about the show
Grace looks for the good in everything: in her husband’s rules, in the border he patrols, in the return of his estranged son. But a want for goodness cannot unwind the past, as this taut family reunion explodes in all directions. The Chicago premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks’ The Book of Grace is an incendiary family portrait from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Topdog/Underdog. Witness this startling reminder that the search for common ground can be a brutal journey for those on every side of the divide.
The Book of Grace will be performed in Steppenwolf's Ensemble Theater.
STUDY GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your The Book of Grace 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 The Book of Grace, click the "Details" arrow below.
Additional Information
Discounts
$20 tickets, Pay-What-You-Can performances, discounts and more. Find the right ticket for you.
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks
- Director Steve H. Broadnax III
- Scenic Design Arnel Sancianco
- Costume Design Raquel Adorno
- Lighting Design Jason Lynch
- Sound Design & Original Music Curtis Craig
- Projection Design Rasean Davonte Johnson
- Fight & Intimacy Consultant Maya Vinice Prentiss
- Vocal Coach Kate DeVore
- Dramaturg Jonathan L. Green
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Production Manager Elise Hausken
- Casting JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager Michelle Medvin
- Assistant Stage Manager Jaclynn Joslin
Featured Ensemble Members
- Buddy - Namir Smallwood
The Cast
- Vet - Brian Marable
- Grace - Zainab Jah
- Understudy - Edwin EdVanzd
- Understudy - Patrese D McClain
- Understudy - Frederick Paul Williams
Watch & Listen
Reviews
"THREE BLISTERING PERFORMANCES... SUPERBLY CAST ALL FULLY WILLING TO GO TO THE WALL."
- Chicago Tribune
"SO EVOCATIVE, SO LAYERED, SO THOUGHT-PROVOKING, THAT IT SHOULD BE SEEN AND TREASURED."
- Chiago Sun-Times
"THIS PLAY IS EXACTLY WHAT A STEPPENWOLF PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE: POWERFUL, ACTOR-CENTERED, INTENSE AND IMPACTFUL."
- Behind the Curtain, WGN Radio
"READER RECOMMENDED—[THE] CAST LEAVES EVERYTHING ON THE STAGE WITH UNFORGETTABLE AND SOMETIMES HEARTBREAKING CLARITY."
- Chicago Reader
"THIS IS ONE PERFORMANCE THAT THEATERGOERS WON’T SOON FORGET."
- Chicago Theatre Review
A "dynamic and unforgettable theatrical experience"
- Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, May 4 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, May 3 at 3:00pm
Thursday, May 8 at 7:30pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, May 16 at 7:30pm
Community Events
Teen Takeover
A FREE Event* on Saturday, April 19, 2025
3pm performance, Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of The Book of Grace! 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 for as little as $5 with a Student ID - details in the registration link!
PAST EVENTS
INDUSTRY NIGHT
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
7:30pm performance
Steppenwolf invites the theatre community to experience the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks. Enjoy the performances and network with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, April 11, 2025
6:30pm Mixer in Balcony Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of The Book of Grace! Join us in our Balcony Bar on the second floor of 1650 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Ensemble Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE, but college students can get tickets now for the performance of The Book of Grace for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
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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