Steppenwolf Theatre Company launches its 2008-2009 season, an exploration of the imagination, with the world premiere of Kafka on the Shore, adapted for the stage and directed by ensemble member Frank Galati, based on the book by Haruki Murakami. The production, featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan and Jon Michael Hill with Christine Bunuan, Gerson Dacanay, Mary Ann de la Cruz, Christopher Larkin, Aiko Nakasone, Andrew Pang, David Rhee and Lisa Tejero, runs September 18 – November 16, 2008 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. The press performance is Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m.

A young boy’s coming of age parallels an old man’s search for destiny in modern day Japan where the borders between everyday reality, dreams and imagination are constantly crossed. In this world premiere adaptation of the popular novel, encounter talking cats on the streets of Tokyo, World War II soldiers trapped in time, Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. Experience the unexpected in this fantastical tale about waking up to your own life.

Tony Award-winner Frank Galati adapted and directed Haruki Murakami’s after the quake during Steppenwolf’s 2005-2006 Season. This critically-acclaimed production went on to successful runs at Long Wharf Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse and Berkeley Rep. Haruki Murakami, author of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and other novels, is an award-winning writer whose work has been translated into 34 languages.

Kafka on the Shore is directed by ensemble member Frank Galati. The design team includes: James Schuette (sets), Mara Blumenfeld (costumes), James F. Ingalls (lights), Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (original music and sound) and Joe Dempsey (Fight Choreography). Malcolm Ewen is the Stage Manager and Lauren V. Hickman is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Title: Kafka on the Shore

Playwright/Director: ensemble member Frank Galati

Based on the work by: Haruki Murakami

Featuring: ensemble members Francis Guinan (Major Warren, Johnnie Walker, BBC News Anchor, Colonel Sanders) and Jon Michael Hill (Crow) with Christine Bunuan (Setsuko, Young Miss Saeki), Gerson Dacanay (Dr. Nakazawa , Oshima), Mary Ann de la Cruz (Mimi, Ms. Tanaka, Colonel’s Girl, Soldier), Christopher Larkin (Kafka), Aiko Nakasone (Sakura, Ms. Soga), Andrew Pang (Otsuka, Kawamura, Police Officer, Hoshino), David Rhee (Nakata, Soldier) and Lisa Tejero (Ms. Saeki).

Location: Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

Dates: Previews: September 18 – 27, 2008

Press preview: Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m.

Opening: Sunday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Regular Run: September 30 – November 16, 2008

There is no performance on Tuesday, September 23.



Curtain Times: Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

(Sunday eve. performances through October 26 only)

Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday matinees on October 29, November 5 and November 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket price: Previews: $20-$48

Regular Run: $20-$70

Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances). Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student discounts available.

Audience Services: 1650 N. Halsted, 312-335-1650

Online ticketing available at www.steppenwolf.org

Free post-show discussions, sponsored by AT&T, are offered after every performance.