Goodman Theatre Kicks Off 2019 With Two Kick-Ass Female-Authored World Premieres: HOW TO CATCH CREATION BY CHRISTINA ANDERSON AND TWILIGHT BOWL BY REBECCA GILMAN

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

How to Catch Creation 

by Christina Anderson directed by Niegel Smith 

(January 28 through February 24 in the Albert Theatre) 

and 

Twilight Bowl 

by Goodman Artistic Associate Rebecca Gilman directed by Erica Weiss

As a female critic who attends upwards of twenty plays a month, I see the gender imbalance that's still prevalent on and off stage in the theatre world. Kudos to Goodman for helping to tip those scales with two world-premiere productions by women—one of which features an all-female cast, creative team and crew! We live in exciting times for increasing opportunities for women, an expanding range of roles, and stellar storytelling. It makes my feminist heart happy to witness the sea-change. I'll be out for the press openings of both shows, so check back soon for my full reviews. 

Goodman Theatre ushers in the 2019 “Year of Chicago Theatre” with How to Catch Creation by Christina Anderson directed by Niegel Smith(January 28 through February 24 in the Albert Theatre) and Twilight Bowl by Goodman Artistic Associate Rebecca Gilman directed by Erica Weiss appears February 8 – March 10 in the Owen Theatre. Tickets are available for both productions at GoodmanTheatre.org, by telephone 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn). Photos and video are now available for How to Catch Creation; visit the Press Room.



About the Plays
“I’m preparing. I’m expecting. I haven’t figured out the path to creation yet.” Creation—of life, family and art—takes center stage in this vivid portrait of three artist/intellectual couples exploring life, children and marriage, coming together and coming apart. How to Catch Creation by Christina Anderson—“a gifted playwright you want to pay attention to” (Variety)—is directed by Niegel Smith, who most recently directed the smash sensation Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) last season at the Goodman. The ensemble cast includes Karen Aldridge (Tami), Ayanna Bria Bakari (Natalie), Jasmine Bracey (G.K. Marche), Bernard Gilbert (Stokes), Maya Vinice Prentiss (Riley) and Keith Randolph Smith (Griffin). The creative team includes Todd Rosenthal (Set), Allen Lee Hughes (Lighting), Joanna Lynne Staub (Sound), Jenny Mannis (Costumes) and Justin Ellington (Composer). The Goodman Theatre Women’s Board is the Major Production Sponsor and WBEZ 91.5 is the Media Sponsor.



Pulitzer Prize finalist and Goodman Artistic Associate Rebecca Gilman marks her ninth production (and seventh world premiere) with Twilight Bowl—featuring an all-female company. Set in a rural Wisconsin bowling alley, the coming-of-age story focuses on six women struggling to define their own version of success. Erica Weiss—co-creator and -executive producer of the upcoming CBS series The Red Line and former Goodman Theatre Michael Maggio Directing Fellow—directs the world-premiere production. The ensemble cast, all of whom reprise their roles from the developmental production in the Goodman’s 2017 New Stages Festival of new plays, includes Hayley Burgess (Clarice), Heather Chrisler (Jaycee), Angela Morris (Maddy), Becca Savoy (Sam), Mary Taylor (Brielle) and Anne E. Thompson (Sharlene). The creative team includes Regina Garcia (Set), Cat Wilson (Lighting), Izumi Inaba (Costumes) and Victoria Deiorio (Sound). Major Support for Twilight Bowl is provided by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and Russell Reynolds Associates is the Contributing Sponsor.






















Four productions are still to come in the Goodman’s 2018/2019 Season: Sweat by Lynn Nottage, directed by Ron OJ Parson (March 9 – April 14 in the Albert); Lottery Day by Ike Holter, directed by Lili-Anne Brown (March 29 – April 28 in the Owen); William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, directed by Robert Falls (May 4 – June 9 in the Albert); and The Music Man, book and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, directed by Mary Zimmerman (June 29 – August 4 in the Albert).

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE
AMERICA’S “BEST REGIONAL THEATRE” (Time magazine), Goodman Theatre is a premier not-for-profit organization distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and civic engagement. Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics (celebrated revivals include Falls’ productions of Death of a Salesman and The Iceman Cometh). Goodman Theatre artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards, over 160 Jeff Awards and many more accolades. In addition, the Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle;” and its annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, which marks its 41st production this season, has created a new generation of theatergoers. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production partner with local off-Loop theaters and national and international companies by providing financial support or physical space for a variety of artistic endeavors.

Committed to three core values of Quality, Diversity and Community, the Goodman proactively makes inclusion the fabric of the institution and develops education and community engagement programs that support arts as education. This practice uses the process of artistic creation to inspire and empower youth, lifelong learners and audiences to find and/or enhance their voices, stories and abilities. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of such programming, most offered free of charge, and has vastly expanded the theater’s ability to touch the lives of Chicagoland citizens (with 85% of youth participants coming from underserved communities) since its 2016 opening.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. David W. Fox, Jr. is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Denise Stefan Ginascol is Women’s Board President and Megan McCarthy Hayes is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

OPENING: World Premiere of La Ruta to Feature Featuring All-Female Latinx Cast December 13, 2018 - January 27, 2019

Chi, IL Live Shows on our radar

World Premiere

La Ruta

Written by Isaac Gomez

Directed by ensemble member Sandra Marquez

Featuring an all-female cast of some of the most dynamic Latinx actors in Chicago!

December 13, 2018 - January 27, 2019

RUNNING TIME: 1 hour and 40 minutes (no intermission)

I'll be out for the press opening Dec 21st, so check back soon for my full review. 

Cast includes: Ensemble member Karen Rodriguez (Ivonne) with Charin Alvarez (Marisela); Cher Alvarez (Brenda); Laura Crotte (Desamaya); Sandra Delgado (Yoli); Mari Marroquin (Zaide); and Alice da Cunha and Isabella Gerasole (Women of Juarez).

I AM ANGRY. I AM HEARTBROKEN. BUT THE HEART OF A WOMAN BEATS FURIOUSLY IN A MILLION DIRECTIONS AT ONCE, EVEN WHEN IT’S SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES.

ABOUT THIS SHOW
To the U.S.-owned factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, La Ruta is just a bus. But to the women who live, work and often disappear along the route, it's so much more than that. Inspired by real testimonies, and using live music to evoke factory work and protest marches, La Ruta is a visceral unearthing of secrets buried in the desert and a celebration of the Mexican women who stand resiliently in the wake of loss.

Isaac Gomez is an award-winning Chicago-based playwright, originally from El Paso, Texas/Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. An important work from a powerful young voice, we are proud to feature the world premiere of Isaac Gomez’s La Ruta with Sandra Marquez in her Steppenwolf directing debut and an all-female cast of Chicago’s most dynamic Latinx artists.

FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT
“Every single woman in this play is based on a real person. And although some names have been changed for their protection, the violence they face and their resilience have not. I made a promise to these women that their stories would be heard by as many people as humanly possible, and through this world premiere at Steppenwolf, we are one step closer to keeping that promise -- to bear witness and carry their stories forward. As a queer Mexicano from the border, I owe my entire existence to Mexican women. This play is for them. Para todas. Para siempre.”


CONTENT ADVISORY
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.

EVENTS AND OFFERS
Wednesdays – $25 Cultural Industry days (matinees and evening shows, use code CULTURAL)
Thursdays – pay your age and 2-for-1 credit nights for RED Card members
Fridays – pre-show live DJ at Front Bar Dec 21, 28, Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
Saturdays – 2-for-1 credit matinees for Black Card members
Sundays – post-show events following matinees in January

Memberships–More flexibility + perks

6 OR MORE $10 DISCOUNT
Get a group together and save.

For a limited time, groups of 6+ can get a discount on tickets to Familiar and LaRuta. Enter code 44393, get $10 off each ticket—the more the merrier.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Preview performances:
December 13 - December 19

ASL interpretation:
Sunday, January 6 at 7:30pm

Open-captioned:
Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 and Saturday, January 26 at 3pm

Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, January 13 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm

This December, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is proud to present the world premiere production of La Ruta by acclaimed Chicago playwright Isaac Gomez, directed by ensemble member Sandra Marquez. Featuring ensemble member Karen Rodriguez along with an eight-member all female Latinx cast, La Ruta is inspired by the lives of Mexican women who live, work—and disappear—along a Ciudad Juárez bus route. La Ruta weaves live music through a story of resilience in the wake of loss.

La Ruta begins previews December 13, 2018 and the production runs through January 27, 2019 in the Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Press performances are Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 7pm and Friday, December 21 at 7:30pm; opening night is Thursday, December 20. Single tickets ($20-$89) go on sale this Friday, October 19 at 11am through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Playwright Isaac Gomez shares, “Every single woman in this play is based on a real person. And although some names have been changed for their protection, the violence they face and their resilience have not. I made a promise to these women that their stories would be heard by as many people as humanly possible, and through this world premiere at Steppenwolf, we are one step closer to keeping that promise -- to bear witness and carry their stories forward. As a queer Mexicano from the border, I owe my entire existence to Mexican women. This play is for them. Para todas. Para siempre.”

For tickets or more information, contact Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St) at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.
  
Visitor Information
Steppenwolf is located at 1650 N Halsted St near all forms of public transportation, bike racks and Divvy bike stands. The parking facility ($12 or $14, cash or card) is located just south of our theater at 1624 N Halsted. Valet parking service ($14 cash) is available directly in front of the main entrance starting at 5pm on weeknights, 1pm on weekends and at 12noon before Wednesday matinees. Limited street and lot parking are also available. For last minute questions and concerns, patrons can call the Steppenwolf Parking Hotline at 312.335.1774.

Accessibility
Committed to making the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description are offered during the run of each play. Assistive listening devices and large-print programs are available for every performance and the Downstairs and 1700 Theatres are each equipped with an induction hearing loop. All theaters feature wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, and Front Bar features a push-button entrance, all-gender restrooms and accessible counter and table spaces.

Sponsor Information
United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf.

Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks
Connected to the main lobby is Steppenwolf’s own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks, offering a warm, creative space to grab a drink, have a bite, or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. Open Tuesdays – Sundays from 8am to midnight, Front Bar serves artisanal coffee and espresso is provided by La Colombe and food prepared by Goddess and Grocer. The menu focuses on fresh, accessible fare, featuring grab-and-go salads and sandwiches for lunch and adding shareable small plates and desserts for evening and post show service. front-bar.com.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County and Pass Over—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 two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances 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. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. 



Ticket and Production Info
Dates: December 13, 2018 – January 27, 2019

Previews: December 13 – 19, 2018
Opening: Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 7pm
Regular Run: December 21, 2018 – January 27, 2019

Accessible Performances:
American Sign Language Interpretation: Sunday, Open Captioning: Thursday, January 10 at 7:30pm and Audio Description and Touch Tour:
Curtain Times: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7:30pm

Ticket prices:
Previews: $20 – $76, Regular Run: $20 – $89. Prices subject to change
20 for $20: Twenty $20 tickets are available for subscription shows on the day of the performance at 11am (Mon – Sat) and 1pm (Sun), by phone only at 312-335-1650. Limit 2 per person.
Rush Tickets: Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show.
Student Discounts: Limited $15 student tickets are available online. (Limit 2 tickets. Must present a valid student ID for each ticket). steppenwolf.org/students.

Group Tickets: All groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate for any performance. Black Card Memberships are for audiences interested in extreme flexibility. Cards include six tickets for use any time, for any production including the LookOut Series. The tickets are valid for one year with the option to add additional tickets as needed. Perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. Red Card Memberships are available for theatergoers under 30.
More info at steppenwolf.org/memberships

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.