Steppenwolf Theatre

The theater company was preparing for its U.S. premiere as part of a month-long festival.

Lavey, who died earlier this year, was credited with guiding Steppenwolf into its artistic maturity.

Also, the Notebaert Nature Museum finds specimens in your own backyard, and chugging beer for charity.

The city's "Fifth Star Honors" celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. and features musical performances.

Tracy Letts' "The Minutes" debuts at Steppenwolf in November and is already destined for Broadway.

Racism, violence and homelessness are confronted in a takeoff on "Waiting for Godot."

Ald. Michele Smith proposed honoring the theater's artistic director, Martha Lavey.

Lavey excelled as an actor and directed the company to some of its greatest triumphs from 1995-2015.

Recently honored by the company, she'll direct Jen Silverman's "The Roommate" at the end of next season.

Smallwood is currently appearing in "Monster," part of the company's series for young adults.

There are also Taste of Wrightwood and Valentine's Day cookies stretching into next week.

Rashad is perhaps best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on "The Cosby Show."

The theater held a lighting ceremony on the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Francis most recently played a ruthless corporate bean-counter and a New York City beat cop.

Steppenwolf commissioned playwright Erika Sheffer, author of "Russian Transport," to create the drama.