Steppenwolf Theatre launches 51st season with world premiere of Adirondack Chair Circle

Witty, modern, and hilariously relatable, Steppenwolf Theatre’s Adirondack Chair Circle, lays bare our deepest thoughts on having controversial books in grade-school libraries. After attending a school board meeting herself, playwright Stephanie Alison Walker explores all points of view through her characters: a group of angry, sassy, and single-minded suburban moms who petition their school board to ban certain books. Their backyard gossip is observed by a curious black crow that offers insightful commentary on their self-styled dilemma.

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Walker artfully turns a sore topic into an amusing and raw tell-all, allowing audiences on both sides of the fence the ability to laugh together. As the ladies spar, both on the pickleball court and with the school board, each of the women reveals her true character, full of traits that are alarmingly identifiable. 

The controversy wrapped in humor allows audiences to confront their own prejudices and hypocrisy. Acclaimed actors Caroline Neff, David Darrow, Katrina Lenk, Wendy Mateo, and Sadieh Rifai deliver a devastatingly realistic portrayal of parents with school-aged children, keeping us guessing who will win the board’s favor. Coupled with a satisfying and comedic twist, Adirondack Chair Circle is thought-provoking and satisfyingly quenches the anxiety of concerned parents by saying what needs to be said. 

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Steppenwolf Theatre’s Adirondack Chair Circle is directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. Performances begin Tuesday, Nov. 3, with evening and weekend matinee options through Sunday, Dec. 6, at Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater, 1646 N. Halsted St. The schedule includes additional matinees on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Single tickets range from $20 to $149, including an $8.50 handling fee. Steppenwolf is also offering 20 tickets for $20, without added fees, for each main-series performance.