Synopsis

It’s 1935. In America, it’s the middle of the Great Depression. In Kansas City, it’s the peak of the city’s legendary jazz era. The scene is hopping with recording deals and jam-packed clubs like Planet Mars, where life revolves around Oriole Carter, a brilliant black saxophonist who leads the house band. Oriole is falling head over heels for the white girlfriend of a local mobster just as a brand new invention called radio is threatening to make him a star. Ensemble member Eric Simonson received an Oscar for Best Documentary Short for his film A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin in 2006 and was Tony-nominated for his direction of Steppenwolf's The Song of Jacob Zulu, with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Carter's Way in Rehearsal
Carter's Way in Production
A Day in the Life of Steppenwolf Theatre Company
A Day in the Life of Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

“Extraordinary…exquisite performances”
-Variety

“Sassy…superb…sexual”
-Chicago Sun-Times

“Savvy…smolders with the right kind of smoke”
-Chicago Tribune

Program Articles

Composer's Notebook

Carter's Way composer Darrell Leonard discusses the production's musical elements.

David New interviews ensemble member Eric Simonson

Associate Artistic Director David New and ensemble member Eric Simonson explore the creation and themes of Carter's Way.

Improvising History: Jazz in Kansas City

Artistic Associate Michael Vinson discusses the birth of the Kansas City jazz style.

Letter from the Artistic Director on Carter's Way.

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the development and themes in Eric Simonson's new play.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.