The Book of Grace
Written by Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III
Main Series
about the show
Grace looks for the good in everything: in her husband’s rules, in the border he patrols, in the return of his estranged son. But a want for goodness cannot unwind the past, as this taut family reunion explodes in all directions. The Chicago premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks’ The Book of Grace is an incendiary family portrait from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Topdog/Underdog. Witness this startling reminder that the search for common ground can be a brutal journey for those on every side of the divide.
STUDY GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your The Book of Grace experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!
Watch & Listen
Reviews
"THREE BLISTERING PERFORMANCES... SUPERBLY CAST ALL FULLY WILLING TO GO TO THE WALL."
- Chicago Tribune
"SO EVOCATIVE, SO LAYERED, SO THOUGHT-PROVOKING, THAT IT SHOULD BE SEEN AND TREASURED."
- Chiago Sun-Times
"THIS PLAY IS EXACTLY WHAT A STEPPENWOLF PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE: POWERFUL, ACTOR-CENTERED, INTENSE AND IMPACTFUL."
- Behind the Curtain, WGN Radio
"READER RECOMMENDED—[THE] CAST LEAVES EVERYTHING ON THE STAGE WITH UNFORGETTABLE AND SOMETIMES HEARTBREAKING CLARITY."
- Chicago Reader
"THIS IS ONE PERFORMANCE THAT THEATERGOERS WON’T SOON FORGET."
- Chicago Theatre Review
A "dynamic and unforgettable theatrical experience"
- Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
Community Events
INDUSTRY NIGHT
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
7:30pm performance
Steppenwolf invites the theatre community to experience the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks. Enjoy the performances and network with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, April 11, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in Balcony Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of The Book of Grace! Join us in our Balcony Bar on the second floor of 1650 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Ensemble Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE, but college students can get tickets now for the performance of The Book of Grace for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
Teen Takeover
A FREE Event* on Saturday, April 19, 2025
3pm performance, Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of The Book of Grace! 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.
*This post-show event is FREE, but teens can get tickets for the performance for as little as $5 with a Student ID - details in the registration link!