about the show

In a sweltering motel room in the Mojave Desert, May and Eddie lick their wounds and get ready for another relentless round. This brawl is eternal and infernal. And The Old Man is always watching. Perhaps the sexiest, most haunting play of the 20th century, Fool for Love is a twisted, tequila-soaked love letter from one of the greatest American playwrights, indulging the need to get inside someone just to tear them apart. 

Fool for Love will be performed in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater

Through the decades, Steppenwolf’s ensemble has returned again and again to Sam Shepard’s searing body of work. Learn more about our history with this prolific 20th century American playwright HERE >>

FOOL FOR LOVE STUDY GUIDE

We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your Fool for Love experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!

Running Time

This production is performed without an intermission.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not typically offer advisories about subject matter; however, we acknowledge that sensitivities vary from person to person, so If you would like to read the content advisory for Fool for Love, click the "Details" arrow below.

 

This production contains violence, strong language, sexual situations and a prop shotgun. If you have additional questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

 

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Watch & Listen

Reviews

"★★★★—Steppenwolf triumphs again"

- Chicago Sun-Times

"★★★★—NOW IS THE TIME TO SAVOR THE CURRENT MOMENT OF STEPPENWOLF RETURNING TO SHEPARD"

- Daily Herald

[FOOL FOR LOVE IS] "A PLAY ABOUT COMPULSION AND GIVING OVER TO RAW DESIRE"

- Chicago Tribune

"STEPPENWOLF AND SHEPARD GO TOGETHER LIKE DYNAMITE AND A STRUCK MATCH"

- Chicago Cultural Authority

"RECOMMENDED—AN EXHILARATING ACTING SHOWCASE"

- Chicago Reader

"The performances are astonishing"

- Third Coast Review

"SIT BACK AND SOAK UP THE TENSION"

- Chicago Theatre Review

Accessible Performances

Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, March 2 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)

Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, March 1 at 3:00pm
Thursday, March 6 at 7:30pm

ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm

Learn more about accessibility at Steppenwolf.

Community Events

UNIVERSITY NIGHT

A FREE Event* on Friday, February 21, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in The Loft | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following

Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of Fool for Love! Join us in The Loft on the fourth floor of Steppenwolf’s new Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center at 1646 N. Halsted before the performance, and stay after for a post-show conversation with artists. 

RSVP for the pre & post-show events using the button below!

REGISTER NOW

*The pre & post-show events are FREE, but college students can get tickets for the performance of Fool for Love for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15. Get Tickets >>


Teen Takeover

A FREE Event* on Saturday, March 8, 2025
3pm performance, Teen Takeover Event Immediately After

Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of Fool for Love! Enjoy different art and activity stations and a post-show conversation with artists from the show. There will be music and snacks to keep the vibes going throughout the program.

REGISTER NOW

*This post-show event is FREE, but teens can get tickets for the performance of Fool for Love for as little as $5 with a Student ID - details in the registration link!


PAST EVENTS

INDUSTRY NIGHT

A FREE Event* on Friday, January 31, 2025
6pm conversation & mixer | 7:30pm performance

Steppenwolf and Black Box Acting invites the theatre community to celebrate the artistry of our craft. Before the performance, enjoy an artistic conversation and network with fellow acting students, artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene.

*This pre-show event is FREE, but tickets are required for the performance of Fool for Love. The pre-show mixer begins at 6pm on January 31 in Balcony Bar, and proof of industry affiliation is required for entry into complimentary event.


Education & Engagement

Steppenwolf supports the art on our stage with a number of free and discounted education and engagement programming throughout the season. Ranging from field trip opportunities, school residencies, arts workshops, teen nights, community partnerships and more! Whether you're a theatre learner, maker, or appreciator, check out our amazing programming here.

Sponsors

WELCOME TO OUR ENSEMBLE

Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premier ensemble theaters in America. By visiting Steppenwolf, you become part of our community and therefore agree to adhere to the theater’s Patron Code of Conduct.

Running Time

This production is performed without an intermission.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not typically offer advisories about subject matter; however, we acknowledge that sensitivities vary from person to person, so If you would like to read the content advisory for Fool for Love, click the "Details" arrow below.

 

This production contains violence, strong language, sexual situations and a prop shotgun. If you have additional questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

 

Discounts

$20 tickets, Pay-What-You-Can performances, discounts and more. Find the right ticket for you.

LEARN MORE

BOOK A FIELD TRIP

Interested in bringing your students on a field trip to Steppenwolf? Fill out an interest form so we can get your school group into one of our 10am student matinees across the season! A member of our team will follow up with you about your registration. Read more on our Field Trip Series page. 

Fill Out Interest Form