Steppenwolf Theatre Company

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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.

From the description of Steppenwolf Theatre Company Grapes of Wrath production files, 1972-1990, 1988-1990 (bulk) (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 82471005

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.

From the guide to the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Grapes of Wrath production files, 1972-1990, 1988-1990, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Abelson, Hope, 1910-2006. person
associatedWith Cort Theatre (New York, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Cort Theatre (New York, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Ewen, Malcolm person
associatedWith Ewen, Malcolm. person
associatedWith Ewen, Malcom person
associatedWith Ewen, Malcom. person
associatedWith Galati, Frank. person
associatedWith La Jolla Playhouse. corporateBody
associatedWith Landau, Tina. person
associatedWith Letts, Tracy, 1965- person
associatedWith Royal National Theatre (Great Britain) corporateBody
associatedWith Saroyan, William, 1908-1981. person
associatedWith Sinise, Gary. person
associatedWith Smith, Lois 1930- person
associatedWith Steinbeck, John, 1902-1968. person
associatedWith Wasserman, Dale. person
associatedWith Williams, Tennessee, 1911-1983. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Subject
Ensemble theatre
Stage management
Occupation
Actors
Directors
Stage managers
Activity
Actor
Director
Stage managers

Corporate Body

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