Lolla Alternative: Steppenwolf’s First Look Closes Sunday

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 5, 2009 8:20PM

photo of Amy J. Carle and Stephen Louis Grush in "Sex With Strangers" by Mark Campbell

Brace yourself. You might want to sit down for this one. Ready? Ok, here goes: there are other things to do this weekend besides go to Lollapalooza. We know it’s almost blasphemous to discuss other entertainment options, but seeing as we haven’t been struck by lightning yet, here are a few shows that you’d miss if you spent your weekend in Grant Park.

Steppenwolf’s First Look Repertory Of New Work provides an opportunity for new plays to gain exposure and generate feedback to aid in their development. The three for this year, the 5th Annual First Look, are Honest, written and directed by Eric Simonson, Sex With Strangers, written by Laura Eason and directed by Jessica Thebus, and Ski Dubai, written by Laura Jacqmin and directed by Lisa Portes. These plays have been revised during their rehearsal processes, and may continue revisions right up until closing. All three shows received positive reviews, so if you can’t decide which one is for you, spring for a First Look Pass for $45. Tickets to individual shows are $20 - if you believe Chris Jones, Sex With Strangers is the one to see.

Steppenwolf’s 5th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work, at the Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted, through Sunday. Tickets $20, or call 312-335-1650 for a First Look Pass ($45).