Synopsis

Jean is sleepwalking through her life until she answers a dead man’s cell phone. It turns out to be a wake-up call that sends her on a date with the dead man’s brother, a drinking binge with his wife, and a mysterious rendez-vous with his mistress. Not to mention trips to the afterlife and the black market. In this quirky modern adventure, Jean re-connects to her own spirit and learns that life is for the living. Sarah Ruhl gained widespread recognition for her play The Clean House, which won the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2004 and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005. She also won the 2006 MacArthur Fellowship for "creating vivid and adventurous theatrical works that poignantly juxtapose the mundane aspects of daily life with mythic themes of love and war." Other plays include Eurydice and Passion Play.

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 50 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

Dead Man's Cell Phone in Rehearsal
Dead Man's Cell Phone in Production
Dead Man's Cell Phone Umbrella Promotion
A Day in the Life of Steppenwolf Theatre Company
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

“Fearless” –Tribune

“Surreal” –Tribune

“Edgy” –Sun Times

“Playful” –Daily Herald

“Lovely” –Daily Herald

“Quirky” –Time Out

“Delightful” –Reader

“Hilarious” –Reader

Program Articles

Finding the World of Dead Man's Cell Phone

Literary Assistant Joy Meads explores the creation of the unique world of Dead Man's Cell Phone.

Letter from the Artistic Director on Dead Man's Cell Phone

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses Sarah Ruhl's fantastical new play.

Rewriting the Rules, HER WAY

Artistic Apprentice Michael Vinson explores Sarah Ruhl's path as a playwright.

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 50 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.