Photo Flash: Inside Rehearsal for Steppenwolf for Young Adults' MONSTER

The nationally recognized Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) brings a gripping world premiere adaptation of Walter Dean Myers' award-winning novel, Monster to the Steppenwolf stage. Adapted by Aaron Carter and directed by SYA Artistic Director Hallie Gordon, the show tells the story of Steve Harmon, an African American teenager and aspiring filmmaker who is on trial for felony murder. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal, plus watch the trailer here!

This New York Times bestselling novel and National Book Award nominee tells the story of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old aspiring filmmaker in juvenile detention. His life has been turned upside down by his alleged participation in a robbery gone awry and now he might spend the rest of his life behind bars. As the prosecution makes its case, Steve writes his story as a screenplay, trying to understand if he's really the ‘monster' they say he is.

The eight-person cast features ensemble member Alana Arenas as Actor 3 with Cheryl Graeff as Actor 5, Kenn E. Head as Actor 4, Daniel Kyri as Steve Harmon, Tevion Devin Lanier as Actor 1, Chris Rickett as Actor 7, Namir Smallwood as Actor 2 and Ginneh Thomas as Actor 6.

The production team of Monster includes Joanna Iwanicka (scenic design), Samantha Jones (costume design), JR Lederle (lighting design), and Christopher Kriz (sound design). Additional credits include Brian Maschka (stage manager), JC Clementz (casting director) and Jonathan Berry (artistic producer).

Following its four-week run at Steppenwolf and working in collaboration with Storycatchers Theatre, Steppenwolf for Young Adults will tour its production of Monster for a week to three Juvenile Justice Facilities in Illinois. In addition to the tour, Steppenwolf will host Storycatchers alumni, who participated in Storycatchers programs while incarcerated or detained, on the Steppenwolf stage for a series of special events featuring these incredible young people and their stories.

Public performances for Monster are scheduled for February 17, 7:30pm; February 18, 3pm & 7:30pm; February 24, 7:30pm; February 25, 3pm; March 3, 7:30pm; and March 4, 3pm in the Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. The Press performance is Saturday, February 18 at 3pm. Tickets to Public performances ($20; $15 with student I.D.) are available through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St) at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Joel Moorman

Kenn E. Head (Actor 4), Daniel Kyri (Steve), Tevion Devin Lanier (Actor 1) and Namir Smallwood (Actor 2)
Kenn E. Head (Actor 4) and Daniel Kyri (Steve)
Ensemble member Alana Arenas (Actor 3)
Kenn E. Head (Actor 4)
Tevion Devin Lanier (Actor 1)
Director Hallie Gordon, Ginneh Thomas (Actor 6) and Daniel Kyri (Steve)
Daniel Kyri (Steve) and Cheryl Graeff (Actor 5)
Ginneh Thomas (Actor 6)
Ensemble member Alana Arenas (Actor 3)
Chris Rickett (Actor 7)
Adaptor Aaron Carter
Daniel Kyri (Steve)
Chris Rickett (Actor 7) and Namir Smallwood (Actor 2)