Photo Flash: Steppenwolf's EAST OF EDEN Premiere Begins Previews Tonight

Celebrating 40 years as America's premier ensemble theatre, 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. Scroll down for a look at Steppenwolf's artwork for the show!

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.

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 Wilder as 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.

The production team includes Walt Spangler (scenic design), Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), David Weiner (lighting design), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound design and original music) and Matt Hawkins (fight choreography). Additional credits include Erica Daniels (casting), Malcolm Ewen (stage manager) and Christine D. Freeburg (assistant stage manager).

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.

East of Eden begins previews tonight, 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). Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted), at 312-335-1650 or at steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Saverio Truglia

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