Sometimes the world we live in threatens to swallow us in darkness. No matter where you reside on any political spectrum, the daily onslaught of news stories, devastating outrage and brute nastiness can be overwhelming. In such a landscape, it is easy—convenient, even—to lose sight of goodness, of the evidence of good things. 

In the first rehearsal for The Book of Grace, director Steve H. Broadnax III shared: “Goodness is resilient. It endures. It inspires hope. And it saves.” 

We believe that he’s right. 

So would Grace, the titular character in the play you are here to experience. This play is built on carefully crafted tension between two men—generational, interpersonal and professional—that threatens to combust at any moment. Wedged between these opposing forces is Grace, a richly drawn character clinging on to beauty and hope. The overall effect is classic Steppenwolf: these characters are right at home in this theater built on a foundation of electric, visceral and tender performances. 

But this play is more than a story well told, populated by complex characters. Suzan-Lori Parks is one of those most rare writers uncannily attuned to the soul of America. In this play, a version of which was first performed 15 years ago, she has tapped into the unconscious of our nation, channeling big questions about what unites us (and what divides us) into the timeless vessel of a family drama. 

Such ambitious aims require skilled artists. Ensemble member Namir Smallwood along with Zainab Jah and Brian Marable (both acclaimed actors making their respective Steppenwolf debuts) are a dream of a cast. Together with Suzan-Lori and Steve, we cannot wait to see them breathe new life into these words. 

We are honored to partner with Suzan-Lori on relaunching her timely, stunning and explosive play; the version we are producing is brand new, tailor made for Steppenwolf. As Suzan-Lori has explained to us, The Book of Grace was originally written in conversation with her Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece Topdog/Underdog, a play we first brought to Chicago 20 years ago. It is fitting, then, that we look forward to producing Topdog next year in our 50th anniversary season, offering audiences a unique chance to experience these two plays in proximity. These are stories that demand to be seen in our current moment. They are immediate and classic; specific and universal. 

And, ultimately, these plays force us into conversations about our personal stories and our respective destinies. They dare you to write your own book, to change the story you’re born into. 

Let us hope that there are “Graces” among us, now and in the years to come. We can’t let goodness fall out of fashion. We simply refuse to live in a world without it. 

Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
Artistic Directors

STEPPENWOLF PRESENTS

THE BOOK OF GRACE

Written by Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III^‡

FEATURING

Zainab Jah^*, Brian Marable, Namir Smallwood^†*

CREATIVE TEAM

Arnel Sancianco⁺ Scenic Design  
Raquel Adorno⁺ Costume Design  
Jason Lynch⁺ Lighting Design  
Curtis Craig⁺ Sound Design and Original Music 
Rasean Davonté Johnson⁺ Projection Design
Maya Vinice Prentiss Fight & Intimacy Consultant  
Kate DeVore Vocal Coach  
Jonathan L. Green Dramaturg 
Patrick Zakem Creative Producer 
Elise Hausken Production Manager 
JC Clementz, CSA Casting  
Michelle Medvin^* Production Stage Manager 
Jaclynn Joslin^* Assistant Stage Manager

"The Magic is Real" music and lyrics by Suzan-Lori Parks 

“The Book of Grace” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Original New York Production by the Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, Artisic Director Andrew D. Hamingson, Executive Director. 

† 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

Zainab Jah^* Grace 
Brian Marable  Vet
Namir Smallwood^†* Buddy

UNDERSTUDIES

Edwin EdVanzd Buddy 
Patrese McClain^* Grace 
Frederick Williams^* Vet

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Kevin Aoussou Directing Observer 
Lia Wallfish Associate Costume Design 
Jonah Schnell Assistant Lighting Design 
Andres Fiz Projections Programmer 
Caroline Michele Uy Script Supervisor 
Lauren Littlejohn Production Assistant 
Megan Pirtle Wig Coordinator 
Z.M. Agha Costume Assistant 
Lyndsie Crawford Stitcher 
Caitlin McLeod Costume Crafts
Josh Derby, Billy Earnisse, Kenny Faust Additional Carpenters 
Nick Bartleson Additional Properties 
Zhanna Albertini, Marcus Klein, Abby West Additional Paint 

The Book of Grace will be presented in two acts including one 15-minute intermission.

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.