John Heard

John Heard will take a “break” from his recurring role on television's “Prison Break” series to star in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's upcoming World Premiere of “Love-Lies-Bleeding" by Don DeLillo.  “Love-Lies-Bleeding" is produced in association with The Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays, and will transfer from its Chicago run (April 27-May 28, 2006) to the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater in Washington, D.C. June 17-25, 2006.  This production is the latest on Steppenwolf's 30th anniversary season devoted exclusively to original work.

Heard is a familiar face not only to television viewers, but for such films as "Awakenings," "Home Alone," "In the Line of Fire" and the upcoming "American Gothic."  Heard will be joined onstage by Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey, Louis Cancelmi, Larry Kucharik and Penelope Walker, under the direction of Steppenwolf ensemble member Amy Morton.  Moving back and forth in time, "Love-Lies-Bleeding" concerns a once free-spirited, now invalid artist, his son, ex-wife and younger current wife, and the question of whether to agree to a mercy killing or allow the man to die through natural course. 

Don DeLillo is considered one of America's foremost writers, as the author of such acclaimed novels as "Americana," "White Noise," "Libra," "Mao II" and "Underworld."  Steppenwolf produced DeLillo's novel "Libra," adapted and directed by ensemble member John Malkovich in 1994, and the play "Valparaiso," directed by ensemble member Frank Galati in 2000.  “Love-Lies-Bleeding" is co-produced with The Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays, an annual showcase of new work by American playwrights staged by American theatre companies.

While this anniversary season continues to explore original work, Steppenwolf has also announced its 2006-2007 season, which promises to be an intriguing mix of new and tried-and-true theatre.  Steppenwolf's 31st season opens with Martin McDonagh's provocative new play, "The Pillowman," September 14-November 12, 2006, directed by Amy Morton.  Melinda Lopez's exciting new drama "Sonia Flew" follows, November 30, 2006-February 4, 2007.

Jessica Thebus will direct Alan Wilder and Sandra Marquez in the story of a woman's memory of her childhood escape from the Cuban revolution.  Tina Landau will direct the timeless drama, "The Diary of Anne Frank" in April, starring Yasen Peyankov, while the World Premiere of "August: Osage County" reunites frequent collaborators Tracy Letts (this time as playwright) and Amy Morton (as actress), June 28-August 26, 2007.  Steppenwolf's acclaimed Young Adults series will feature extended programming, including "The Bluest Eye" October 3-28, 2006, and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" February 20-March 11, 2007.  

The venerable Steppenwolf Theatre Company was founded in 1976 as the St. Nicholas Theatre by Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, and has grown into one of the true glories of the Chicago theatre community.  From its humble beginnings, Steppenwolf has championed its ensemble of actors, directors and playwrights, which today counts Joan Allen, Kevin Anderson, John Mahoney, John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Cole and Austin Pendleton among its illustrious 35 members.  This nationally renowned company is the recipient of five Tony Awards, four Obie Awards, sixty-six Joseph Jefferson Awards, and the President's National Medal of Arts.  Performances are offered year-round on three different stages, ranging from world premieres to fresh interpretations of classical theatre.  For further information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.
 
Joe Stead
Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com.