The drama of war-zone journalists and longtime lovers (Murphy and Newsome) making an uneasy transition to civilian life will get its Chicago debut Jan. 19-May 13, 2012, in Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Opening night is Jan. 29.
"For photojournalist Sarah Goodwin [Murphy], happiness is rushing from hotspot to hotspot capturing images of global conflict," according to Steppenwolf notes. "When she barely survives a bomb blast in Iraq, she's forced to return home into the care of her long-time lover, James [Newsome]. She's caught off-guard by James' desire for family and by the simple domestic life pursued by Richard [Guinan], her editor, and his much younger girlfriend, Mandy [Valada-Viars]. Pressed to consider settling into a 'normal' life, Sarah must confront her addiction to the drama and chaos of war. Time Stands Still is a witty, intelligent look at what happens when ordinary life is refracted through the lens of war."
Margulies received the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play Dinner With Friends and was a Pulitzer finalist for Sight Unseen and Collected Stories. Pendleton began his artistic relationship with Steppenwolf directing 1979's Say Goodnight, Gracie. His award-winning plays Booth, Uncle Bob and Orson's Shadow premiered in the Steppenwolf Garage.
The production team for Time Stands Still includes Walt Spangler (scenic design), Rachel Healy (costume design), Keith Parham (lighting design), Josh Schmidt (original music and sound design), Erica Daniels (casting), Michelle Medvin (stage manager) and Kathleen Petroziello (assistant stage manager).
Following a world-premiere run at Geffen Playhouse, Time Stands Still played Broadway in a production by Manhattan Theatre Club in early 2010. There were some script revisions between California and New York. It was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Play. After a summer hiatus, it returned to Broadway for a commercial run in fall 2010. It closed Jan. 30, 2011. For Steppenwolf tickets and additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.
