Steppenwolf Theatre Company will open its new in-the-round Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell—the centerpiece of its recently unveiled Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center—with ensemble member Yasen Peyankov’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Seagull on April 28—June 12.
Yasen Peyankov directs the production, which features Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry and fellow ensemble members Sandra Marquez, Caroline Neff, Karen Rodriguez, Eric Simonson and Namir Smallwood, alongside Keith Kupferer, Elijah Newman, Jon Hudson Odom, Joey Slotnick and Lusia Strus. (Scott Jaeck will step in for Perry May 24—June 5.)
According to a press release, “Three generations of Steppenwolf’s acclaimed ensemble collide in classic Chekhovian style in this play set over a long summer weekend in the Russian countryside, where guests wrestle with the eternal questions that haunt the intellectual artist class: What is Love? What is Art? When is Lunch?”
Single tickets to Seagull ($20—$88) are available at steppenwolf.org and 312-335-1650.
—Also, the 2022 Steppenwolf Gala will take place Saturday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Rockwell on the River. The event will celebrate the new theater and expanded campus, offering a gourmet dinner and evening of entertainment emceed by ensemble members and artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis. For more information, visit steppenwolf.org/tickets—events/events/gala-2022 or email specialevents@steppenwolf.org.