Synopsis
The kindness of strangers comes with complications. Tommy is getting by—kind of: he is crashing in his uncle’s ramshackle house in Dublin, dodging his estranged family, and plotting a parade of get-rich-quick schemes with his buddy Doc. Then one day he defends a destitute woman against a violent attack, and a fragile glimmer of hope appears as Tommy tends to her in his run-down room. From the author of The Weir, Shining City and The Seafarer comes this compelling new drama—by turns funny and frightening, but always deeply human.Running Time
Content Advisory
Additional Information
Special Performances
Sunday, October 26 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, November 1 at 3:00pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, November 9
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Watch & Listen
Ensemble member Francis Guinan with Dan Waller and Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Dan Waller and Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Director Henry Wishcamper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan with M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Dan Waller with director Henry Wishcamper and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Dan Waller
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan with M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Tim Hopper and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler and Dan Waller
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan with Dan Waller
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Tim Hopper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Director Henry Wishcamper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos from Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The cast includes ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan and M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Dan Waller
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble member Tim Hopper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler with M. Emmet Walsh
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Tim Hopper and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Helen Sadler and Dan Waller
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.M. Emmet Walsh and Helen Sadler
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper
credit: Michael Brosilow
THE NIGHT ALIVE - in Production
Production photos of The Night Alive written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The play features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.credit: Alex Goldberg
Explore THE NIGHT ALIVE
At the Explore event for The Night Alive, presented in partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, guests enjoyed the Irish band Kilmaley, a stand-up set from by comedian Adam Burke, a chance to practice their own Irish brogue with professional dialect coach Eva Breneman, a whiskey tasting presented by Fountainhead, and scenes from McPherson plays performed by ensemble member Alan Wilder with Mike Dailey. Chicago director Matt Miller emceed the evening.2014/15 Season - THE NIGHT ALIVE
Hear what director Henry Wishcamper has to say about Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson. The NIGHT ALIVE will kick off Steppenwolf 2014/15 subscription series and will feature ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper.THE NIGHT ALIVE - Trailer
Check out our trailer for Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, by Conor McPherson. The play is directed by Henry Wishcamper and features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional Casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.THE NIGHT ALIVE - Audience Response
See what audiences are saying about Steppenwolf's production of The Night Alive, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The production features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Conor McPherson on THE NIGHT ALIVE
See what playwright Conor McPherson has to say about Steppenwolf's production of his play THE NIGHT ALIVE. The production is directed by Henry Wishcamper and features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper. Additional casting includes Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh.Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Fight Choreographer: Matt Hawkins
- Costume Design: Rachel Anne Healy
- Author: Conor McPherson
- Assistant Stage Manager: Jonathan Nook
- Lighting Design: Keith Parham
- Scenic Design: Todd Rosenthal
- Stage Manager: Deb Styer
- Directed by: Henry Wishcamper
- Sound Design: Richard Woodbury
- Dialect Coach: Cecilie O'Reilly
- Casting: Erica Daniels
Featured Ensemble Members
The Cast
Reviews
– Chicago Tribune
“Highly recommended. A blazing Chicago premiere…performed by one of those casts that is a reminder of what great ensemble acting is all about.”
– Chicago Sun-Times
“From subtle but laugh-out-loud comedy to delicate sweetness to creeping dread…a surprisingly emotional trip, and it’s not one to miss.”
– Newcity
“Exquisite production…the enormous talent of the actors is clearly shown.”
– Irish American News
“***** Critic’s Pick… Conor McPherson’s wonderful new play. Spellbinding and gorgeous by one of the true poets of theater.”
– Time Out New York, Atlantic Theatre Company production
“Extraordinary! The play can only be called transcendent. A heaven-sent vision.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times, Atlantic Theatre Company production
“The Night Alive is a stunner! So fresh and full of vital poetry that you’ll cling to every word.”
– The Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Theatre Company production
“A captivating play! Jolting drama with visceral energy.”
– The Hollywood Reporter, Atlantic Theatre Company production
“Dialogue that makes the story feel fully alive.”
– NY Daily News, Atlantic Theatre Company production
Articles
Hope Doesn’t Come Out of a Bottle
Read the article in The New York Times about The Night Alive playwright Conor McPherson
Program Articles
Jenni Page-White explores the world of The Night Alive
Aaron Carter, Director of New Play Development, spoke with playwright Conor McPherson and director Henry Wishcamper about their approach to The Night Alive. Following is an edited portion of their conversation.
More from the 2014-15 Season
December 04 - February 14, 2015
February 05 - May 10, 2015
April 02 - June 14, 2015
July 02 - August 30, 2015
Sponsors
Corporate Production Sponsor
Running Time
Content Advisory
Additional Information
Special Performances
Sunday, October 26 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, November 1 at 3:00pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, November 9
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
More from the 2014-15 Season
December 04 - February 14, 2015
February 05 - May 10, 2015
April 02 - June 14, 2015
July 02 - August 30, 2015
Sponsors
Corporate Production Sponsor