Steppenwolf Theatre Company is currently presenting "Last of the Boys," by Steven Dietz, directed by ensemble member Rick Snyder, featuring ensemble members Tracy Letts, Mariann Mayberry and Amy Morton, with John Judd and Christopher McLinden. This is a fierce, funny American story about the legacy of a controversial war. The production takes place in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., through Nov. 13. Tickets are $20-60, with a discount available with military or student ID. There will be free post-show discussions offered daily throughout the run.
The designers are Todd Rosenthal (sets), Ann G. Wrightson (lights), Janice Pytel (costumes) and Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound). The stage manager is Laura D. Glenn and Deb Styer is the assistant stage manager.
"Last of the Boys" is part of city-wide exploration of the Vietnam War. On Veterans' Day, Friday, Nov. 11, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Transportation will unveil the new Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at Wabash Plaza designed by renowned artist and Vietnam veteran Gary Tillery. Leading up to the dedication, five Chicago cultural institutions enable the city to explore the complex history, memory and legacy of the Vietnam War through visual imagery, theater, film and public discussion in a unique memorial entitled Commit to Memory.
In addition to Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Commit to Memory has upcoming programs at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Pritzker Military Library and the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum. (A film called "Winter Soldier" was presented at the Gene Siskel Center in September.)
The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Columbia College Chicago will present two exhibitions, Stages of Memory: The Vietnam War, and Vietnam War Veterans: Portraits and Text, Oct. 13-Dec. 17. The Pritzker Military Library's Medal of Honor Series will welcome Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Maj. Wesley L. Fox on Thursday, Oct. 27. Fox's extraordinary actions are featured in the book "Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps." The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (NVVAM) presents a series of exhibitions and events running through Nov. 11. The museum presents artwork created to capture the veterans' experience. Artwork created by noted artists as well as veterans themselves will be on display.
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