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The Qualms

July 03 - August 31, 2014

by ensemble member Bruce Norris

A delightfully wild and funny new comedy by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Clybourne Park.

Synopsis

At a beachside apartment complex, a group of friends gathers for their regular evening of food, drink, drugs and partner-swapping. When Chris and Kristy attempt to become the newest members, the evening does not go as planned. The artichoke dip grows cold as the party devolves into a territorial battle over mating privileges. Does sex ruin everything? And what is the purpose of monogamy? Bruce Norris's comedy explores the eternal struggle for power, status and getting laid.

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including No 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

Downstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map Map / Directions to the theatre The Qualms Program

Take advantage of our SONO Sundays ticket special!

Special Performances

Fully accessible performance featuring ASL Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description, presented as part of the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference
ACCESSIBLE SEATS SOLD OUT!
Tuesday, August 5
Touch Tour: 6pm
Curtain: 7:30pm

American Sign Language Interpretation
Sunday, August 10 at 7:30pm

Open Captioning
Saturday, August 16 at 3pm

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, August 24
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm

Watch & Listen

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Author:ensemble member Bruce Norris
Directed by: Pam MacKinnon
Scenic Design: Todd Rosenthal
Costume Design: Janice Pytel
Lighting Design: Russell H. Champa
Sound Design: Rick Sims
Stage Manager: Laura D. Glenn
Assistant Stage Manager: Christine D. Freeburg

Featured Ensemble Members

Kate Arrington

The Cast

Reviews

"Mr. Norris’s knack for writing smart, crisply funny dialogue has been well established…these debates are lively, funny and racy” – The New York Times

“Fascinating world premiere…Bruce Norris's satire of swingers is pretty damned delicious”- Chicago Reader

“Plenty of amusement ensues from the bawdy dialogue…The Qualms really is funny” – Variety

“Debauchery at its finest...Norris’s dialogue crackles with humor, drama and truth”– The Fourth Walsh

“Every comic beat lands just right” – Time Out Chicago

"“A breezy 90 minutes—Norris lays it all out there with button-pushing glee"– Daily Herald