about the show
In a sweltering motel room in the Mojave Desert, May and Eddie lick their wounds and get ready for another relentless round. This brawl is eternal and infernal. And The Old Man is always watching. Perhaps the sexiest, most haunting play of the 20th century, Fool for Love is a twisted, tequila-soaked love letter from one of the greatest American playwrights, indulging the need to get inside someone just to tear them apart.
Fool for Love will be performed in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater
Through the decades, Steppenwolf’s ensemble has returned again and again to Sam Shepard’s searing body of work. Learn more about our history with this prolific 20th century American playwright HERE >>
FOOL FOR LOVE STUDY GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your Fool for Love experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!
Running Time
Content Advisory
Steppenwolf does not typically offer advisories about subject matter; however, we acknowledge that sensitivities vary from person to person, so If you would like to read the content advisory for Fool for Love, click the "Details" arrow below.
Additional Information
Discounts
$20 tickets, Pay-What-You-Can performances, discounts and more. Find the right ticket for you.
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright Sam Shepard
- Director Jeremy Herrin
- Scenic Design Todd Rosenthal
- Costume Design Raquel Adorno
- Lighting Design Heather Gilbert
- Sound Design & Original Music Mikhail Fiksel
- Fight & Intimacy Choreographer Samantha Kaufman
- Dialect & Voice Coach Kate DeVore
- Dramaturg Jonathan L. Green
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Producing Director Tom Pearl
- Casting JC Clementz
- Casting Jessica Ronane
- Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager Kathleen Barrett
Featured Ensemble Members
- Martin - Cliff Chamberlain
- The Old Man - Tim Hopper
- May - Caroline Neff
The Cast
- Eddie - Nick Gehlfuss
- Understudy - Victor Holstein
- Understudy - Shane Kenyon
- Understudy - Scott Westerman
- Understudy - Hilary Williams
Reviews
"★★★★—Steppenwolf triumphs again"
- Chicago Sun-Times
"★★★★—NOW IS THE TIME TO SAVOR THE CURRENT MOMENT OF STEPPENWOLF RETURNING TO SHEPARD"
- Daily Herald
[FOOL FOR LOVE IS] "A PLAY ABOUT COMPULSION AND GIVING OVER TO RAW DESIRE"
- Chicago Tribune
"STEPPENWOLF AND SHEPARD GO TOGETHER LIKE DYNAMITE AND A STRUCK MATCH"
- Chicago Cultural Authority
"RECOMMENDED—AN EXHILARATING ACTING SHOWCASE"
- Chicago Reader
"The performances are astonishing"
- Third Coast Review
"SIT BACK AND SOAK UP THE TENSION"
- Chicago Theatre Review
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, March 2 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, March 1 at 3:00pm
Thursday, March 6 at 7:30pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm
Community Events
INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, January 31, 2025
6pm conversation & mixer | 7:30pm performance
Steppenwolf and Black Box Acting invites the theatre community to celebrate the artistry of our craft. Before the performance, enjoy an artistic conversation and network with fellow acting students, artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene.
*This pre-show event is FREE, but tickets are required for the performance of Fool for Love. The pre-show mixer begins at 6pm on January 31 in Balcony Bar, and proof of industry affiliation is required for entry into complimentary event.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, February 21, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in The Loft | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of Fool for Love! Join us in The Loft on the fourth floor of Steppenwolf’s new Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center at 1646 N. Halsted before the performance, and stay after for a post-show conversation with artists.
*The pre & post-show events are FREE, but college students can get tickets now for the performance of Fool for Love for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
FILM + TV INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE* Conversation on Thursday, February 27, 2025
7:30pm Performance | Post-show discussion immediately following
Whether you're a film student ready to start your career, play guest roles on local TV shows, or a have been a long-time SAG member, you're invited to join us for a conversation about Chicago's robust screen industry. After the performance, gather in the front of the orchestra to hear directly from artists about their experience taking the screen right here in Chi-Town and beyond.
*This post-show conversation is FREE, but tickets are required for the performance of Fool for Love.
Teen Takeover
A FREE Event* on Saturday, March 8, 2025
3pm performance, Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of Fool for Love! Enjoy different art and activity stations and a post-show conversation with artists from the show. There will be music and snacks to keep the vibes going throughout the program.
*This post-show event is FREE, but teens can get tickets for the performance of Fool for Love for as little as $5 with a Student ID - details in the registration link!
Education & Engagement
Steppenwolf supports the art on our stage with a number of free and discounted education and engagement programming throughout the season. Ranging from field trip opportunities, school residencies, arts workshops, teen nights, community partnerships and more! Whether you're a theatre learner, maker, or appreciator, check out our amazing programming here.
Sponsors
WELCOME TO OUR ENSEMBLE
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