CHICAGO--The often-scattered Steppenwolf ensemble members manage to turn reunions into art. On June 27, Laurie Metcalf, Tom Irwin and Rondi Reed return to their roots to present the Midwest premiere of Los Angeles playwright Justin Tanner's Pot Mom. Staging this blue-collar comedy is Wilson Milam, who most recently revived Hurlyburly with the Peter Hall Company at the Old Vic and Queen's theatres in London, and who staged a much-praised revival of The Caine Mutiny Court Martial at Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre. Steppenwolf Studio's slice-of-strife depicts Patty, an unemployed mother, and her toking daughters, laid-back "potheads" whose lives threaten to go up in smoke. Hoping to wean this family from the weed are Patty's bossy, truck-driving boyfriend and a daughter who wants to clear the air. For information call (312) 335-1888, ext. 856. --By Lawrence Bommer
Chicago Correspondent