THE CHRISTIANS Music Director to Lead Holiday Concert at Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's LookOut Series presents a one-night-only holiday concert led by Jaret Landon, music director of The Christians featuring Faith Howard, Yando Lopez, Jazelle Morriss, Mary-Margaret Roberts and Charlie Strater and more singing new and traditional holiday fare. These talented singers are also performing as choir members in The Christians by Lucas Hnath, currently running in the Downstairs Theatre through January 29, 2017.

This festive concert, titled Celebrating the Holidays with Friends, takes place Monday, December 19 at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm) in the 1700 Theatre, 1700 N Halsted. Tickets ($20) are available at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org. Steppenwolf Black and Red Card members may use credits to book.

Guests can grab a drink, including seasonal specialties hot cocoa and spiked cider, at Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks (www.front-bar.com), before or after the show. LookOut is Steppenwolf's multi-genre performance series; for the complete LookOut lineup, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

Jaret Landon is an acclaimed composer/arranger for film, musicals and recorded albums, as well as a music educator. Theater credits include Nativity, Sanctified (Congo Square Theatre); Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Misbehavin (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Gospel of Lovingkindness (Victory Gardens Theatre); Crowns (Goodman Theatre); Gem of The Ocean (Court Theater); Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Chicago Children's Theater); Black Odyssey (Denver Theatre Center, Denver, CO); and First Wives Club (Pre-Broadway). Landon was the Assistant Orchestrator for American Idol - Seasons 14 and 15.

Steppenwolf is currently presenting the Chicago premiere of Lucas Hnath's The Christians through January 29, 2017. Set in a church and featuring a live choir, The Christians is a fascinating and unbiased exploration of faith in America.

Pastor Paul has spent 20 years successfully growing his church from a small storefront to a gleaming church, but now he fears that there may be a crack in the theological foundation. As he shares his new belief in the nature of salvation, the message is met with surprise and then growing trepidation from his closest confidantes in the congregation, threatening to create a schism within the church. Previews began December 1, 2016, (press performances are Saturday, December 10 at 3pm and Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30pm; opening night is Sunday, December 11) and the production runs through January 29, 2017 in the Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

LookOut is Steppenwolf's multi-genre performance series in the 1700 Theatre presenting work from a diverse array of voices, artists emerging and establishing alike. LookOut programming takes place in the 1700 Theatre, Steppenwolf's new 80-seat cabaret-style venue situated behind Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks, a café & bar open daily from 7am to midnight. Tickets to LookOut programming in December, January, and February are currently on sale. To purchase tickets or for more info, visit steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. Steppenwolf Red and Black Card Members may use credits towards any LookOut programming. Prices vary for each show. LookOut is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis. For information, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier ensemble theater-redefining the landscape of acting and performance. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble has grown to 46 members who represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County-and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards-have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 14,000 participants annually from Chicago's diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. Steppenwolf's own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks serves coffee, cocktails and a menu curated in partnership with the Boka Restaurant Group day and night. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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