Photo Coverage: Daley Toasts Sydney Cast of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

The Honorable Richard M. Daley raised a glass and recognized the cast of Steppenwolf's critically acclaimed play August: Osage County as one of Chicago's great cultural ambassadors as they depart to Australia for a six-week engagement at the prestigious Sydney Theatre Company (Cate Blanchett & Andrew Upton, Artistic Directors).

Most of the original Chicago and Broadway cast members have reassembled for the Sydney engagement of August: Osage County written by Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts (Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony® Award-Best Play) and directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro (Tony® Award-Best Direction).

The Sydney cast includes: ensemble members Gary Cole, Mariann Mayberry, Amy Morton (Tony® Nomination-Best Leading Actress) Sally Murphy, Jeff Perry and Rondi Reed (Tony® Award-Best Featured Actress) with Deanna Dunagan (Tony® Award-Best Leading Actress) Kimberly Guerrero, Paul Vincent O'Connor, Molly Ranson, Chelcie Ross, Troy West and Gary Wilmes.

August: Osage County enjoyed a sold-out run during its world premiere at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2007. Just months later, August transferred to Broadway where it played an impressive 648 performances, earned five Tony® Awards and became one of the longest-running plays in Broadway history. August also played an eight-week engagement at London's acclaimed National Theatre. August then embarked on a 20-city North American Tour that included stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Toronto and back home in Chicago. August is currently in development for a major motion picture with a screenplay written by ensemble member Tracy Letts.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow