps Sustainers ($2,500 – $4,999) Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. John Aalbregtse Carina Abbaticchio and Christine Hermosisima Kathi and Roger Adams Jack J. Adrian Mr. Anjan Asthana Paula Ausick Sharon Baker John and Caroline Ballantine Gustavo Bamberger and Martha Van Haitsma Solomon and Camila Barnett Bob and Trish Barr Lawrence Bass and Paula Sneed Martha and Al Belmonte Alan and Nancy Berry Norman and Virginia Bobins Stephen and Lynn Bolanowski‡ Doug Bradbury Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Braun Robert and Mary Briscoe Mr. Thomas M. Burke Michael and Merle Cahan David Callahan and Terri Abruzzo Bobby Cannavale
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Drs. Rex Chisholm and Kathleen Green Carol and Douglas Cohen Michael and Edie Cohen Deb and Denny Cowhey Patricia Cox, Katie and Will Hunckler Judy and Tapas K. Das Gupta Diane Dawson Greg Desmond and Michael Segobiano Bill and Cindee Dietz Philip and Marsha Dowd Drs. Thomas E. Durica and Susan Jacob Dr. Steven B. Edelstein George Engeln Randall Fearnow and Beth Compton Roxanne Hori and Robert Felsenthal Steven Florsheim and Jennifer Friedes Lisa and John Folkers Daniel J. Rubin and Karen Frederick Kate and Michael Fridholm Kate Friedlob Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin Friedman Leonard Gail and Robin Steans David and Noreen Ann Gallagher Matt and Lindsay Garrison Gary L. Gephart Beverly Wyckoff and Charles Ginsberg Richard Ginsberg and NatalieTessler Bob and Carol Goldberg Sheila and Tom Gorey Sue and Melvin Gray Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Greenberg‡ William and Nanci Greene James and Brenda Grusecki M. Julie and Michael Gustafson Jack and Sandra Guthman Ginger and Del Hall Michael Hansen and Nancy Randa Marcy and Harry Harczak Pam and David Harrington Marlene and Sonny Hersh David Kistenbroker and Cynthia Heusing Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Hill The Hirschfields Ann S. Hoenig and Jonathan L. Hoenig Dr. and Mrs. David Ingall Patricia Jeffers Craig and Heidi Johnson
Timothy B. Johnson and Valerie B. Wiley Jeffrey and Lisa Jozwiak Reis and Sherri Kayser Andrew Keyt Jonathan Klein and Susan Cohn Mr. and Mrs. Sanfred Koltun Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Korbet MD Raminder and Vinay Kumar Jody LaVoie Tanya Levshina and Ilya Volvovski Ms. Stephanie F. Linn and Dr. Seth B. Krantz Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lowe Mark and Frances Mann Don and Melinda Marshall Andrew R. McGaan Mr. and Ms. Paul McGrady Lyn McKeaney Kevin and Beth McMeen Ellie and Bob Meyers Amy Laiken and Tim Michel Mr. and Mrs. Steve Monieson Ms. Katherine Nardin Jean and Jordan Nerenberg Bob and Joyce O’Malley Susan and Ted Oppenheimer Elizabeth Orelup and Lawrence Sonntag Carrie and Matthew Parr Simon and Kim Perutz Dale and Loretta Pierson Ms. Sherri Pincus Patricia Pippert and Steven Redfield Avi and Joan Porat Kenneth J. Porrello and Sherry L. McFall‡ Andrew and Judy L. Porte Bradley and Patricia Reid Lynne Remington and Geoff Goldberg Mrs. Robert Reum Nina Riccardi Trisha Rooney Ms. Doris D. Roskin Carlo and Lalie Scandiuzzi Howard and Gail Schaffner Matthew and Tina Schubert David and Judith L. Sensibar Mark and Kimberly Shadle Michael Shapiro and Deb Gohr Shapiro Ms. Virginia Simmons Robert and Nancy Singleton Mr. Erik Smith and Ms. Edith Gregson Matthew Steinmetz
Kristin and Stan Stevens Edward A. Studzinski Judy Sugarman Sue and Timothy Sullivan Mark and Leah Taylor James E. Thompson John and Maribeth Totten Nick Trakas and Marc Cerone Kelly and Jay Tunney Reed and Rosemary Tupper Donna and Dirk Vos Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wanda Carey Weiss and Karen Pierce Jane and Greg Wintroub Elizabeth Wohlleb Elizabeth A. Ziegler Benefactors ($1,500 – $2,499) Anonymous (7) Karen and Scott Alexander Catherine Allegra and James Tanner Polly Allen Alyce Paris Nicholas and Kathleen Amatangelo Kimball Anderson and Karen Gatsis Anderson Robert C. Anderson Stephanie and Dana Arnett Jeffrey S. Arnold and Ellen J. Neely Edgar Bachrach Richard and Janice Bail Andy and Stephanie Baker‡ Yuri and Elena Balasanov Catherine Bannister Mr. Larry Barden Merrill and Alice Barden Cynthia Barginere Sandra Bass Bruce and Debbie Bentcover Shirley and Tom Berchou‡ Susen H. Berg and James C. Berg Ron and Colleen Bess Jeff Bethke and Leah Vaselopulos Nicholas Biederman Jon Blanc Shaun and Andy Block Mr. David Blowers Jr. Patricia C. Bobb Stanley and Anne Boychuck Marjorie Bransfield Reid Brody and Sally Schwartz-Brody Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brooks Dawn and Harmon Brown George and Joyce Brown‡ David and Michelle Buck John D. and Leslie Henner Burns Timothy Burroughs and Barbara Smith
Joseph and Cory Cancila‡ Kathleen and Robert Carey Sheila J. Chapman Dr. Rosalyn A. Chrenka and Ralph P. Maffucci Michael and Stephanie Chu Nancy Ciezki and Diane Kostecke Keith and Barbara Clayton James and Julie Coffman Thomas and Kathleen Coleman Steven and Caralynn Collens Ed Cook and Melissa Perrett Cook‡ J. Gorman Cook and Carole Kohout Bryce Cooper Merle R. Cooper Lisa and Brian Cornell Winnie and Bob Crawford Phyllis Cretors James Curley and Isabel O’Connell Carl and Cynthia Curry Dean and Lori Czuma Stephen F. Danziger Nancy Dehmlow Mr. and Mrs. Menahem Deitcher Scott Delman Donald Deutsch Gautam and Ritu Dhingra Roberta S. Dillon Carmelita Dockery, ABD Patricia and Richard Doonan Raymond and Marybeth Drake Erin and Ian Drury James and Kelly Epstein Juliet and Marc Fallah Demitri and Pamela Fardelos David and Mary Farkas Harris J. Feldman, M.D. Carol and Steven Felsenthal Mr. and Mrs. Richard Filler Cory and Cyndi Fosco Jim and Sandy Freeburg Denise Michelle Gamble Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner Gigi Gamauf and Dr. Joseph Gavron Lisa Garling and Jeff Miller Tom and Beth Garrow‡ Steven M. Gerschoffer Susan and John Gibbons Mr. and Mrs. James J. Glasser Elizabeth Glassman Charlie and Mary Gofen Jennifer and Isaac Goldman Dr. Paul Goldstein and Ms. Nasrin Mahani Sue-Gray Goller Laurence and Carrie Grant Mary and Jim Greene Suzanne Gylfe
Victoria and Charles Harris‡ Stacie R. Hartman Dorothy Harza Lois and Marty Hauselman Mark and Joelle Hayes James and Anne Heger Sandra L. Helton and Norman M. Edelson James LaForce and Stephen Henderson Rachel Henry Richard and Elaine Heuberger Midge and Frank Heurich Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hibel Grayson Holmbeck Dr. Matthew and Kimberly Horowitz Arnold and Judith Horwich‡ Holly E. Humphreys Nicole and Pedro Irazoqui Mary Ittelson John Ittner and Jennifer Van Dyke Craig “CJ” Jensen and Craig Dannenbrink Ed Jeske and John Hern David Kathman Dr. Claudia Anne Katz Aviva Katzman and Morris Mauer Mary Ann and Mark Kaufman Thomas E Keim Sheryl and Tom Keith‡ Peter and Susan Kelly Chris Kendrick and Kasturi Haldar John F. Kennedy Gerould and Jewell Kern Helen J. Kessler Patricia and Wayne Kik‡ Mike and Leslie King Harry Kinzie Tom Klarquist and Steve Somora Stephanie and Peter Klein Jean Klingenstein Mr. and Mrs. Tom Knauff Jeffrey Koh Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Koldyke Suzy Krueckeberg Mr. Matthew Kutcher and Ms. Rebecca Richards Carol and Jerome Lamet Gerald R. Lanz and Lisa Kearns Lanz Tom and Renee Lavallee Ron and Kim Lemar Travis Lenkner and Erin Delaney Bernard and Averill Leviton Arthur and Catherine Lewis Wil Lewis Dr. Paul M. Lisnek Beth Loeb
steppenwolf 33
…cont’d Directors Circle
Dr. Carl Gustas and Jan Logan Abby and George Lombardi Diane and Alejandro Longoria Fran Lambros and John Lowry‡ Mrs. Barbara Lucas and Ms. Toni Sieve‡ Dorothy and Oren Lund Michael Maloney and Christine Zyzda Naja Maltezos Arlene Manelli Sandy and Jerry Manne Barbara and Larry Margolis Christine and David Markovitz The Masnato Family Eric and Sarah Mayeda Becky and Bob McLennan Jim and Lynn McClure Lee and Joyce McCullough Bob and Barb McCullough Dr. Janis Mendelsohn Randi Merel and Allen LeHew Jim Milbery and Anna Deaugustine Michael and Susan Miller Dr. George and Maureen Miz Liz Morgan Blake and Debra Moritz‡ Lorna Filippini Mindy Munson Patrick J. Nash, Jr. Cathy and Robert Nathan Judy Neafsey and Terry Conway David Ellis and Hope Nightingale Mary Nolen Peg O’Connor Joe O’Leary Bridget R. O’Neill Susan and George Obermaier Gary and Marcie Ochs Mr. Tony Olson Sandra and Mark Ostler Brian A. Paetow and Gretchen K. Beetner Jim and Sue Pajakowski Vicki L. Parker Mr. Deep Patel and Ms. Nisha Begwani Amy and Brent Peebles Melissa Peralta Sandra and Michael Perlow John and Christine Pfeiffer Dr. Susan Burland and George Plumb Kate Pokorny and Steve Waszak‡ Mary Beth and Terry Porter Elliott Quigley Paul Rauch and Frank Cozzi
34 BLKS
Linda Reid Mr. and Mrs. Jerald F. Richman Ms. Lauri Riggen Susan and Edwin Ritts John C. Roberts and Lynn D. Fleisher Riney and Carol Robertson Randy and Betsy Rochman Dr. Jeff Rosen and Ms. Gail Rosen Hilary Rosenthal Dr. Abbie Roth and Sandra Gladstone Roth Holly B. Rothschild Alan Gordon Rottman Bob Rowe and Mary Senesac Marilynn Rubio George and Kimberly Ruhana Mrs. Joanne Ruxin John Ryan Ms. Rebecca Ryerson Francis C. Sadac Ms. Carol S. Sadow A. Sue Samuels Richard and Susan Sanders Pamela and Fred Sasser Paul Scavone and Donna Pawlus Michelle Maton and Mike Schaeffer Stephanie Scharf and David Taber‡ Joseph Scheper and Kevin Ray Michelle Schlack Ms. E. Jane Schmitz Alan Kozlowski and John Schuchert Diana and Richard Senior Surendra and Dorothie Shah Nancia Shawver and Larry Weiner Hope and Jeffrey Sheffield Judy and Jeffrey Silverman Ms. Julia Simpson James and Mary Jo Slykas Heather and Adam Smedstad‡ Melissa and Chuck Smith Neil Smith Family Ron and Leslie Smith Sharon Specht Nicole Stavish Kelly and Jami Stone Lawrence Stone and Margaret Jongleux Gail and John Straus Mary Stowell and Jim Streicker Lauren and Steve Strelsin Lisa Sullivan Ms. Sarah Swain and Mr. John Hart Dr. and Mrs. James V. Talano
Ilene Patty and Tom Terpstra Mrs. Vernon B. Thomas Mr. Marshall Thompson Carrie Thoms The Tipton Family Greg and Mary Tuite Scott and Adriane Turow Brady I. Twiggs Tali and Liat Tzur Marilee Unruh Betty Vandenbosch Shawn VanDerziel and Jay Clarke John and Julie Varga Erika Nelson and David Wagener Mr. Allan Waite The Wake Family Ken Wanlass and Sara Kim and Scott Wayne Nick and Nora Weir Tom and Blaine Wells Anne and Jay Whipple Jack and Keli Wildermuth Jon Will and Ada Mary Gugenheim‡ Jessica and Jeff Wisniewski‡ Sherry Wolfe Michael Wollensak and Noel Yumang Joe Wolnski and Jane Christino Bobbi Zabel Eileen and David Zampa Alexandra Zaporozec and John Roussos Mr. and Ms. Michael Zdeb Andrew Zwetz
ANNUAL FUND Steppenwolf thanks the many supporters who help bridge the gap between annual operating costs and ticket sales. We regret that, due to space limitations, we are unable to recognize gifts below $150. To all our benefactors, we thank you for making possible another season of engaging, provocative theater. Make your gift today by visiting steppenwolf.org/support or calling Suzanne Miller at 312-654-5617. Gifts are as of September 1, 2017. Producers ($1,000 – $1,499) Anonymous (3) Mr. and Ms. Mark Ahern Kate Arrington Mr. and Mrs. Paul Audrain Ted and Robbie Beaty † Lois J. Bider Lin Brehmer Robert and Joell Brightfelt Susan Buchanan and Steve Brown Gregory C. Cameron Ray Capitanini Clyde C. Compton Mr. and Mrs. Adam DeWitt Amina Dickerson and Julian Roberts Michele and George Dragisity Joan and John Dysart Jennifer M. Ellin Brian Fabes and Lisa Schneider Fabes Peter Fischer Lori Mae Frith† Terrence Glomski Brian J. and Janie Gold Deidra D. Gold Mr. and Ms. David Graham Jonathan and Sarah Graham† The Greffin Family Lina Hilko† Mr. David Hoffman Mr. and Ms. Bill Hughson William Ibe James A. Jolley, Jr. and R. Kyle Lammlein Mr. Jonathan Kahn and Ms. Susan Stone Rachel Kraft Daniel Castellaneta and Deborah Lacusta Daniel Laytin Christine Leahy and Adam Weinberg Madeline and Steve Lesnick Patricia L. Levy Mr. and Ms. Paul Marks Joan and Jerry Matson Michael E. McCaslin† Tarell Alvin McCraney Ms. Blair McGee Scott Johnson and Gary Metzner
Mr. and Mrs. David Moes Amy Morton and Rob Milburn Mr. Mark Neil and Ms. Laurel Lipkin Howard and Cathy Niden Susan and Nicholas Noyes Barbara and Daniel O’Keefe Margaret Pendry Frank and Mary Phillips Mark Piznarski Sylvia J. Pozarnsky and Tom Riley Fred and Karen Rhynders† James and Trude Roselle Adesh and Sonia Ramchandran Mr. and Ms. Bryan Sanders William B. Schildgen Mr. and Ms. Richard Schmitzer Michael Shannon Christine A. Slivon† Michael and Salme Harju Steinberg† Patty Sternberg Ms. Lisa Stevak Robert Stillman and Janet Surkin Sylvia and Joe Stone Ms. Jennifer Stuart Ms. Ann Taylor and Mr. Stephen Skardon Ramona and Daniel Ustian Erich Walch Brittany White Ms. Harriet White Susan and Bob Wislow Ensemble ($500 – $999) Anonymous (13) Susan Craft Ward Wilson Richard and Jill Almeida Jim and Sheila Amend† Greg and Janine Amoroso Arthur and Rebecca Anderson Robert Anderson Walter Aque Lorilyn Aquino† John Asplin and Christine Orders Peggy Bagley and Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer Teri and Steve Barnett Howard Bauchner Mr. and Mrs. Baughman Scott and Carla Benigni
Susan R. Benner Gene and Natalie Bernadoni Harriet and Howard N. Bernstein Adrian and Arta Beverly Beryl and David Bills† Mr. and Ms. Norm Bilow Mr. Jeremy Bird and Ms. Betsy Hoover Ms. Nicole Bjornvick John Blair and Liz Buchanan† Marc D. Blakeman Ms. and Mr. Lena Blitstein Mr. and Mrs. Philip Block III R. Darrell Bock James Botana and Monica Khetarpal† Donald F. Bouseman Aldridge and Marie Bousfield Phyllis and Sam Bowen Joey Breslow David Briggs† Bruce and Kate Burgun William Carpenter Sharon Carr Mr. and Ms. Jack Carriglio Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Chandler Antonio and Houda Chedid Debbie and John Chipman Dana Green and Thomas Clancy Betty Cleeland† Pam and Howard Conant Jean Costigan Maureen Crowley Daniel R. Cyganowski Liese Dallbauman Lucy and Bill Dallman † Rathin Datta Michelle de Vlam† Mary and Daniel Deziel Dorothy L. Domuray David Dranoff and Wendy Epstein Natalie Dudek† Ellen Feinstein and Adam Engle† Erika Erich Jim and Shellie Fisch Mr. and Ms. Mark Fisher Lois Farrell Fisher Jim and Yvonne Fogerty † Rebecca and Barry Friedland Joanne Benazzi Friedland June Freidlich
steppenwolf 35
…cont’d Annual Fund
Dawn and Eddie Gershman William J. Gibbons Joseph Glaser and Jessica Schneider Glaser Keith Goggin Jaye and John Golanty † Karen M. Goldstein† Sam Goodman Leo and Linda Gordon Chester Gougis and Shelley Ochab Phoebe and Archie Graber † John S. Mrowiec and Karen Granda Dr. Kitty Green Michael and Lisa Greenfield Mr. and Ms. Dave Grossman Marie Gunn† Kim and Randy Hack Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hacker † Linda Halperin Bill Hamilton Chester and Phyllis Handelman Rachel Hatch Jean Hawkinson Ms. Marilyn Hirsch and Mr. Zvi Noy Anne Linsdau-Hoeppner and Walter F. Hoeppner III Patrick and Kristina Hourihane Karen Hunken† Patricia Hurley Jean Perkins and Leland Hutchinson Sandy Ihm and Ken Belcher Tim Jackson and Dana McKenna† Ms. Rachelle Jervis Holly Johnston Mr. Scott Johnstone Todd H. Jones Laura and Eric Jordahl Janelle S. Joseph Melvin and Annie Kahn Charles Katzenmeyer Polly Kawalek Adam and Renee Keats Dr. Susan A. Kecskes† Rita Kerns Jeffrey Kerr Mr. William Kerr David and Sharon Kessler Frank and Katherine Kinney † Sylvia and John Kinney Matt and Karen Klickman Ms. Monica Kline Mr. and Mrs. David Knapp Ms. Leslie Kondziela Electra D. Kontalonis
Rob and Laura Kozloff Ms. Kim Kumiega Terri Lacy Pamela K. Ladd George M. Langlois, Ph.D.† Melanie Larch and Rudy Panucci Laura and Pat Lederer Peter and Judith Lederer Sheila Fields Leiter Catherine Leyser † Fran and Chuck Licht † Mr. Chris Liguori and Ms. Cathy Ross Stacy and Peter Lindau Alec Litowitz and Jennifer Litowitz Mark and Carol Lorenz Ms. Julia Luscombe David Marker and Georgann Joseph George and Nancy Matkov Sheila and Mark Matuscak Robert and Eleanor M. McAllister Mike and Cindy McCabe Cathy and Mark McKee† Sheila and Harvey Medvin Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mercurio Susan Messing Margaret Minneman Mr. Chris Mollet Rick and Joyce Morimoto† Mark and Lori Muller Joan Neil Wendy Norris Emily and Hank Neuberger Terri and Chuck Nevins Michael and Charlotte Newberger Lynne Considene Nieman Jim Norman Mr. and Mrs. Charles Norwesh Susan and Larry Nutson Mary Pat O’Brien Roberta Olshansky John and Joy O’Malley Mr. Tom O’Neill and Ms. Ann David Ms. Savi Pai Jana R. O’Brien and Wayne T. Parman John and Roberta Paskvalich Doug and Jenny Patinkin Thomas Pawlik and Ava Cohn Susan A. Payne Lynn and Mel Pearl Mr. Tom Pearl John Pintozzi Frank C. Pond† V. Pristera, Jr.†
Jeff and Susan Rashid Vladimir and Deb Rasin Gabriel and Dorit Raviv Bill and Tracy Reeder P. Kevin Reidy † Lisa Remby Stephen and Caryn Robin Steve Rodichok and Renee Gattone† Honey and Howard Rosenfeld Lisa and Doug Rosskamm Mrs. Donald S. Roth Chaya and Walter Roth T. Marshall Rousseau Ms. Shilpa Rupani Sujaya and Prem Rupani Diana and Ed Ruthman Dan Sackett † Bettylu and Paul Saltzman John R. Samolis Mr. John Sandwick and Ms. Cynthia Van Osdol Mr. Hari Santhanam Brett Saternus and Elizabeth Marklein Jane E. Schaafsma Jim and Marguerite Schellentrager Allison and Charles Scherer Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Schewe Richard and Betty Seid Ms. Erica Semrad Leslie Shad and Joe Brennan Luna Okada and Wynn Sheade† Mr. and Mrs. David R. Shevitz Mr. Richard Smart Ms. Melissa Smith Ron Sorini and Desiree Tucker-Sorini Stephen Spigel and Diana Williams Seena and Carey Stein Cathy and Jon Stein† Doris Sternberg Dr. Lauren Streicher and Mr. Jason Brett Larry E. Stuckey II Yvonne Sutor † Vivian Tedford Jeff Thomas and Rebecca Coleman† Ms. Christine Thompson Richard Tobiason† Mr. and Mrs. Tony Toulouse Edward and Edith Turkington Howard and Jane Tyner Anne Van Wart and Michael Keable Lillian and Steven Walanka Laura and Bob Watson†
Elissa B. Weaver Mr. Chuck Wehland and Ms. Gina Tabacchi Hava and Ariel Weissberg Adam and Jamie Weyeneth John W. Wheeler Joanne Wiedemann-Wolf Barbara Wilder † Andre Williams Gary and Modena Wilson† Matthew Wilson and Anne Posner Jodie Winnett † Esther and Stanley Wojcicki Ms. Sarah R. Wolff and Mr. Joel L. Handelman Mr. John Wunderlich Scott Yoder and Kelly Robertson-Yoder Liang Zhang Designers ($250 – $499) Anonymous (41) Linda Loving and Richard Aaronson Thomas W. Abendroth and Terri L. Mascherin Fadi Abuelroos Jeannie L. Adams Ms. Deborah Ader Mr. David Adler Judith Adler Mary Lee and Ryan Kruidenier † Craig Ahmer † Philip and June Aimen† Ava and Jake Aldebert † Thomas B. Aldrich III and Monica Jung Mr. Adham Aljahmi Douglas W and Susan J Allen Ms. Sandra Allen Ms. Evvie Alter David and Jill Altman† Donna Gay Anderson† Jacqueline Anderson Harold and Judith Anderson† Mary and Paul F. Anderson Roni Anderson Cedric H. Antosiewicz and Margaret M. Gudenas Mr. Mario Aranda Debi and Clark Ardern† Ms. Jennifer Arneson Nathan D. Arnold† Deborah Ashen and Cara Meiselman† Jessica Ashley and Ethan Ashley-Ferguson† Kathleen Austin† Linda A. Bacci† David Bailey and DJ Trela†
Spencer and Daniel Baker Michael and Julie Baker † Ann and William Baker John and Sharon Baldwin Daniel Alan Balsam JC Bardzil† M. Z. Barnes Joan C Barnhart † Mia A. and Scott Bass Christina Batorski Laura M. Batzer † Thomas Bearrows and Holly Hirst Mr. and Mrs. Eric Belcher Mr. Brad Bemiss and Katie Weaver Julie and Howard Benario Katie Benedict † R.L. Benton John and Taru Berg Julian and Joan Berman Zina Berman Louis Bernstein Mr. Jonathan Berry Ms. Stacia Beyl Ms. Sherry Bicak Lois and Stanley Birer Dee and Dick Bittman John Blackburn and Bill Gilmer Frances and Ed Blair Terry Blake and Deborah Maue† Bernard and Nancy Blayer Laura and Richard Blessen† Blitzke and Grogan† Anthony Boggiano Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Bolas The Bots Family † Bob and Sue Bowker Jeff Boyce† Kathryn and Carl Boyens† Michael and Kate Bradie† Kevin and Michele Bradley † Mrs. John J. Bransfield, Jr. Karen Breen Elia and Louis M. Elia† Tim and Marissa Brinkley Tim Brogla and Laura Demoor Betty Brooks Frank Brooks and Andrea Twiss-Brooks† Paul Brown Tom and Mary-Doug Brown William and Margaret Brown Ed Bucher † Rony and Tom Buckley Rita Buczynska Megan Bui† Dr. Steven R. Bussolari John Byrd John and Libby Cady
Mr. Ed Calkins Mr. Thomas Campbell Barry Joseph Carlson Fairbank and Lynne Carpenter William and Nancy Casey Gadiel Castro-Zapata and Andrew McLaughlin Damon Cates and Gabriel Stanek† Helen and Paul Chang David Chaudoir † Stephen and Jane Chernof Lisa Chigas Anthony Churchill† Richard Clarey Bente Clausen† Zac and Lesley N. Cochran Ide Cohen James Cohn Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Coleman Bob Connealy and Heather Seidelman Viki Conner † Eduardo and Caroline Conrado† Michael and Cynthia Cooper Laura Corona† John Costello and Sally Clair Mr. Roy Cowell Stephanie and Barry Batson† Julie Cozette and Family † Amelia Crabtree† Sidney Cristol Rosalind Jones Crosby † Colin and Teri Cross Deborah and Bruce Crown Catherine Yeo† Bradley and Allyson Cunningham† Conway and Elinor Dahmer James and Donna Daly Dave and Mary Jo Orkowski† Mr. and Mrs. Ted Davidson Anne Megan Davis Drew Davis and Amelia Runyan† Barbara L. Dean Roxanne Decyk and Lew Watts† Matthew J. Devereux Mr. Joseph Devlin Jeff Dineen† Edward Dobbins† Dr. William and Phyllis Dobrin Laura Cain† Charles and Linda Dresner John Druien Robert Druzinsky and Renee Friedman† Eileen and Howard Dubner Susan Duman† Arthur and Elizabeth Duquette Mr. and Mrs. Jon R. Dutcher David and Alexandra Earle
† Step-by-Step We salute the individual donors who have committed to a recurring monthly or
quarterly 36 BLKS gift to Steppenwolf. Their ongoing support helps fuel Steppenwolf’s mission of superior acting and risk-taking work.
steppenwolf 37
…cont’d Annual Fund
Wiley and Merry Edmondson Eric Eisenberg† Marci Eisenstein Molly Rose Elkins-Ryan Mark and Mary Anne Emmons† Ms. Maria Escobedo and Mr. Wade Birnbaum Joan and John Fadden David and Loren Farmer † Stephen Fedo The Felder Family Kyle Fennell Ms. Laura Ferrell and Mr. Grant Riedesel Catherine S. Flanagan John and Patti Flanagan Moss Fletcher † Bernadette Foley and Richard Landgraff † Mike and Karen Folk Paul Fong Tali Forest-Smith† Ms. Elizabeth Foster John and Adrian Foster Frederick Frankel† Dr. and Mrs. James Franklin Dr. Wayne Franklin Rachel and Jimmy Freund Susan and Sy Frolichstein Susan Fuchs, M.D. Julie Funke Ms. Amy J. Fyfe† Patrick and Alexandra Gaddie† Robert and Cathy Galligan Joseph and Christina Galvin† Jim Gaughan and Ann Hoffmann Michael Gebel† Ms. Ebba Gebisa and Mr. Euler Bropleh Sam Gedymin† Mark and Bonnie Gehrman Hank and Sandy Gentry Gwen Geraghty † Jacob Gerber † Thomas and Patricia Germino† Ms. Anne Giffels Clark and Nancy Gilpin Carlen Gilseth† Diane Glickman Lynne M Glovka Sue Golan Mr. and Mrs. David Golder Deena and Larry Goldman Dr. Deirdre Dupre and Dr. Robert Golub Jessica L. Gonzalez Mr. Charles Goodman Mr. Mark Gordy Mr. Duane Goucher
Patricia Graham Kenneth E Grant III† Paula Grasso Mr. Christopher Griffin Craig and Debbie Griffith James and Lynn Grogan† Paul Gruber Dr. and Mrs. John W. Gustaitis Ruth Ma† Kathleen Hagerty Robert and Patricia Hahn Mr. Ben Hall Donald and Susan Hallberg Ted and Kathleen Halloran Harry and Lynn Halme Bob and Melanie Halvorson† Larry Hamilton and Ann Hicks† Dr. Raymond and Arlene Handler Amy Hanley † Tom and Virginia Hartley † Mr. Jeffrey Hartney Julianne Hartzell Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harvey Mr. Joe Hasman Richard Hatton† Derrick, Cara and Evelyn Hawthorne† Diana J Healy † Albert and Amy Heber † Charsetta Henderson Pat and Ron Henning Lynne Hensel and Larry Kameya† Nancy and Dale Hershfield Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hession† David and Patricia Hight Fred Hill Joal Hill† Linda and John Hillman Mr. Kevin Hlevka Vivian and Dave Hock Kathryn and Bruce Hoffman† Mr. and Mrs. James Holzhauer Lisa Hopp† Mary Horgan† Leigh and John Hourihane Karen and Bob Howard Thomas and Karen Howell Dana Hub† The Hulett Family † Robin and Harry Hunter Robert Hussey † Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hutchinson† Jim and Joyce Ibers Jorge and Beatriz Iorgulescu Mr. George Irwin Terry Jackson† Frank James Mr. and Ms. Matthew James Jeff and Kathryn Janus† Irene Jarmulska†
Patricia A. Jiganti Ms. Olivia John McKinley Johnson Whitman Johnson† Sharon R. Johnston Ericka Jones Daniel and Mary Ann Jordan Janet and Carl Kalbhen Gregory and Marissa Kalman Fran and Harvey Kaluzna Joseph J. Kane Olwyn J. Kane Roy and Judy Kass Loreta Kavaliunas† Andy and Max Kedrowski† Francis and Sherri Kelch† Marcus Kelley † Ms. Mary Kemen Stacy M. Kemp† Jeffrey S Kennedy † Linda Kenney Jill Talley and Tom Kenny Bonnie Kepplinger Lucy Kereta-Bloch† Marjorie Killeen Linda Belan and Vincent Kinehan† Valerie King Micah Klussmann† Mr. Justen Knight John Kobza Carrie Koczen† Amy Kohn Ms. Marilee Kovacs Ms. Patricia Kronberg Scott and Julie Krueger † Matt and Jen Kueker † Ron Kuka† Libby Roth and Bob Kunio† Mary Ann Kupferberg† Walter and Elaine Kurczewski Marvin and Carol Lader Mr. Kurt Lagerloef † Steve LaHaie Ed and Bettine Landon† Patricia Lauber Peter and Shirley Dugdale Laundy Bob and Pat Lavey † Catherine and Peter Lawler Melinda Lawrence and Rolando Acosta† Bill Lee and Malinda Hamann† Yohannan Lee† Linda Legner Ms. Pamela Lenane Jeffrey and Elise Lennard Wallace and Carol Lennox Steven Leon Dr. and Mrs. Harvey J. Levin Mr. and Mrs. Mark Levitin Gregory Lewis and Mary Strek†
Steve Jacobson and Felicia Libbin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lichter Drs. Leonel and Christine Limonte† Lynn Liston and Patrick C. Littlejohn† Jessica Litman and Jon Weinberg Margit “Maggie” Livingston† Gershon and Louise Locker Renee Logan Dr. Brian and Ms. Karen Lohrbach† Mr. David Long Katherine M. Lorenz Maggie and Tom Lovaas Amanda Love and Brian Fuller † Jeff and Nancy Lowenthal† Judy and George Lowman Sherry Lundell Carrie McNally and Rick Maechling† Drs. Harris and Phoebe Mainster Polymath Theatre Company Samantha and David Mann Wendy Manto† Steve and Melissa Marovich Ed and Linnea Martin† Ms. Stephanie Marum and Mr. Hugh Amano Mary McArthur and John Hawes Charles Humphreys McCaa Jr.† John M. McCabe Sean Sneal McCarthy † Mr. Tanner McCleerey Leonard and Patty McCormick† C. A. McElligott † Ms. Lynn Mcgovern and Mr. Jim Jann Lilian McGrady Paul and Lisa McGrady † Gene Harlow and Jackie McGrath† Mary and Dan McGuire Therese McGuire and Rob Porter Sara McIntosh Maureen McIntyre† Ms. Helen Mehler Allyson Metcalf and Brian Tennison† David and Linda Metschke† Ms. Beverly Meyer Charles and Sylvia Meyers† Mr. Paul Michihara Mia and Jonathan Miller † Sheba Miller-Morris Kerry Miller and Nina Kavin Ron and Pat Miller Ryan and Ginger Miller † Sandy and Scott Miller † Suzanne H. Milton† Cynthia M. Minta Dawn Bless†
Chris and Kathe Monley † Montgomery Family † Sarah Hunter and Luis Montgomery † Jolanta and Jeffrey Moor † Oliver Moore† Ms. Christina Morgan Tracy Morgenroth† Jodi A. Morton† Dr. and Mrs. Martin Mozes Shellane Mulcahy Sue Mullins† Patrick Mulville Ajay and Preeti Nagarkatte Josette and Wallace Nard Elke Aippersbach and Piers Nash† Randy Nease Jessey Neves Tom and Julia Nicholas Grant Niewinski† Ellen Norris† Maciek and Katie Novak Kim A. Nugent Ann and Dan O’Brien Paul B. O’Flaherty, Jr.† Dennis J. O’Keefe and Mary Jo Barrett Larry and Barbara Olin Chris Olson and Dave Field Bruce Oltman Mr. Schuyler Opila Nancy and Myles O’Reilly † Jamie and Anita Orlikoff † Ozyurt Family Frances and William Paden Ronna Page† Deborah Page Carrie and Scott Palmer † Charles J Palys† Kate Patterson Peggy Paulsen Lucas Pearson Raymond Olson and Paula Pederson William and Judith Pesetski Robert Peterson Foo Pham John Phillips† Linda Piccolo Laura Pichon† Barb and Ned Piehler Roberta Pierro and Daniel Pierro Suzan and William Pinsof Mike and Shannon Piotrowski† Andy and Brynne Poole Camelia and Andrei Pop† Andrew Sullender † Mr. and Ms. Michael Portillo
Ms. Marcy Posner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Powell Mr. Miles Simmons and Mr. Richard Powell Nick and Sharon Powills Nalini and Josh Prakash Hart † Jean and Preston Price† Mr. Daniel Pritscher and Ms. Elizabeth Lewis Bernard and Joan Rabinowitz Elizabeth Raymond and Paul Hybel Dr. and Mrs. Loris Rayner Mr. Michael E. Reed Octavia Reese† Stephanie Reinhart † Clisson and Patricia Rexford James R. Richardson Richard and Susan Rieser Dr. Edward O. Riley Paul Rink Bill and Deborah Roberts Lisa Roberts† Chloe Robinson† Joseph A Rochetto and Arthur H Anderson Sandra and Jeffrey Rochman Mary Lu and Kenneth Roffe Susan W. Rogaliner Dr. Daniel A. Roller and Ms. Lynn A. Hellwig Mrs. Sarene L. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Alan Rosenberg Bernie and Judy Rosenstein James Rosenthal Linda and Ronald Rosenthal† Mr. Robert Rosner Joe Ross and Jean Shutler † Mr. Mark Rotblatt Lisa Roth Michael and Bonnie Rothman Mr. and Ms. Doug Rowe Louis and Julie Rubin Mrs. Susan B. Rubnitz Ray and Ann Rusnak Bill and Jeri Russell† Mr. and Ms. John Russell Jo Rydholm John and Eileen Saksa Van and Sue Salmans Lamont Samuels† Stephen and Leatrice Sandler Sheldon and Lynne Sandman Christopher and Ann Marie Saternus Robert and Mary Ann Savard† Curt Schade Bob Schiewe† Alice and Don Schindel
† Step-by-Step We salute the individual donors who have committed to a recurring monthly or
38 BLKS
quarterly gift to Steppenwolf. Their ongoing support helps fuel Steppenwolf’s mission of superior 39 steppenwolf acting and risk-taking work.
…cont’d Annual Fund
Fran and David Schneider Cynthia Scholl† Jan Schoonover Stewart and Marta Schrader † Richard and Mary Beth Schumacher † Mickey Schwab Linda and John Scott † Lesley Scott † Scott Seifert Carmita and George Semaan Margaret Shaklee David Shanahan Eve Shapiro† Jeffrey S. Sharp and Elizabeth D. Sharp David and Kimberly Shaw Mike and Kim Shean† Jack and Meggan Shedd† Cathy Shelko† Michael Shelton and Merideth Burkart † Timothy Sherck† David and Sheila Shifrin Bradley and Ellen Shorser Margaret and Alan Silberman Paul and Sue Silverman† Andy and Laurie Simon George and Lynne Simon Aaron Sin† Mr. and Ms. Jim Sisco Patricia Costello Slovak Janet Carl Smith and Mel Smith Ms. Jilliann Smith Kevin Smith Jackie Snuttjer † Raymond Socki† Lawrence and Shirley Solomon Julie Aimen and Gary Spangler Dusica Korda-Sparks and James C. Sparks Jo and George Spindler Patricia Staab Rebecca Stanfield† Nikki and Fred Stein Professor Andrea Stevens Kelly Stonebraker and Deborah Stonebraker Michael Stormont † Andrew and Dr. Jessica Strang† Jason Strongin† Linda and Stephen Sullivan Sondra L. Summers† E.J. Sutton† Sue Swinger-Ellbogen† Sylvia Szewczyk and Wojciech Piton† Obie and Peter Szidon
Anne Taft Stephanie and Joe Taiber Elaine Taylor John R. and Catherine Taylor Susan C. Taylor † Taylor Tefft Dick and Alice Teutsch Carl Thelander William and Diana Thomas† Doug and Anne Thompson† Chase Thompson† Jim and Sue Thompson Ms. Karen Topham Bruce and Jan Tranen Carol D. Trapp Joseph Singer and Mish Tworkowski Carissa van Ausdall† Mary Vanecko† Martha VanNess Gabrielle and John Vargo† Bruce and Rebecca Varner † Ronald and Catherine Vaughn Alicia T. Vega and Sofia G. Sarabia† Kathryn Vehe† D. Vilmin Patricia Viniard† Marcia Vinopal† Ron Volanti Jr.† Mr. and Mrs. Chip Von Weise Sue Vondran† Gina Carballo and Justin Voshell† Paul D. Waas Mrs. Jimmye Wade Marsie Wallach Ms. Colleen Walsh William and Patricia Walsh Karen and Herb Wander The Warren Tannehill Family † Mr. Jerry Warren Mr. David Waud Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wegener Michael Weiland and Shelley MacGregor Alan and Boni Weinstein Sherrie and Albert Weiss Marjorie Weiss† Ms. Sharyn Weiss Kal Wenig John Wheeler and Kristine Stelzer Steve and Bonnie Wheeler Lisa and Randy White Chris Whyde and Matthew Philip† James Wicklund Larry and Susan Wikman† Mr. and Ms. Don Wilbon Paige Winburn†
Mr. and Ms. Justin Winerman Yael and Alex Winkler † Ruth Winter Iris S. Witkowsky Lawrence Wojcik Coleman Wolf and Ellen Chapelle† Stephanie Wolf † Scott and Pegg Woodby † Mr. Craig Wortman James and Kelly Wyatt Carol N. Yamamoto Dick Yankow Rodney and Susan Yergler † Ms. Denise Young Dr. James Young Judith Youngs David and Nikki Zarefsky Mary Ann Zarkin† Daniel Ziembo and Nancy Cook Tighe Zimmers Mark and Margie Zivin Mr. and Ms. David Zott Players ($150 – $249) Anonymous (27) Mr. Salahuddin Abbasi Mr. David Abrams and Ms. Cynthia Bemis Abrams Nancy Abshire Mr. and Mrs. Larry Adelman Ms. Joan Akalaonu Roslyn Alexander Allan Alson and Sue Ann Glaser Autumn R. Anderson† Gary Anderson and Diane Graziano Alfred Andreychuk and Allan Deptula Jurgis and Dalia Anysas Mr. Matt Arcaro Robert Arensman Mr. Rex Babiera Alexandra Bachhuber Meredith A Banta Cindy Barbera-Brelle Dr. Bruce and Sally Bauer † Colleen O’Brien and Mike Becker Lawrence Bell Amy Beltemacchi Kathryn Benish Anne H. Berenberg Neil Berezowitz Ms. Emily Berk James and Allison Bernard Jane E. Berry Mary Anne and Joe Bigane Benjamin Birch Frances Bishop
Nancy Bishop John and Sue Blair Dan Bleil Frima H. Blumenthal Claudia and John Boatright Linda Bolte Sharalyn Borchers David and Cheryl Bradford Dr. Michael C. Branch M.D. Andrea Brands Andrea and David Braun Judith and Harold Bregman Thomas Brejcha Mrs. Meg Breslin Evelyn G. Brown Mr. Howell Browne Dr. Marc Brunelle and Mr. Michael Drabant Janet Burroway and Peter Rupper † Richard Butler Toni and Mike Cainkar Amy Kruzan Callahan Judy Cape Richard Carlin John and Joyce Cassel Mr. Bobby Caton and Mr. Michael Parlett Rosalyn Chi Mr. Kurt Christoffel Dr. Elizabeth T. Clark Dr. and Mrs. Robert Clark Thomas and Bette Cogan Marvin R. Cohen Peter and Judith Connolly † Nelda J Connors Mr. Lawrence Cook Dr. Michael K Coots Denise and John Corkery Tracey Coyne Norma I. Crane Shirley Craven, Ph.D. Mr. Jerry Culver and Mr. Dom Merritt Mr. Mark Curran Laurna Czajka Alecia Dantico Margaret and John Dantico Laura M. Davis Mrs. Edith F. De Mar Phyllis Deerinck Brian Delker † Michelle and Christopher DeMent Michael and Colette Dever Annette and Ron Dluger Joshua and Natalie Dranoff Judy and Jerry Drommerhausen Mr. Paul Dufallo Will Dunne Suzanne Dupre
Mr. and Mrs. Marcel Durot John and Pat Dyble Victor and Joyce Dye Wendy Eager Jeanene Ebert Sharon Eiseman and Noel Hertz Nancy Felton-Elkins and Larry Elkins Deane Ellis Dale and Jo Ann Engquist Helmut and Susanna Epp Michael Evenskaas Ed Everett Edith and Gerald Falk Carole Feiger Deb Feldman Drs. Richard and Roberta Feldman Toni and Joel Fenchel KC Ferguson Robert and Kathleen Fife Rose Mary Finnegan Nancy and Rick Firfer Debbie Fitzgerald Mary Krigbaum and Patrick Fitzgerald Jeanne Flosi David Flynn† Ms. Susan Flynn Mr. Ben Forcey Jeff and Julie Forgash Mr. Alan Forsyth Patricia Forsythe Timothy and Janet Fox Ms. Cynthia France Gillian Goern and Roark Frankel† Rhona and Julian Frazin Lauren Freedman and Najib Habiby Bill and Nancy Freitag Mrs. Roselyn Friedman Scott and Carrie Froseth Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Galinsky Barb Gam Tagge Raymond and Patricia Gass Barbara J. Geist Nancy Gidwitz Geoffrey L. Gifford Daniel Gilmour Gerry and Stan Glass T Mo Glass Howard and Anneliese Glick Martin and Cathy Glickman Helen Goch Robert Goldberg and Dodie Weinstein Ms. Catherine Goldhaber Barbara Goncalves Sandra and James Goodman Joyce and William Gordon Tamar Gorenyuk
Joanne Graham Robert M. Green Merle and Barry Gross Nathan and Evelyn Grossman Eileen Guevara and Joseph Mayer John and Donna Guydan Mr. Bruce Handler Dr. Bruce Harmon Carol and William Harrison† Dr. Marsie Hass and Dr. Scott Hite Douglas Hatler Dave and Mary Hayes George Hedges Alison and Jim Heiser † Angeline Heisler Bonnie and Frank Henke† Sebastian Hincapie† Dennis Hjelm Mr. Don Hoeg Robert and Micky Holdsworth† Thomas and Louise Homberger Ms. Gayl Hopkins Jack and Bonnie Horbovetz Susan Horn and Don Honchell Mr. Melvin Houston Richard Hutner and Lena Motev Peter Ivanovich Chuck Jacobson and Mary Lou Vainsi Ms. Alisa Jeffery Sheila and Jim Jesionowski Ruth Johnston† Andra Heller and Andy Jonusaitis Jessica Jorsch† Heather Joys† Tom and Esta Kallen Mary Jo Kanady Shelly Kaplan Jackie Kappus† Mr. and Mrs. James Kargman Jerry Karlin Brian Feiges and Tamar Kelber Mr. Robert Keller Mr. David Kelton Harry Kenny Leonard Kessler Rajiv and Roopla Khanna† Joseph and Catherine King Joy King and Nicki Pieart Douglas and Catherine Knuth James Kochalka Susan B Kogan† Betty H. Kolb Erin Koppel Perry and Judy Kozicki Mr. James Kreidler Joan Krysinski Ken and Janet Kubis
† Step-by-Step We salute the individual donors who have committed to a recurring monthly or
quarterly 40 BLKS gift to Steppenwolf. Their ongoing support helps fuel Steppenwolf’s mission of superior acting and risk-taking work.
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…cont’d Annual Fund
Mr. Bernard W. Kyle Chuck and Diane Laff Mr. Robert A. Lane Mr. Michael Laudone Annette and Olivia Lecompte and Pauline Horner Julia and Daniel Lee Elizabeth Leeth Jessica Lemon Marc and Cynthia Levin Michael and Cara Levinson Susan Levitt Ray and Norene Lewis† Mr. and Mrs. Paul Liebenson Lora Jane Lisle Mr. and Mrs. Burton Litwin Arthur and Barb Loevy Bill Luckey Thomas and Elizabeth Lyons Jim Maclennan Lee and Madeline MacMillan Alice R. Macy Martin and Allison Malecki Pat Mangan† Sandra Mangurian Elaine and Art Margulis Matt and Heidi Martin† Tom and Robin Martin† Henry and Peggy Matson Mr. Robert Mattaliano Larry Mayer Ms. Sally McArdle Thomas and Barbara McCaffrey John McCambridge Nancy McCartan Ms. Regina McCrary Terrance and Jane McElroy Ryan and Claire McKenzie Denise and Barry McKeown Mr. Jace McMahon Julie and Brendan McMahon Robert and Lorel McMillan Mr. Jose Mendez Michael and Nancy Merel Jess and Eric Mersmann† Dean A. Miller and Martha H. Swift Barbara and Jeffrey Modlin Ron and Barbara Moline† David Mondragón† Brian Weatherford and Steven Montgomery Timothy Moon† Melinda Moore J. Clifford Moos Ms. Mary Louise H. Morrison Beverly and Dale Mortensen David and Linda Moscow
Mary Ellen Murphy Karen Muth William and Frances Myers Jenny Nagaoka and Bart Longacre Kurt Nakaoka and Nancy Morris Vincent and Amy Narea Katie Nee † Gavin Nelson† SaoMai Nguyenmau† Mark and Maggie Nichter † Karen Nickelson Joann and Leonard Noble† Carol L. O’Brien Ms. Mary Ellen O’Connell John M. O’Donnell and Bonnie L. Humphrey Jeffrey Olsen† Don A. Olson Kirsten Olson Jennifer O’Neil Timothy O’Neill and Jane Rutherford Peter and Alanne Ori Jerome and Kathryn Osen† Pilar Ossorio Jody Pabst Sarah Parker Mark and Mary Partridge Nick Patricca Dr. Steven and Mimi Binette Mr. and Mrs. James H. Pawlak Zack Payne† Ted Pearson† Mr. Walter Penkala Seymour and Jane Perkins Sarah Pesetsky David and Lindsey Peters Ross and Jackie Peterson Yasen and Bisa Peyankov Mike Pfeifer † Mr. Pete Pieruccini Chrystin and Lonnie Pleasants† Michael Powell and Debora Boyda† Elaine and Ronald Prebish Seamus Prendergast † Jennifer and Peter Preston Lynn and Clayton Pruitt Karen and Mark Quinn Heidi Ralli Ms. Anne Rapp Dean Rapp Jason and Sarah Rasmusen Mr. Chuck Rebesco Mr. Dave Rice Ed and Suzette Rickert Liv Rigdon† Ms. Alexandria Rinaldi
Burt and Fran Rissman Regina Rivers† Fran Robertson Louis and Barbara Rocah David M Rodriguez Eve and Randy Rogers Tabitha Rooney † Georgia Ross Phyllis B. Rubin Joseph D Ruggirello Dario and Theresa Sacomani† Patrick Sandercock and Dr. Carolyn Clayton Baybee Sandra† Mr. and Mrs. John Scala Sue Tobias and Alan Schapiro Tim and Sue Schell Richard Schieler Rose Schmidt † Frank and Karen Schneider Mrs. Margaret Schuring Susan J. Schwartz Cheryl M. Scott † Thomas D. and Barbara Jo Scott Virginia and Solomon Secemsky Stephanie Sferra George and Lisa Shadid Marjorie P. Shafton Matti and Drora Shalev Ms. Sandra Shane-DuBow and Mr. Richard Hay Mr. Daniel Shapiro Elizabeth and Michael Shapiro† Gil Sharon and Ann Taylor Philip and Cheryl Sheridan† Brian and Melissa Sherman Karen Shields† Mr. and Mrs. William Shorey † Ms. Culleen Siebert Joe and Terri Simchak† Ilene Simmons Joyce and Gene Simpson Ellen Mrazek and Daniel Slattery Ms. Kelly Smith-Haley Mr. Larry K. Snider Ms. Maria I. Sobrero Malcolm Spector and Nancy Ludmerer Tim Speicher and Ellenkate Finley Bonnie Spring Shantha Sreekanth Dariel J. Stack Dr. Lisa D. Stanford Lenette Staudinger Ms. Cynthia Stengel Joel and Kai Sternstein Gary N. Stone Kenneth and Desmona Strahan†
Gordon Stroupe Mark and Irene Sudac Robin Klein and Bill Summers Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Sutker Mrs. Laura Swanson Heather Talbert William and Mary Tarnow Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Tatar Ms. Eva Taves Mr. Robert Taylor Ms. Laura Tenges Leonard and Bobbie Tenner Mr. Justin Terada Cheryl Thaxton† Ms. Liisa Thomas Floyd Thompson Nancie Noie Thompson† Virginia Tobiason Mrs. Mary Ann Tolli Ms. Sue Tresselt Jane McIntyre and Joe Troccolo†
Ms. Joanne Trudeau Jim and Cora True-Frost Dana Turban Susan D. Tuteur Paule Verdier † John Viars† Butch and Debbie Viccellio Ms. Catherine Vincent Eugene and Sandra Wagner Mr. Terrence M. Walsh Ms. Lee-Lin Wang Crawford and Barbara Ward Neil Warner † Paul Waterhouse Mark Watts Marc Weinstein and Martha Laffey Ernie and Penny Weis Ann E. Weisman and Robert F. Szurgot Barbara A. Weithaus
Wertz Family † Dot and Dan Whittenberger D. Terry and Sharon Williams Ms. Jill Willis Ms. Robin Wilson Dr. David Wise and Dr. Dianna Niebylski† Linda and William Woloshin Jeff and Claudia Wood John Woodyard and Patricia Taylor-Woodyard Ana D Wright † Mary Wylie Steve Yablong Maureen “Moe” Yanes Julie and Larry Zachary † Ms. Lauren Zadina Gloria Zieve Karen Zupko Stuart
Join us for the
WOMEN IN THE ARTS LUNCHEON HONORING SARAH PAULSON Monday, January 22 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel For tickets and information please email specialevents@steppenwolf.org or call Director of Special Events Courtney Anderson at 312-654-5632.
† Step-by-Step We salute the individual donors who have committed to a recurring monthly or
quarterly 42 BLKS gift to Steppenwolf. Their ongoing support helps fuel Steppenwolf’s mission of superior acting and risk-taking work.
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HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
By making an honorary or memorial gift to Steppenwolf Theatre Company over the past year, the following individuals celebrated a special occasion or paid tribute to a loved one. Make an honorary gift by contacting Suzanne Miller at 312-654-5617 or smiller@steppenwolf.org.
Steppenwolf salutes the following individuals and organizations who donated significant goods and/or services.
In Honor of Mrs. Arney Kim Nugent In Honor of Kate Arrington Jean Arrington In Honor of Sarah Beardsley Nick and Nora Weir In Honor of Nancy Bishop Stephen Brod In Honor of Marlene BreslowBlitstein and Berle Blitstein The Anixter Family Judy and Jim Klutznick Madeline Grynstein and Tom Shapiro Bobette Takiff In Honor of Joseph Breslow Berle Blitstein and Marlene Breslow-Blitstein In Honor of Peter Britt Linda and Leo Gordon In Honor of Michael Cahan Walter Nathan In Honor of Laurel Clayson S. Hollis Clayson In Honor of Nora Daley Shawn M. Donnelley J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation In Honor of Josephine Eva Desir Charlotte Durot In Honor of Amy Eshleman Brian Fabes and Lisa Schneider Fabes
In Honor of Juliette Feld and Andrew Grossman Kenneth and Bonnie Feld In Honor of Larry Gill Thomas and Linda White In Honor of Ren Habiby Lauren Freeman In Honor of David Hawkanson John and Carol Balcom In Honor of Evan Hatfield Frank Chanen In Honor of Stephanie Heller Terrence Walsh In Honor of the Lefkofskys and Kalts Laura and Scott Eisen In Honor of Debbie Marchese Marilyn and Larry Fields In Honor of Jan Melk Richard and Katie Gottfred In Honor of Lynn Lockwood Murphy Liz Morgan In Honor of Deborah Quazzo Antonia Contro Madeleine Grynsztejn In Honor of Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill Anita and Jamie Orlikoff In Honor of David Schmitz Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson Michele and George Dragisity
In Honor of Matthew Shapiro and Jacqueline Podewils Jo Rydholm In Memory of George S. Brengel Janyce D. Brengel In Memory of Patricia E. Domine Lori Koetters and Brian Smith In Memory of Jill Harper John Swadener and her friends In Memory of Norton H. Kay Sandra Blau In Memory of Lillian Laudone Michael Laudone In Memory of Myrna Lord Marti Zelikoff In Memory of Abby S. Magdovitz-Wasserman Dr. David Wasserman In Memory of Rose L. Shure Shure Incorporated In Memory of Jack B. Stanford Dr. Lisa D. Stanford In Memory of Kari Timm Jill O’Donovan In Memory of Diane M. Walch Erich Walch In Memory of Nancy Wald Albert Wald In Memory of Diane Zientek The Schirato Family
Ambassador Chicago Andaz West Hollywood Alana Arenas Ian Barford Rick and Deann Bayless Beyond Events Catering Kevin Boehm The BOKA Restaurant Group CH Distillery Chicago Council on Planned Giving The Chicago Cubs Chicago Private Car ClientFirst Consulting Group Gary Cole Michael Courier Photography Glenn Davis Goose Island EDGE ShowTek Kathryn Erbe Evolution Interiors Exelon and Mary Ludford Audrey Francis
Frost Lighting Co. of IL, Inc. Goose Island Beer Company Graycor, Inc. Francis Guinan Hall’s Rental Service Jon Michael Hill HMS Media Tim Hopper Hotel Lincoln Imperial Crane Services Inc. Tom Irwin John Hart, Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. Rob Katz Donna La Pietra Tracy Letts Limelight Catering Live Nation and Gerry Barad Sandra Marquez Tarell Alvin McCraney Chef Jeff Mahin John Mahoney James Vincent Meredith
Laurie Metcalf Sandro Miller Motorola Mobility Foundation Amy Morton Caroline Neff Partytime-HDO Productions, Inc. Peacock 9 Jeff Perry William Petersen POP Chris Rock Schiff Hardin LLP Anna D. Shapiro Gary Sinise Namir Smallwood Theatre Development Fund Jim True-Frost United Airlines Vinci V.I.P. Valet Services, Inc. Whole Foods Lincoln Park
Please note that gifts listed above reflect contributions made as of June 1, 2017. Every effort is made to ensure that the information included in our program is accurate. If you have a question about your recognition or wish to alter your listing, please call the Individual Giving Department at 312-654-5617.
IN MEMORY OF MARTHA LAVEY We recognize the following supporters who honor the legacy of our former Artistic Director, Martha Lavey, with their generous contributions. William Bogie Jeanne Connelly Mark and Linda Daly Emilie De Angelis and Bert Davenport Celia Donatio Matthew-Lee Erlbach William and Susan Flynn Alan Forsyth John and Katherine Fox Lloyd A. Fry Foundation Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner Shirley Gourley John Hart and Carol Prins
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Linda and John Hillman Sharon R. Johnston James A. Jolley, Jr. and R. Kyle Lammlein Charles Katzenmeyer Melanie Larch and Rudy Panucci Linda Legner Bob and Barb McCullough Jodi A. Morton Mary Ellen O’Connell Donald Park Nick Patricca Sylvia J. Pozarnsky and Tom Riley
South Suburban College Theatre Appreciation Class Vicki Stallman Sarah Stec and Doug Bobenhouse Michael Stolarski and Kim Steinke Gordon Stroupe Joseph Singer and Mish Tworkowski Shahin Vakilzadeh Alma Washington Martha and Eric Wegener Lisa and Randy White Maureen “Moe” Yanes
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STEPPENWOLF ASSOCIATES Comprised of more than 100 young professionals, the Steppenwolf Associates work each season to raise funds for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults program. We salute the Associates for giving generously of their time and resources. Contact Karyn Oates at 312-654-6501 or associates@steppenwolf.org to become a Steppenwolf Associates member today. Executive Officers Jonathan Blanc‡ Katherine Nardin‡* Aimee Graham‡ Marilynn Rubio‡ Shilpa Rupani Michelle Schlack‡ Rachel Henry David Wagener‡ Founding Officers Marissa Bryce Nora Daley‡* Executive Committee Carina Abbaticchio‡ Clyde C. Compton Jennifer Stuart Brittany White Harriet White Associates Board Members Carina Abbaticchio‡ Jonathan Blanc‡ Isaac Colunga‡ Clyde C. Compton Aimee Graham‡ Rachel Henry Christine Hermosisima‡ Jeffrey Koh‡ Julia Luscombe Katherine Nardin‡* Melissa Peralta Marilynn Rubio‡ Shilpa Rupani Michelle Schlack‡ Jennifer Stuart Allan Waite David Wagener‡ Brittany White Harriet White Andre Williams
Associate Members Joan Akalaonu Jenny Allen Chelsea Allison Marjorie Baltazar Emily Berk Sarah Bordson Emily Brannon Madelaine Bryen Nigel Caine‡ William Carpenter Charlie Caton Courtney Cherry Samantha Ciepiela Andrea Coutu Jerry Culver Amanda Daniels Kathryn Dhillon Robbie Ellis Ella Field Ellenkate Finley Rebecca Fons Tara Gillespie Elena Gottreich Jill Grant Elly Green Jasmine Guy Rachel Hatch Halley Hoffman Elizabeth Ingram Hayley Jones Adam Keats‡ Ryan Kelley Kevin Kurasch Sarah Laeuchli Brienne Letourneau Joanna Liff
Dom Merritt Katherine Murphy Berit Ness Timothy Oravec Lauren Pace Lauren Perlstein Megan Pratt David Pruitt Rachel Rader John Reddan Rissa Reddan Joseph Richiusa Valerie Rivera Eugene Romanov Kathleen Sachs Lindsay Scalise Stephanie Sexauer Daniel Shapiro Meredith Shippee Katie Smith Tim Speicher II Lisa Stevak Andrew Strenk Sarah Swain Hannah Swihart Joe Taiber Stephanie Taiber Vinay Vallabh Greg Veza Kevin Wender Kurt Wittmeyer Maeve Whalen Erica Yale Lauren Zadina Joanna Zak
Committed to providing services and programming that enhance the experience of guests with disabilities, Steppenwolf is proud to feature: • Assistive listening devices in our Downstairs, Upstairs and 1700 theaters. • Audio-described performances, artistic conversations and touch tours of the stage for patrons who are blind or have low vision. • Sign language-interpreted and open-captioned performances for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Induction hearing loops in the 1700 and Downstairs Theatre
If you use a hearing aid or cochlear implant that has a T-Coil, feel free to turn it on for the performance! The 1700 Theatre and both levels of the Downstairs Theatre are equipped with induction loops. Individual portable neck loops are available in our Upstairs Theatre—just ask any member of the house staff if you’d like to use one. Steppenwolf’s induction loop was made possible in part by a generous gift from John Hart and Carol Prins. Would you like to utilize or learn more about these services? Audience Services 312-335-1650 | TTY 312-335-3830 | E-mail access@steppenwolf.org
Steppenwolf Customer Service Tips Driving to the theater? Rather than arriving to discover that our garage has reached capacity (which can happen during busy performances), please enter the Steppenwolf Parking Hotline (312-335-1774) into your cell phone and call us when you’re a few minutes away from the theater—we’ll tell you if there’s still space available in our facility, or suggest the most convenient alternative. Spending your intermission in line at the bar? Enjoy the entire break by ordering and paying for your intermission refreshments before the show. When you exit the theater at the end of the first act, your drinks will be waiting for you. Need restaurant information or the score of the ballgame? Please visit our book shop and information desk at the south end of the main floor lobby.
* Steppenwolf Trustee
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Accessibility at Steppenwolf
‡ Directors Circle Member
hailing a cab or calling a company, though, just ask a member of the house staff; we’re happy to help. Lost or Found? On-site? Please check in with a member of the house staff. Already left? Call the Front of House office at 312-932-2445. Want to provide feedback? Your input is always valuable to us. Have an opinion about the play or artistic content? Stick around for the post-show discussion featured after every performance or join the conversation at facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre. Have a comment about your overall experience at the theater? Please ask us for a customer service form to fill out, or e-mail us at customerservice@ steppenwolf.org.
Hailing a cab after the play? This is typically an easy affair—Halsted is a busy street and sees a fair amount of taxi traffic. If you’d like assistance
Need to contact a patron during a performance? If you need to contact a patron during a performance in our Downstairs or Upstairs Theaters, please call our Concierge Desk at 312-932-2476. Hours: one hour prior to curtain until 15 minutes after curtain call.
Photo/Video Disclaimer: During your visit, you or members of your family may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by a Steppenwolf employee, contract photographer or the media. Your attendance at Steppenwolf events serves as permission for the use of your image, or the image of your family members, by Steppenwolf.
Content Disclaimer: Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
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R ATED GS FOR GUIDA NCE A ND SECURIT Y IN HOMES EVERY WHERE
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