Steppenwolf Announces Casting for The Christians and Straight White Men

Steppenwolf Theatre has announced complete casting for two upcoming Chicago premiere productions: Lucas Hnath’s The Christians directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman (December 1-January 29, 2017) in the Downstairs Theatre, and Straight White Men, written and directed by Young Jean Lee (February 2-March 19, 2017) in the Upstairs Theatre.

The Christians cast features ensemble member Tom Irwin as Pastor Paul and ensemble member Robert Breuler as Elder Jay, with Shannon Cochran (Elizabeth), Glenn Davis (Joshua), and Jacqueline Williams (Congregant).
The story follows Pastor Paul, who has spent 20 years successfully growing his church from a small storefront to a gleaming megachurch, but now he fears that there may be a crack in the theological foundation. As he shares his new belief in the nature of salvation, the message is met with surprise and then growing trepidation from his closest confidantes in the congregation, threatening to create a schism within the church.

The Downstairs Theatre will be transformed into a mega church with a choir performing live onstage. The choir, called the Praise Team, features Faith Howard, Yando Lopez, Jazelle Morriss, Mary-Margaret Roberts, and Charlie Strater.

The cast of Straight White Men features ensemble members Alan Wilder (Ed) and Tim Hopper (Matt), with Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew), and Elliott Jenetopulos (Stagehand-in-charge). The story is described as follows: "As Ed, a widower, prepares to celebrate Christmas, he calls his three grown sons back to the family home. Games are played, Chinese food is ordered, and brotherly pranks and trashtalk distract them from the ongoing issue that threatens to ruin the festivities: when personal identity is essential and privilege is a problem, what is a straight white man to do?"

For tickets to The Christians, click here.

For tickets to Straight White Men, click here.