Amadeus is a powerful, intense theatrical experience and exactly the kind of play Steppenwolf is meant to perform!  It is an unforgettable and breathtaking production; you have until January 25th to see it!

Joining in the conversation about this Peter Shaffer Tony and Academy Award winning classic are the leads: Ian Barford (playing Salieri) known for his award winning work at Steppenwolf and beyond, including the Tony Award winning “August, Osage County.” A true Chicago treasure on our stages, Ian talks about the complexity that was Salieri, through whose eyes we watch the play unfold.

Also joining is David Darrow (playing Mozart) in his Steppenwolf debut.

The play is complex and the characters and the role of legendary director Robert Falls (Artistic Director Emeritus of Goodman Theatre) shaping the telling of this story are discussed.

If you are into theater, this is a masterclass in understanding the production of Amadeus.

The actors stay on for a BONUS conversation following the first part streamed on WGN+ 

Amadeus runs through January 25th and tickets can be purchased at: www.Steppenwolf.org

REVIEW: Amadeus at Steppenwolf Theatre

By:

Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGN+; WGNRadio.com

****out of 4

Amadeus is a powerful, intense theatrical experience and exactly the kind of play Steppenwolf is meant to perform!  This unforgettable and breathtaking production reminds us exactly why Steppenwolf is the crown jewel of Chicago theater and has been for 50 years. Some might see Amadeus as a period drama, but it is so much more than that…..it’s a deeply rooted story about human ambition and motivation and the fragile balance between talent and potential and mediocrity and despair.

This production is a masterful blend of history, drama and emotion that is jaw dropping from the opening scene. The production is genius telling a story about genius….with a blend of jealousy and a demand for immortality. Directed to perfection by the legendary director emeritus of Goodman Theatre Robert Falls who shows why he is one of the best directors in Chicago.

The dynamic between Salieri and Mozart is vibrant with every glance and look filled with a conflict between admiration and deep jealousy.

Ian Barford has done a lot of impressive work on this stage (and many others)and his performance here is truly extraordinary. It’s layered, deep and transcends both a desire for sympathy and envy; juxtaposed with David Darrow’s amazing portrayal of Mozart (and Steppenwolf debut) which radiates with energy and brilliance coupled with a sense of adolescence and pure charm. I hope he loves Chicago because he will be back!

The performances of the ensemble are picture perfect. This production brings back many Steppenwolf legends including Robert Breuler, Ora Jones, Yasen Peyankov and Joey Slotnick…it’s as though the ensemble knew this was a cast they needed to join!

The set is both simple but with complex elements such as an amazing portrait as part of the ceiling and chairs that actually serve to establish the atmosphere of 18th century Vienna.

The sound design is stunning. The use and precise timing of the music and choral….just a beautifully haunting score that reminds us of Mozart’s actual compositions and their magnificence. This story that hits our senses with powerful impact.

An evening of Amadeus will remind you why you love theater so much….and why Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre is a master at what it does.