About This Show
On a summer evening in an isolated seaside cottage in the East of England, a pair of retired nuclear scientists are startled by a visit from a former colleague. As some crackers and wine are trotted out, so are various old jealousies, leading to the true reason for Rose's sudden reappearance: the revelation of a chilling and dangerous plan. Following sold out runs in London and New York, Steppenwolf is proud to present this brave, humane and beautifully written play that confronts the responsibility each generation must face for the way it leaves the world.
The production is a real time one act pressure cooker that reminds us what’s happening to the world we live in today. As the playwright says, "we all know we are living through a climate emergency, and yet we continually fail to change our behavior.” Lucy’s astonishing storytelling turns the very large idea of climate change into a thrilling narrative that centers around the humans living in it. The play’s run over both Mother’s Day and Earth Day offers further “real life” drama to a fictional—but could be so very real—tale. How are we leaving this world to our children?
Running Time
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.
6 OR MORE $10 DISCOUNT
Looking for something to do with your co-workers, your book club or even a girls night?
For a limited time, groups of 6+ can get a discount on tickets to The Children.
Enter code 46444, get $10 off each ticket—there's no such thing as a small group!
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Lucy Kirkwood
- Director Jonathan Berry
- Scenic Design Chelsea Warren
- Costume Design Mara Blumenfeld
- Lighting Design Lee Fiskness
- Sound Design Andre Pluess
- Company Voice & Text Coach Gigi Buffington
- Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager Elise Hausken
Featured Ensemble Members
The Cast
Reviews
"★ ★ ★ ★"
"The Children should be seen for its simple take on powerful questions" – Chicago Sun-Times
"An excellent piece of writing" – Chicago Tribune
"The performances are peerless. And there is a dance sequence that, all by itself, is easily worth the price of admission" – WTTW
"A spellbinding Chicago premiere...Kirkwood masterfully tackles the global issue of climate change while also keeping the story deeply personal and approachable" – Daily Herald
Steppenwolf Diversity & Inclusion Night
Join us as we welcome corporate partners from across the city for a catered networking event in celebration of equity, diversity and inclusion within Chicago and the arts. Guests will enjoy a discussion moderated by a panel of experts on navigating generational conversations in the workplace followed by a performance of The Children. Panelists include Steppenwolf Trustee Stephanie Smith and Director of The Children, Jonathan Berry.
Thursday, May 23
Pre-show reception at 5:30pm at 1624 N Halsted St
Performance at 7:30pm
$100
To purchase use code EDI2019 at checkout
Presenting sponsors of the 2019 Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Night
Faegre Baker Daniels and United Airlines
Special Performances
Preview performances:
April 18 - April 28
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, May 12 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Thursday, May 9 at 7:30 and Saturday, June 6 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, May 26 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm
Sponsors
Major Production Sponsors