Between the Lines with Eric Simonson

The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, “ Between the Lines: Steppenwolf's Seagull and A Reluctant Actor's Journey Back to the Stage” A talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.

About the  Book

 In the spring of 2022, the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company boldly, and  perhaps cavalierly, re-emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic with a brand new, 43 million dollar, state-of-the-art theatre. Director Yasen Peyankov insisted he cast the premiere production - a brand new, adaption of The Seagull - with as many Steppenwolf ensemble members as possible. This meant coaxing one non-actor, director and writer Eric Simonson, into coming back to the stage after a 33 year absence. Taking a leap in the dark, and battling the demons of stage-fright, confidence and homesickness, Simonson took up the challenge and started on a journey into the great theatrical unknown. Part diary, part history of the Chicago Theatre Renaissance, this memoir takes the reader behind the scenes of a Steppenwolf classic, and inside the head of a man desperate to rediscover the joy and craft of acting.

About the Author

Eric Simonson is an ensemble member of the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a position he maintains while working as a writer and director for film, television, theatre and opera.Theatre directing and writing credits in theatre include work at Steppenwolf Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Primary Stages in NY, The Huntington Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Kansas City Rep, The Kennedy Center, Pasadena Playhouse and Seattle Rep. He directed "The Song of Jacob Zulu", which ran on Broadway and received six Tony nominations including Best Director. He is the author of published works "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Work Song" (with Jeffrey Hatcher), which premiered at Milwaukee Rep. Broadway writing credits include the hit play "Lombardi", "Magic/Bird", and "Bronx Bombers". Film and television work include "Studs Terkel: Listening to America" (Emmy nom.); "A Note of Triumph” (Oscar win) "On Tiptoe" (Oscar nom., Emmy nom). Simonson has written and produced for TV shows “Man in the High Castle”, Homecoming” (WGA nom.) and “Swagger”. His film “Killing Reagan” aired on NatGeo and was nominated for a National Critics Association Award. In 2016, Simonson founded The Door Kinetic Arts Festival in Door County Wisconsin, a week- long festival dedicated to developing arts opera, television and music. The festival, supported by and held in conjunction with Lawrence’s Bjorklunden Center, has so far assisted in the development of numerous nationally recognized plays, dance pieces and films projects across many disciplines, including theatre, dance, film, opera, television and music. The festival, supported by and held in conjunction with Lawrence’s Bjorklunden Center, has so far assisted in the development of numerous nationally recognized plays, dance pieces and films. 

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The Drama Book Shop, 266 West 39th Street, New York, United States