It’s a sensation, we admit, that we don’t experience often enough. Which makes those moments when art stops us dead in our tracks, awing us with imagination and potency, all the more special.

And when we came across Noah Diaz’s You Will Get Sick, we were simply overcome with wonder.

When we first read this play, which defies easy description, it kept us on our toes. We were surprised, given the title, by how much we laughed, pleasantly disoriented in an off-kilter world. We were deeply moved by an unlikely friendship that cracked our hearts wide open. And we were left asking big questions about big ideas: family, friendship, transformation, life and its impermanence. We fell in love with the play and Noah’s voice. And most importantly, we wanted our audiences to experience this wonder with us.

As we round the corner, barreling into Steppenwolf’s 50th Anniversary Season, Noah’s play fits our ensemble like a glove. Through the decades, our company has grown to span generations and identities, developing into a motley crew of deeply meaningful and (perhaps unlikely) friendships. This cast, featuring ensemble members Amy Morton, Namir Smallwood and Cliff Chamberlain joined by Chicago talents Sadieh Rifai and Jordan Arredondo, contains a cross-section of grit, heart and spirit that makes Steppenwolf (and this city) one of the most magical settings to create theatre.

Sometimes it can be hard to know which way is up. When the world is disorienting and dark, it can be easy to erect walls and isolate ourselves. In that context, we have two final thoughts to share with you…

First, we want to thank you for joining us, for trusting us with your time today and across this past season. It’s an honor to host you, to make memories together, and to sit in a dark room and experience magic with you.

And second, we hope that Noah’s play does for you what it does for us: serve as a reminder of our shared humanity.

Open yourself up to wonder. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember that life is fleeting, and not to be taken for granted.

And don’t be afraid to make a new friend.

Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
Artistic Directors

About the Show

STEPPENWOLF PRESENTS

YOU WILL GET SICK

Written by Noah Diaz
Directed by Audrey Francis^†

FEATURING

Jordan Arredondo^*, Cliff Chamberlain^†*, Amy Morton ^†*, Sadieh Rifai^*, Namir Smallwood^†*

CREATIVE TEAM

Andrew Boyce⁺ Scenic Design
Raquel Adorno⁺ Costume Design
Jen Schriever⁺ Lighting Design
Willow James⁺ Sound Design
Skylar Fox Magic and Illusions Design
Kate DeVore Vocal Coach
Bryar Barborka Dramaturg
Patrick Zakem Creative Producer
Tom Pearl Production Manager
JC Clementz, CSA Casting
Laura D. Glenn^* Production Stage Manager
Kathleen Barrett^* Assistant Stage Manager

Originally Produced in New York City by Roundabout Theatre Company at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre / Laura Pels Theatre on November 6, 2022

† member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble.
* member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
+ member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
‡ member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Artists

CAST

Jordan Arredondo^* 5
Cliff Chamberlain^†* 4
Amy Morton^†* 2
Sadieh Rifai^* 3
Namir Smallwood^†* 1

UNDERSTUDIES

Meighan Gerachis^* 2
Carl Lindberg 4
Dennis Renard^*1
Alex Benito Rodriguez 5
Stephanie Shum 3

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Derek Van Barham Assistant Director
Daniel Weissglass Associate Magic and Illusion Design
Lia Wallfish Associate Costume Design
Quinn Chisenhall Assistant Lighting Design
Devan Castle Assistant Sound Design
Caroline Michelle Uy Production Assistant
Bella Walker Dresser
Newton Schottelkotte Sound Technician
Maegan Pate Costume Assistant
Mackenzie Privett Stitcher
Austin Pettinger Embroiderer
Josh Derby, Billy Earnisse, Kenny Faust, John McTaggart, Austin Olive Additional Carpenters
Nick Bartleson, Marcus Klein Additional Properties
Jessica Wardell Additional Paint

Physical Therapy Services Provided by Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

You Will Get Sick will be presented in one act with no intermission.

As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance. The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws; digital media will be deleted, and tape or film will be confiscated.

Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed.

The theater reserves the right to limit admission of children younger than the age of six.

Meet the Cast