The great American saga about sibling rivalry, family secrets...and the struggle to be good.
Synopsis
From the award-winning adaptor of the classic Steppenwolf production The Grapes of Wrath. Escaping a turbulent past, Adam Trask is determined to make a new start in California’s Salinas Valley. Adam and his wife Cathy settle on a beautiful farm, and soon Cathy gives birth to twins Caleb and Aron. But family history, sibling rivalry and the impending danger of World War I will threaten their little piece of paradise. East of Eden is an American epic, grand in scope yet deeply personal, that asks if it is possible to escape the mistakes of previous generations and choose your own course.Running Time
Running Time: 2 hours 55 minutes, including 2 Intermissions
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.
Additional Information
Discount Tickets
East of Eden Program
Downstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map
Map / Directions to the theatre
"The Great Choice"
Tailwinds amber rum, benedictine, apple butter, Demerara, lime. Served on ice.
Show Cocktail
"The Great Choice"
Tailwinds amber rum, benedictine, apple butter, Demerara, lime. Served on ice.
Special Performances
Preview Performances:
September 17 - 26, 2015
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, October 25 at 7:30pm
September 17 - 26, 2015
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, October 25 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Saturday, October 31 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, November 8 at 1:30 touch tour, audio-described performance at 3pm
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Costume Design: Mara Blumenfeld
- Stage Manager: Malcolm Ewen
- Assistant Stage Manager: Christine D. Freeburg
- Fight Choreographer: Matt Hawkins
- Directed by: ensemble member Terry Kinney
- Scenic Design: Walt Spangler
- Lighting Design: David Weiner
- Fight Choreography: Matt Hawkins
- Makeup Design: James Noah
- Sound Design and Original Music: Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen
- Hair and Wig Design: Penny Lane Studios
- Casting Director: Erika Daniels
- Artistic Producer: Jonathon Berry
- : Lavina Jadhwani
- : Derek Matson
- : Leean Kim Torske
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
“This is an important Steppenwolf show…a significant achievement and, for fans of this great artist and this company, not to be missed”
– Chicago Tribune
“Witness the implosion of one of the more feverishly emotional, deeply dysfunctional families on the American literary landscape”
– Chicago Sun-Times
“Worth seeing for the excellence of the Steppenwolf ensemble alone”
– Newcity
“A production people will be talking about this fall”
– Crain’s
“Powerful story of two families…a Steppenwolf stage masterpiece”
– Northwest Indiana Times
“Solidly acted, swift-moving production”
– Daily Herald
“Engrossing, well-paced and captivating…Galati brilliantly emphasizes sibling rivalry, family secrets and the struggle to be good”
– Northwest Herald
“Extraordinary performances”
– Chicago Reader
“[Steppenwolf] is an ensemble that believes in what Steinbeck does: the power of brawny, visceral art, the importance of community, the existence of an indigenous American spirit that resides in inarticulate ordinary people, the spiritual resonance of American music and the heroism of the righteous outlaw.”
– The New York Times, 1990
“Grapes of Wrath” It’s Mother’s Milk to Steppenwolf” – Los Angeles Times, 1989
“A Conversation with Frank Galati” – Stay Thirsty Magazine
“Frank Galati’s Schedule Is Packed, With One Exception” – Chicago Tribune, 2000
– Chicago Tribune
“Witness the implosion of one of the more feverishly emotional, deeply dysfunctional families on the American literary landscape”
– Chicago Sun-Times
“Worth seeing for the excellence of the Steppenwolf ensemble alone”
– Newcity
“A production people will be talking about this fall”
– Crain’s
“Powerful story of two families…a Steppenwolf stage masterpiece”
– Northwest Indiana Times
“Solidly acted, swift-moving production”
– Daily Herald
“Engrossing, well-paced and captivating…Galati brilliantly emphasizes sibling rivalry, family secrets and the struggle to be good”
– Northwest Herald
“Extraordinary performances”
– Chicago Reader
“[Steppenwolf] is an ensemble that believes in what Steinbeck does: the power of brawny, visceral art, the importance of community, the existence of an indigenous American spirit that resides in inarticulate ordinary people, the spiritual resonance of American music and the heroism of the righteous outlaw.”
– The New York Times, 1990
Articles
“Grapes of Wrath” It’s Mother’s Milk to Steppenwolf” – Los Angeles Times, 1989
“A Conversation with Frank Galati” – Stay Thirsty Magazine
“Frank Galati’s Schedule Is Packed, With One Exception” – Chicago Tribune, 2000
Program Articles
The Things We Carry
Two Steppenwolf directors discuss what we inherit, what we pass on, and the ghosts that come along for the ride
Welcome to East of Eden
Letter from Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro