Theater News

Tony Winner John Mahoney Joins 2014-15 Steppenwolf Season

The acclaimed Chicago theater’s season roster includes four premiere productions.

Tony winner John Mahoney will star in the U.S. premiere of The Herd, directed by K. Todd Freeman at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Tony winner John Mahoney will star in the U.S. premiere of The Herd, directed by K. Todd Freeman, at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced the lineup of productions set for its 2014-15 subscription season.

Conor McPherson's The Night Alive, directed by Henry Wishcamper, will open the season. The play follows a lonely man's quest for redemption after he finds himself pulled into the life of a troubled woman. The Chicago premiere production will feature Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, and Tim Hopper, and will run from September 18-November 16 in the Downstairs Theatre.

Coming next to the Downstairs Theatre will be the world premiere of Lisa D'Amour's Airline Highway, directed by Joe Mantello. Robert Breuler stars in the play, described as "a boisterous and moving ode to the outcasts that make life a little more interesting." The production will run from December 4-February 8, 2015.

David Adjmi's Marie Antoinette will then make its Chicago premiere with a run from February 5-May 10, 2015, in the Upstairs Theatre. Robert O'Hara directs Adjmi's contemporary take on the young queen of France, featuring Steppenwolf ensemble members Alana Arena, Tim Hopper, Ora Jones, and Alan Wilder.

The U.S. premiere of Rory Kinnear's The Herd will follow, running from April 2-June 7, 2015, in the Downstairs Theatre. The play depicts the members of a suburban English family who have had to accommodate the extraordinary needs of one of their own, highlighting the irresistible pull of family. K. Todd Freeman directs a cast featuring Francis Guinan (August: Osage County) and Tony winner John Mahoney (Prelude to a Kiss, Frasier).

One remaining title will be announced at a later date.