Steppenwolf Theatre Company's new artistic director, Anna D. Shapiro, wasn't ready to reveal specifics about her picks for the 2016–17 season when I sat down with her in January for an interview in our spring print edition, which hits the streets tomorrow. But we did talk in broader terms about the kinds of plays she was looking at for her first season of programming (her predecessor, Martha Lavey, signed off on the current season before Shapiro took the reins).
Today, Steppenwolf announced the upcoming season slate, and there's a lot to digest: The subscription season will expand from five to six productions, with subscribers choosing one of the two Upstairs Theatre shows; the lineup includes world premieres by David Rabe, Tracy Letts and Erika Sheffer, and Chicago premieres of recent acclaimed works by Lucas Hnath, Young Jean Lee and Taylor Mac, all new to Steppenwolf's main stage. There's additional news about the opening of the company's new 80-seat 1700 Theatre, which will be inaugurated by a play starring ensemble member Laurie Metcalf. See the detailed season announcement here, and then read my interview with Shapiro about her big plans for Steppenwolf.
