When we began the work of programming this season, Steppenwolf’s 49th orbit ‘round the sun, we knew that we wanted to start off with a bold gesture that would delight audiences and showcase the spirit of ensemble. A play that would challenge our company members, allow us to work with talented actors outside of our company and deepen Steppenwolf’s decades-long interrogation of the artist’s role in society. When we made the (perhaps unlikely) decision to produce Noises Off, we surprised even ourselves. 

Despite that initial shock, we firmly believe this play is a perfect fit for our company. It is the ultimate ensemble piece, requiring a level of mastery and precision from everyone in the cast and production team. It is an ingenious tribute to “theatre people” of all stripes and the sacrifices they make in order to create what is—we can only hope—a fantastic show. It is a testament to our shared value of overcoming challenges in pursuit of joy. 

And, not for nothing, it might just be the funniest play ever written. 

In recent seasons, it has felt natural and necessary to come to Steppenwolf and enjoy a laugh together with our audiences. We keep returning to comedy because it reminds us of our shared humanity and our place in the world. Great comedy asks us to laugh not only at the foibles of others, but at the contradictions, inconsistencies and vulnerabilities of ourselves. And since its 1982 London premiere, Michael Frayn’s Noises Off has done exactly that. 

While many of you might have seen one of countless productions of this show, we’re delighted (and damn proud) to share Steppenwolf’s singular take on this modern classic. And for those who haven’t before seen the show: you are in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like experiencing this dizzying and hilarious masterpiece for the first time. Treasure it. 

We’re reluctant to say much more about this play which showers its audience in surprises. But we would be remiss if we did not celebrate the incredible honor of welcoming back to the Steppenwolf stage ensemble members Francis Guinan, Ora Jones and James Vincent Meredith alongside Artistic Director Audrey Francis. And to have Anna D. Shapiro, Steppenwolf’s esteemed former artistic director, back in the building is an immense pleasure and a great relief. We can’t imagine anyone else leading this company of actors through this supremely demanding play. Thank heavens she said yes. 

Welcome to Steppenwolf’s 49th season. We are humbled to have you on the ride with us for the coming year and are pleased beyond measure to begin with Noises Off, a delicious and frenzied love letter written to you, our audience.

Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis
Artistic Directors

STEPPENWOLF PRESENTS

NOISES OFF

By Michael Frayn
Directed by Anna D. Shapiro^†‡

A Co-Production with Geffen Playhouse 

FEATURING

Vaneh Assadourian^*, Amanda Fink^*, Audrey Francis^†*, Francis Guinan^†*, Rick Holmes^*, Ora Jones^†*, Andrew Leeds^* (through Oct 24), David Lind^* (beginning Oct 25), James Vincent Meredith^†*, Max Stewart

CREATIVE TEAM

Todd Rosenthal⁺ Scenic Design
Izumi Inaba⁺ Costume Design
Josh Epstein⁺ Lighting Design
Cricket Myers⁺ Sound Design
Kate DeVore Dialect and Voice Coach
R&D Choreography Violence Design
Kristina Fluty Intimacy Consultant
Patrick Zakem Creative Producer
Tom Pearl Producing Director
JC Clementz, CSA and Phyllis Schuringa, CSA Casting
Laura D. Glenn^* Production Stage Manager
Kathleen Barrett^* Assistant Stage Manager

Noises Off is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

† member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble.
* member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
+ member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
‡ member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

CAST

Vaneh Assadourian^* Poppy Norton-Taylor
Amanda Fink^* Brooke Ashton/Vicki
Audrey Francis^†* Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent
Francis Guinan^†* Selsdon Mowbray/Bulgar
Rick Holmes^* Lloyd Dallas
Ora Jones^†* Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett
Andrew Leeds^* Garry Lejeune/Roger Tramplemain (through Oct 24)
David Lind^* Garry Lejeune/Roger Tramplemain (beginning Oct 25)
James Vincent Meredith^†* Frederick Fellowes/Phillip Brent/Sheikh
Max Stewart Tim Allgood

UNDERSTUDIES

Alexandra Chopson Brooke Ashton/Vicki
Joe Dempsey^* Lloyd Dallas
Lucinda Johnston* Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett
Mark David Kaplan^* Selsdon Mowbray/Burglar
David Lind^* Garry Lejeune/Roger Tramplemain
Al’Jaleel McGhee Frederick Fellowes/Philip Brent/Sheikh
Felicia Oduh Poppy Norton-Taylor
Michaela Petro Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent
Ricki Romano Tim Allgood

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Lucky Stiff Assistant Director
Lucky Stiff & Claire Bauman Additional Movement
Sotirios Livaditis Associate Scenic Design
Lindsey Lyddan Assistant Lighting Design
Amanda Blanco, Imani Ross, Liz Shirley Production Assistants
Josephine Longo Costume Assistant
Taylor Pfenning Costume Admin Assistant
Megan Pirtle Wig Coordinator
Z. M. Agha Draper
Lyndsie Crawford First Hand
Jessica Rodriguez Painter/Dyer
Nora Dellifield Costume Crafts Artisan/Stitcher
Kyra Pan & Riley Sullivan Stitchers
Cindy Moon & Jeanette Rodriguez Shopper
Josh Derby, Hannah Doherty, Billy Earnesse, Kenny Faust, John McTaggart, Kat Taylor, Michael Tsaltas Additional Carpenters
Zhanna Albertini, Caitlyn Girten, Marcus Klein, Abby West Additional Carpenters

Physical Therapy Services Provided by Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

This production runs approximately two hours and forty minutes including two intermissions.

As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance. The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws; digital media will be deleted, and tape or film will be confiscated.

Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed.

The theater reserves the right to limit admission of children younger than the age of six.