Galati famously crafted a stage version of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" for Steppenwolf. Its 1990 Broadway engagement earned the artist two Tony Awards — for Direction of a Play and Best Play. Galati had an earlier Broadway brush with Doctorow, directing the musical adaptation of his novel "Ragtime."

The March plays Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre at 1650 N. Halsted St.

The company feaures Steppenwolf ensemble members Alana Arenas, Ian Barford, K. Todd Freeman, Martha Lavey, Mariann Mayberry, James Vincent Meredith and Alan Wilder with Will Allan, Phillip James Brannon, Cliff Chamberlain, Patrick Clear, Carrie Coon, Alex Goldklang, Harry Groener, Stephen Louis Grush, Anthony Kayer, Michael Mahler, Shannon Matesky, Luce Metrius, Andy Monson, John Mossman, Alex Newkirk, Alex Ring, Joe Sinopoli, Philip R. Smith, Alex Stage and L.J. Slavin.

Here's how The March is billed by the Tony Award-honored Steppenwolf: "General William Tecumseh Sherman, Uncle Billy to his men, marches 62,000 Union soldiers through lush Georgia countryside. Bearing along both black and white refugees, the march destroys everything in its path, turning home into exile and exile into home. Its epic force forever changes the lives of those caught up in its sweep: a liberated slave, a sheltered daughter of a Southern judge, a pair of Confederate deserters and Uncle Billy himself. The March is a story of momentous upheaval and the limits of courage and love."

Doctorow was a Pulitzer finalist for both "The March" and "Billy Bathgate." The production team for The March includes James Schuette (scenic design), Virgil Johnson (costume design), James F. Ingalls (lighting design), Josh Schmidt (sound design and original music), Erica Daniels (casting), Malcolm Ewen (stage manager) and Christine D. Freeburg (assistant stage manager).

Opening night is April 15. For more information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.