Past It's Prime. Steppenwolf's real domain as a powerhouse basically ended around the mid-1990s. They have had occasional hits since then, but one expects more from a company with a reputation like theirs. It is my opinion that Steppenwolf Theatre is past its prime. Tickets are too expensive there to waste the money on a play that is completely untested or an old retread. If you want a great look into what Steppenwolf probably was like in its prime, try Lookingglass.…

BEWARE OF THE VALET SERVICE. We recently used the Valet Service at The Steppenwolf when we dined at a nearby restuarant. When we came out to get our cars (2 if them), we were told one of the cars had been towed. After conversations with the Towing Company and a local police officer at the scene, and 45 minutes later we discovered that BOTH cars had been towed because they and many other cars were parked in a private retail parking lot by the valet. While the towing fees were paid by LoPardo Valet Service, we discovered from the City of Chicago that this Valet Service was not licensed by the City, they were cited for 10 violations on 2 visits by City of Chicago Consumer Services that week, and continued to operate WITHOUT A VALID CITY LICENSE even after being warned to get a license. BEWARE!!! We will not go there again, even by cab, because we feel that theatre management should care about clients from the beginning to the end of their experience, and should not allow an unlicensed vendor to operate illegally at their door. This Valet Parking service, by the way, is actually officed in The Steppenwolf Theatre building.…

This giant of Chicago theater is a supporter of daring new works.. The Stages
Except for the first balcony row, every seat is great in the wide, comfy mainstage theater. An additional 200-seat studio theater is on the third floor. Separate restrooms and concessions on all floors makes intermissions surprisingly calm.

The Shows
Starting with its 1982 revival of Sam Shepard's "True West," the company has transferred several shows to New York, including the Tony Award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men." Steppenwolf has earned a reputation for quality, risk-taking and integrity. In addition to presenting American theater (and the occasional film-star vanity show or British import), Steppenwolf also develops new work and exposes its audiences to new artists.…

There is no equal!. This is the most important theatre company in America. They manage to do challenging work that is still accessible and entertaining. Founded by a bunch of 'kids' in the basement of a church (or so the legend goes), the Steppenwolf's rise to international prominence is unequaled. Tickets too pricey for you? You can usher and see the show for free.…

Lives up to the hype. I saw the best stage acting ("Glengarry Glen Ross) ever at this famed theatre. What drew me is probably what draws most folks, their illustrious cast of former and current members. Names like John Malkovich, Martha Plimpton and Gary Sinise. Those visiting Chicago should plan ahead and get tickets -- odds are the performances will be brilliant.…