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The Night Alive

September 18 - November 16, 2014

"You only get a few go's, Tommy. At life. You don't get endless go's. Two three go's maybe. When you hit the right groove you'll click right in there...this is it."

Synopsis

The kindness of strangers comes with complications. Tommy is getting by—kind of: he is crashing in his uncle’s ramshackle house in Dublin, dodging his estranged family, and plotting a parade of get-rich-quick schemes with his buddy Doc. Then one day he defends a destitute woman against a violent attack, and a fragile glimmer of hope appears as Tommy tends to her in his run-down room. From the author of The Weir, Shining City and The Seafarer comes this compelling new drama—by turns funny and frightening, but always deeply human.

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 40 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

Discount TicketsDownstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map Map / Directions to the theatre The Night Alive Program

Special Performances

American Sign Language Interpretation
Sunday, October 26 at 7:30pm

Open Captioning
Saturday, November 1 at 3:00pm

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, November 9
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm

Watch & Listen

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Fight Choreographer: Matt Hawkins
Costume Design: Rachel Anne Healy
Author: Conor McPherson
Assistant Stage Manager: Jonathan Nook
Lighting Design: Keith Parham
Scenic Design: Todd Rosenthal
Stage Manager: Deb Styer
Directed by: Henry Wishcamper
Sound Design: Richard Woodbury
Dialect Coach: Cecilie O'Reilly
Casting: Erica Daniels

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

“Another raw and beautiful entry in this great Irish playwright’s stunning ongoing series of dramatic meditations on life, loneliness and the possibility of redemption.”
– Chicago Tribune

“Highly recommended. A blazing Chicago premiere…performed by one of those casts that is a reminder of what great ensemble acting is all about.”
– Chicago Sun-Times

“From subtle but laugh-out-loud comedy to delicate sweetness to creeping dread…a surprisingly emotional trip, and it’s not one to miss.”
– Newcity

“Exquisite production…the enormous talent of the actors is clearly shown.”
– Irish American News

“***** Critic’s Pick… Conor McPherson’s wonderful new play. Spellbinding and gorgeous by one of the true poets of theater.”
– Time Out New York, Atlantic Theatre Company production

“Extraordinary! The play can only be called transcendent. A heaven-sent vision.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times, Atlantic Theatre Company production

“The Night Alive is a stunner! So fresh and full of vital poetry that you’ll cling to every word.”
– The Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Theatre Company production

“A captivating play! Jolting drama with visceral energy.”
– The Hollywood Reporter, Atlantic Theatre Company production

“Dialogue that makes the story feel fully alive.”
– NY Daily News, Atlantic Theatre Company production

Articles

Hope Doesn’t Come Out of a Bottle
Read the article in The New York Times about The Night Alive playwright Conor McPherson

Program Articles

SOME SORT OF A SAVIOUR

Jenni Page-White explores the world of The Night Alive

UNBIDDEN GRACE

Aaron Carter, Director of New Play Development, spoke with playwright Conor McPherson and director Henry Wishcamper about their approach to The Night Alive. Following is an edited portion of their conversation.