Synopsis
At a beachside apartment complex, a group of friends gathers for their regular evening of food, drink, drugs and partner-swapping. When Chris and Kristy attempt to become the newest members, the evening does not go as planned. The artichoke dip grows cold as the party devolves into a territorial battle over mating privileges. Does sex ruin everything? And what is the purpose of monogamy? Bruce Norris's comedy explores the eternal struggle for power, status and getting laid.Running Time
Content Advisory
Additional Information
Take advantage of our SONO Sundays ticket special!
Special Performances
ACCESSIBLE SEATS SOLD OUT!
Tuesday, August 5
Touch Tour: 6pm
Curtain: 7:30pm
American Sign Language Interpretation
Sunday, August 10 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, August 16 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, August 24
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Watch & Listen
THE QUALMS - A Look Inside
See what the director and cast members have to say about Steppenwolf's world-premiere comedy The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris. the play is directed by Pam MacKinnon and features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.THE QUALMS - Audience Response
See what audiences are saying about Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms by ensemble member Bruce Norris. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.The cast of <i>The Qualms</i>
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington, Greg Stuhr and Diane Davis
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Paul Oakley Stovall
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis and Greg Stuhr
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Greg Stuhr and Karen Aldridge
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.The cast of <i>The Qualms</i>
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.David Pasquesi and Greg Stuhr
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Kirsten Fitzgerald and Paul Oakley Stovall
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Keith Kupferer
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Karen Aldridge and David Pasquesi
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Kirsten Fitzgerald and Paul Oakley Stovall
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Owais Ahmed
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington and Keith Kupferer
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE QUALMS in Production
Photos from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. Casting includes ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member and playwright Bruce Norris with Kirsten Fitzgerald
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington and Greg Stuhr
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Keith Kupferer
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Karen Aldridge and ensemble member Kate Arrington
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Director Pam MacKinnon
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Greg Stuhr and Keith Kupferer
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Paul Oakley Stovall
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.David Pasquesi and ensemble member Kate Arrington
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Diane Davis and Kirsten Fitzgerald
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Greg Stuhr, Diane Davis and David Pasquesi
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.The cast of <i>The Qualms</i>
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Karen Aldridge and Diane Davis
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Kirsten Fitzgerald and Paul Oakley Stovall
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.Ensemble member Kate Arrington, Greg Stuhr, Diane Davis and Keith Kupferer
credit: Joel Moorman
THE QUALMS in Rehearsal
Rehearsal Photos from Steppenwolf's World-Premiere production of The Qualms, written by ensemble member Bruce Norris and directed by Pam MacKinnon. The play features ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr.2013/14 Season: THE QUALMS
Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the fifth play in Steppenwolf's 2013/14 season, The Qualms, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Norris and directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon.Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author:ensemble member Bruce Norris
- Directed by: Pam MacKinnon
- Scenic Design: Todd Rosenthal
- Costume Design: Janice Pytel
- Lighting Design: Russell H. Champa
- Sound Design: Rick Sims
- Stage Manager: Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager: Christine D. Freeburg
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
“Fascinating world premiere…Bruce Norris's satire of swingers is pretty damned delicious”- Chicago Reader
“Plenty of amusement ensues from the bawdy dialogue…The Qualms really is funny” – Variety
“Debauchery at its finest...Norris’s dialogue crackles with humor, drama and truth”– The Fourth Walsh
“Every comic beat lands just right” – Time Out Chicago
"“A breezy 90 minutes—Norris lays it all out there with button-pushing glee"– Daily Herald
More from the 2013-14 Season
September 12 - November 10, 2013
December 05 - February 15, 2014
February 06 - May 11, 2014
April 03 - June 07, 2014
Sponsors
Leading Individual Support by Helen Zell
Running Time
Content Advisory
Additional Information
Take advantage of our SONO Sundays ticket special!
Special Performances
ACCESSIBLE SEATS SOLD OUT!
Tuesday, August 5
Touch Tour: 6pm
Curtain: 7:30pm
American Sign Language Interpretation
Sunday, August 10 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, August 16 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, August 24
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
More from the 2013-14 Season
September 12 - November 10, 2013
December 05 - February 15, 2014
February 06 - May 11, 2014
April 03 - June 07, 2014
Sponsors
Leading Individual Support by Helen Zell