Steppenwolf Theatre Company

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company began in 1974 in Highland Park, Illinois as a collective of actors interested in fostering on-going group work.

Initially formed under the leadership of Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise, the company incorporated in 1975. By 1976, it had expanded to include other friends from Illinois State University. Founded on a commitment to the principles of ensemble collaboration and artistic risk, the group's mission has been to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater, as exemplified by its award-winning production of The Grapes of Wrath. Northwestern University professor and company member, Frank Galati, first adapted and directed the John Steinbeck novel for the stage in 1988. The Steppenwolf production of The Grapes of Wrath opened September 18, 1988 at the Royal-George Theatre in Chicago to critical acclaim and went on to successful runs at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California (May 14-June 17, 1989), London's National Theatre (June 1989), and Broadway's Cort Theatre (March 22-September 2, 1990). The production also was shown on PBS's American Playhouse on March 22, 1991. The ensemble cast included Terry Kinney, Gary Sinise, and Lois Smith. The production received numerous awards, including two Tony Awards. It also was a National Medal Winner of the White House Millennium Council 2000, which included the script in the National Millennium Time Capsule.

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company began in 1974 in Highland Park, Illionis under the leadership of Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise. In 1975, the group incorporated and by 1976, it had expanded to include other friends from Illinois State University. Founded on a commitment to the principles of ensemble collaboration and artistic risk, the group’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater.

To this end, Northwestern University professor Frank Galati, who became a Steppenwolf ensemble member in 1985, adapted and directed John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, for the stage in 1988. The Steppenwolf production of The Grapes of Wrath opened September 18, 1988 at the Royal-George Theatre in Chicago to critical acclaim and went on to successful runs at the LaJolla Playhouse in San Diego, California ( May 14-June 17, 1989 ), London’s National Theatre ( June 1989 ), and Broadway’s Cort Theatre ( March 22-September 2, 1990 ). The production was also shown on PBS’s American Playhouse on March 22, 1991. The ensemble cast included Terry Kinney, Gary Sinise, and Lois Smith.

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of The Grapes of Wrath received numerous awards, including two Tony Awards, and was a National Medal Winner of the White House Millennium Council 2000, which included the script in the National Millennium Time Capsule.