Photo Flash: THE SEAFARER Extended Through February 22

Due to popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is adding two additional weeks of performances to its critically-acclaimed production of The Seafarer, by Conor McPherson, directed by ensemble member Randall Arney.  A new block of tickets for performances February 9 - 22, 2009 is currently on-sale.

The Seafarer, featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan (through 2/1), tom irwin, John Mahoney and Alan Wilder with Bradley Armacost (2/3 – 2/22) and Randall Newsome, runs December 4, 2008 – February 22, 2009 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

It's Christmas Eve in Dublin. In the rundown house where Sharky cares for his blind brother, Old Acquaintances gather for a card game—joined by an ominous stranger.  As the booze flows and the game intensifies, Sharky discovers he is playing for his soul.  In this eerie, darkly humorous tale, celebrated playwright Conor McPherson examines how we face the demons of our past as we struggle to find redemption.

The Seafarer is the second of two plays by Conor McPherson premiering in Chicago at Steppenwolf this season. McPherson's Dublin Carol played November 6, 2008 – January 4, 2009 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre. The Seafarer makes its Chicago premiere following a critically-acclaimed Broadway run.

Born in Dublin, playwright Conor McPherson's plays include include The Seafarer (premiered on Broadway in 2007), Poor Beast in the Rain, Port Authority, Dublin Carol (premiered on Broadway in 2002), The Weir (premiered on Broadway in 1999), St Nicholas and This Lime Tree Bower. Mr. McPherson won London's prestigious Olivier Award for The Weir and received a Tony nomination for Shining City. 

Ensemble member Randall Arney has directed Conor McPherson's The Weir at L.A.'s Geffen Playhouse, where he serves as Artistic Director.  Other directing credits include Atlanta, Speed the Plow, All My Sons, Take Me Out, I Just Stopped by to See the Man, Boy Gets Girl and God's Man In Texas.  Steppenwolf Broadway transfers under his leadership include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Song of Jacob Zulu (six Tony Award nominations) and The Grapes of Wrath (Tony Award winner).

The design team for The Seafarer includes: Takeshi Kata (sets), Janice Pytel (costumes), Daniel Ionazzi (lights) and Richard Woodbury (sound).  Christine D. Freeburg is the Stage Manager and Rose Marie Packer is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Curtain times are as follows: Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m., and Wednesday matinees on January 21, 28 and February 4 at 2:00 p.m.. Please note that there is a 7:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, February 15.

Ticket prices range from $20 - $70. 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.

The Seafarer MaTEENée performance for high school students will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets cost $15 and include: a ticket to the performance, lunch and a post-show discussion with actors featured in the production – hosted by Steppenwolf's Young Adults Council

Foley & Lardner LLP and Harris Bank are the Production Sponsors of The Seafarer.

Free post-show discussions, sponsored by AT&T, are offered after every performance.

The Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre is located at 1650 N. Halsted Street. For audience services call 312-335-1650. For online ticketing visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf is located near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible.  Street and lot parking are available.  Assistive listening devices are available for every performance.

Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company's mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon.  The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through on-going group work.  Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of 42 artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking and textual adaptation.  For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Photos by Michael Brosilow

John Mahoney

John Mahoney and Alan Wilder