'Dead Man's Cell Phone' Begins at Steppenwolf March 27

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 32nd season with Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl, directed by associate artist Jessica Thebus.  The production, featuring ensemble member Molly Regan (March 27 - June 1) with Sarah Charipar, Marilyn Dodds Frank (June 3 - July 27), Geraldine Dulex, Coburn Goss, Mary Beth Fisher, Marc Grapey, Polly Noonan and Ben Whiting, runs March 27 - July 27, 2008 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.  The press performance is Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 3PM.

"Jean is sleepwalking through her life until she answers a dead man's cell phone. It turns out to be a wake-up call that sends her on a date with the dead man's brother, a drinking binge with his wife, and a mysterious rendez-vous with his mistress. Not to mention trips to the afterlife and the black market. In this quirky modern adventure, Jean re-connects to her own spirit and learns that life is for the living," describe pres notes.

Sarah Ruhl gained widespread recognition for her play The Clean House, which won the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2004 and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005.  She also won the 2006 MacArthur Fellowship.  Other plays include Eurydice and Passion Play. 

Dead Man's Cell Phone is directed by Jessica Thebus.  The design team includes:  Scott Bradley (sets), Linda Roethke (costumes), James Ingalls (lights) and Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (sound and original music).  David Perez is the assistant director.  Christine D. Freeburg is the stage manager and Michelle Medvin is the assistant stage manager.  

Previews are March 27 - April 5, 2008; Press preview: Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 3PM; Opening Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 6PM; running April 8 - July 27, 2008. There are no performances on May 3 or July 4. Show times are Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30PM (Sunday evening performances through June 22, 2008 only); Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3PM (matinee on Sunday April 6 begins at 2PM; Wednesday matinees on June 25, July 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 2PM.

Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. 

Tickets are Previews: $20-$45; Regular Run: $20-$68. Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances).  Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show.  Student discounts available. Box office is 312-335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org

Polly Noonan (Jean) and Marc Grapey (Gordon) in Dead Man's Cell Phone.  Photo by Sandro. 

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