ABOUT THE SHOW
12 years ago, Theresa was stolen from her parents. Now a precocious 15-year-old, she has been rescued and returned to a family that had nearly forsaken hope—a family she neither recognizes nor understands. In ensemble member Rajiv Joseph’s unflinching play, a miraculous reunion sets the stage for provocative conversations: what makes a house a home? What nightmares are we willing to face for the sake of our children? And ultimately, what part do we play in the grand saga of human existence?
MR. WOLF WILL BE PERFORMED IN THE DOWNSTAIRS THEATER.
AUDIENCE GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Audience Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your Mr. Wolf experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright - Rajiv Joseph
- Director - K. Todd Freeman
- Scenic Design Walt Spangler
- Costume Design Dede M Ayite
- Lighting Design Keith Parham
- Sound Design & Original Music Josh Schmidt
- Projection Design Rasean Davonte Johnson
- Voice Coach Kate DeVore
- Dramaturg Jonathan L. Green
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Production Manager Elise Hausken
- Casting JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager Michelle Medvin
- Assistant Stage Manager Kathleen Barrett
Featured Ensemble Members
- Hana - Kate Arrington
- Mr. Wolf - Tim Hopper
- Julie - Caroline Neff
- Michael - Namir Smallwood
The Cast
- Theresa - Emilie Maureen Hanson
- Understudy - Sarah Charipar
- Understudy - Leah Karpel
- Understudy - Paul Murray
- Understudy - Reese Parish
- Understudy - Terence Sims
Reviews
★★★★—"THE KIND OF GUT-WRENCHING ACTING WE ALL EXPECT FROM STEPPENWOLF"
- Chicago Tribune
★★★★—"A SPELLBINDING EXPERIENCE THAT WILL GRIP AND STARTLE YOU FOR THE ENTIRE EVENING"
- Behind the Curtain, WGN Radio
★★★½—"A SUPERB PRODUCTION AND A DREAM CAST"
- Chicago Sun-Times
★★★½—"EMOTIONALLY CHARGED [AND] DELIBERATELY STAGED"
- Daily Herald
"YOU NEED TO SEE [IT] FOR YOURSELF"
- Chicago Cultural Authority
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, October 12 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, October 4 at 3:00pm
Thursday, October 23 at 7:30pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, October 17 at 7:30pm
Running Time
Content Advisory
Steppenwolf does not typically offer advisories about subject matter; however, we acknowledge that sensitivities vary from person to person, so If you would like to read the content advisory for Mr. Wolf, click the "Details" arrow below.
Additional Information
Community Events
THEATRE INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE Pre-Show Event* on Thursday, September 11, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in Front Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early to catch up and network with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene, then stick around for a performance of Mr. Wolf by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph! Join us at 6:30pm in our Front Bar located at 1700 N. Halsted before the performance at 7:30pm in the Downstairs Theater.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Pre-Show Event* on Friday, September 19, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in Tap Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following the performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students, then stay for the performance of Mr. Wolf! Join us in our Tap Bar on the first floor of 1646 N. Halsted before the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
TEEN TAKEOVER
A FREE Post-Show Event* on Saturday, October 11, 2025
3pm performance | Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of Mr. Wolf! Enjoy different art and activity stations and a post-show conversation with artists from the show. There will be music and snacks to keep the vibes going throughout the program. Click the button below to RSVP and learn more about how to get $5 tickets.
Miraculous Reunions
A post-show discussion on Saturday, November 1, 2025
Immediately following the 3pm Performance
In the LOFT Reflection Gallery (1646 N. Halsted St.)
After the performance of Mr. Wolf, we invite you to join this discussion that will take you on a deeper dive into the themes of the shows. Family wellness professionals, Diamond Howard (LCSW), and Margaret Hensley (LMFT) help to unpack the impact on families faced by trauma when youth are at the center.
Education + Engagement
Steppenwolf supports the art on our stage with a number of free and discounted education and engagement programming throughout the season. Ranging from field trip opportunities, school residencies, arts workshops, teen nights, community partnerships and more! Whether you're a theatre learner, maker, or appreciator, check out our amazing programming here.
Welcome to Our Ensemble
Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premier ensemble theaters in America. By visiting Steppenwolf, you become part of our community and therefore agree to adhere to the theater’s Patron Code of Conduct.