Ensemble members Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood in Tracy Letts’ Bug, photo credit Michael Brosilow.

Steppenwolf welcomes audiences back to the theater withacclaimed production by ensemble member Tracy Letts,directed by David Cromer, with ensemble membersRandall Arney, Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood

After 20 months in the dark, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will reopen to in-person theatre in grand style with its revival production of Tracy Letts’ Bug.

The Bug revival which opened to rave reviews in February of 2020 had to close before finishing its run due to the pandemic.

The returning production will run in the Downstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf (1650 N. Halsted) November 11 through December 12, 2021.

A Bug’s Life

Although the average life span for a bug is less than a year, this Bug has been buzzing around since the 1990’s when Letts, an Oklahoma native inspired by the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, began penning the play.

The Bug opened in a small production in London in 1996 and bounced around in other productions for five years before coming home to Chicago’s A Red Orchid Theatre in 2001 for a production starring Michael Shannon

The Bug has continued to pop up in many reincarnations through the years–perhaps most notably as a screenplay (written by Letts) in 2006 also staring Michael Shannon.

The Story

The story that is part psychological thriller with moments of humor and social satire and a conspiracy theory takes place in a seedy Oklahoma motel room.

Directed by David Cromer with ensemble members Randall Arney, Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood alongside Jennifer Engstrom and Steve Key, reprising their roles after the 2020 shutdown, Bug has stood the test of time. With today’s technology and multitude of conspiracy theories it is even more relevant than 35 years ago.

The New Space

 Renderings of Steppenwolf’s two new bars, credit fc STUDIO, inc.
 

Audiences returning to Steppenwolf, not only will be treated to this Broadway quality production but will be welcomed into a stunning new 50,000 sq. ft. space housing an Arts & Education Center and two new bars.

Tickets

Single tickets for Bug ($20 – $110) go on sale Friday, September 24, at steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. 

Discounts available, including new Artists & Essential Workers discount, expanded 20-for-$20 program, Pay-Your-Age performances, $5 teen tickets through the Teen Arts Pass, and more. Classic and Flex Memberships to the 21/22 Comeback Season are currently available and offer first access to seats and easy exchanges, learn more steppenwolf.org/memberships.