The play concerns the awkward reunion of Ray and Una, who meet unexpectedly 15 years after the end of their passionate affair. Blackbird won the 2007 Olivier Award for Best Play and has been seen in numerous U.S. theaters.

Hawkinson's credits include The Snow Queen, Half and Half, Hanging Fire, and I Never Sang for My Father. Petersen is best known for starring in CBS-TV's CSI. He got his start in Chicago, and last performed at Victory Gardens in the 1998 premiere of Flyovers. He appeared earlier this season in the Steppenwolf Theater Company's production of Conor McPherson's Dublin Carol.