topdog/underdog
written by suzan-lori parks
directed by kenny leon
Sep 17 - nov 1, 2026 in the downstairs theater
“Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!”
Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to get by. Lincoln dresses like his namesake, reenacting his assassination for money and laughs. Booth stays stuck in their apartment, working tirelessly on his three-card hustle. Sibling rivalry and a lifetime of resentment come to a head in this fast-paced and ferocious thrill ride from Suzan-Lori Parks. The deck is stacked with a Tony Award-winning director, a Pulitzer Prize-winning script and a tour-de-force showdown for ensemble members Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood.
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright - Suzan-Lori Parks
- Director - Kenny Leon
- Scenic Design - Arnulfo Maldonado
- Costume Design - Dede M Ayite
- Lighting Design Lee Fiskness
- Sound Design - Justin Ellington
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Production Manager - Elise Hausken
- Casting - JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager - Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager - Jaclynn Joslin
Featured Ensemble Members
- Lincoln - Glenn Davis
- Booth - Namir Smallwood
The Cast
- Understudy - Anthony Fleming III
- Understudy - Patrick Newson Jr.
WHAT A TIME.
Steppenwolf is the place to experience the next big thing in American theatre. Welcome to our 2026/27 Season. You don't want to miss this.
Additional Information
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, October 25 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30PM
Saturday, October 17 at 3PM
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, October 16 at 7:30pm
Community Events
THEATER INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Thursday, Sep 17, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Front Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early for catching up and networking with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene before a performance of Topdog/Underdog! Join us in our Front Bar located at 1700 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE for industry professionals, but tickets are required for attending the performance of Topdog/Underdog.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, Sep 18, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Tap Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following the performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of Topdog/Underdog! Join us in our Tap Bar on the first floor of 1646 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE, but college students can get tickets now for the performance for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
TEEN TAKEOVER
A FREE Post-Show Event* on Saturday, Oct 24, 2026
3pm performance | Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of Topdog/Underdog! 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. Click the button below to RSVP and learn more about how to get $5 tickets.
*The Teen Takeover event is FREE, but tickets are required to attend the performance of Topdog/Underdog.
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.
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.
WHAT A TIME.
Steppenwolf is the place to experience the next big thing in American theatre. Welcome to our 2026/27 Season. You don't want to miss this.
Additional Information
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, October 25 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30PM
Saturday, October 17 at 3PM
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, October 16 at 7:30pm