Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with John Steinbeck's EAST OF EDEN at Steppenwolf
By: BWW News Desk Sep. 02, 2015
Steppenwolf Theatre Company launches its landmark 2015/16 Subscription Season with a large-scale world premiere production of John Steinbeck's masterpiece EAST OF EDEN. Adapted by two-time Tony Award winner and ensemble member Frank Galati and directed by Steppenwolf co-founder Terry Kinney, the epic production features a 10-person cast including ensemble members Kate Arrington, Francis Guinan, Tim Hopper and Alan Wilder. A full underscore of originally composed music by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen will be performed live. EAST OF EDEN begins previews September 17 (opening night is September 27; press performances are Saturday, September 26 at 3pm and Tuesday, September 29 at 7:30pm) and runs through November 15, 2015 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!
Escaping a turbulent past, Adam Trask is determined to make a new start in California's Salinas Valley. Adam and his wife Cathy settle on a beautiful farm, and soon Cathy gives birth to twins Caleb and Aron. But family history, sibling rivalry and the impending danger of World War One will threaten their little piece of paradise. EAST OF EDEN is a sprawling and unflinching story that asks if is it possible to escape the mistakes of previous generations and choose your own course.
Steppenwolf's connection with John Steinbeck can be traced back to the company's 1988 production of The Grapes of Wrath, which Frank Galati adapted and directed. The production transferred to Broadway, California and London and received two Tony Awards-Best Play and Best Director-garnering Steppenwolf international acclaim. Ensemble members Francis Guinan, Tim Hopper, Terry Kinney and Alan Wilder, who all performed in the original production of The Grapes of Wrath, reunite for this new adaptation of EAST OF EDEN.
The complete cast for EAST OF EDEN features ensemble members Kate Arrington as Cathy Trask, Francis Guinan as Samuel Hamilton, Tim Hopper as Adam Trask and Alan Wilderas Dr. Murphy and Mr. Bacon along with Casey Thomas Brown as Aron Trask, Aaron Himelstein as Caleb Trask, Elizabeth Laidlaw as Eva/Mrs. Bacon/Nurse, Stephen Park as Lee, Brittany Uomoleale as Abra Bacon and Dan Waller as Joe and Will Hamilton.
Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services (1650 N. Halsted St.), 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org.
Photo Credit: Joel Moorman
Cast members Aaron Himelstein (Caleb Trask) and Brittany Uomoleale (Abra Bacon)
Elizabeth Laidlaw (Eva, Mrs. Bacon, Nurse) and ensemble member Tim Hopper (Adam Trask)
Ensemble member Frank Galati (adaptor)
Steppenwolf co-founder Terry Kinney (EAST OF EDEN director) with cast members Aaron Himelstein (Caleb Trask) and Brittany Uomoleale (Abra Bacon), ensemble member Tim Hopper (Adam Trask) and cast member Stephen Park (Lee)
Co-founder Terry Kinney
Cast members Aaron Himelstein (Caleb Trask) and Stephen Park (Lee)
Cast members Aaron Himelstein (Caleb Trask) and Casey Thomas Brown (Aron Trask)
Cast members Aaron Himelstein (Caleb Trask) and Casey Thomas Brown (Aron Trask)
Cast member Brittany Uomoleale (Abra Bacon) and ensemble member Alan Wilder (Dr. Murphy, Mr. Bacon)
Cast members and co-founder Terry Kinney (far right)
(front to back) Ensemble member Tim Hopper (Adam Trask) and cast member Stephen Park (Lee)
Cast member Dan Waller (Joe, Will Hamilton)
Ensemble member Kate Arrington (Cathy Trask)
Ensemble members Kate Arrington (Cathy Trask) and Tim Hopper (Adam Trask)
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