Steppenwolf Theatre Company is honored to host a special presentation of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret – a touring production championed by the Gary Sinise Foundation, playing two performances only January 20 & 21, 2023 at 7 pm in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets ($20 general public; $5 veterans, active military and military families) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org/last-out or by calling (312) 335-1650.
Steppenwolf Co-Founder Gary Sinise comments, “Nearly 40 years ago, I had the good fortune of directing the Vietnam War drama Tracers at Steppenwolf Theatre. With Vietnam veterans in my own family, it was a personal mission for me to honor them with a great production, to let them, and all veterans, know that their service to our country was appreciated and that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. My friend, Afghanistan combat veteran, LT Colonel (retired) Scott Mann, has written the modern-day equivalent to Tracers. Based on the stories of the men and women he served with, it is a powerful play with an all-veteran cast, and as the Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation and one of the founders of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, I am honored to present Last Out under our Foundation’s ‘Community and Education’ pillar.”
Last Out, which has been performed across the country since 2018 and reached thousands of audiences, pulls from the experiences of the longest war in American history, a war fought mostly in the shadows. Written by Ret. Lt. Col Scott Mann and directed by Karl Bury, this epic play, performed by a cast of combat veterans and military-family members, validates the journey of our military veterans and their families while building genuine and well-informed understanding in the communities where they live.
Last Out playwright and creator Scott Mann adds, “Last Out is a story never told from a voice never heard. A love letter to civilians to let them know the cost of modern war. A love letter to our Gold Star families. And certainly a love letter to our active duty members, our reserve, our National guard and our veterans.”
Last Out features Bryan Bachman, Lenny Bruce, Heather Corrigan, Cooper Mann, Scott Mann, Daniel Rodriguez and Chris Vetzel.
Army Green Beret Danny Patton is a modern-day warrior fighting battles that range from Afghanistan to his own living room. As the corrosive gears of war begin to rip apart his family, his integrity, and his soul, Danny is thrust into his final, eternal mission. On the other side, with Valhalla beckoning, he discovers that combat can be fueled by vengeance or by love… it just depends which price you are willing to pay. You’ve heard the war stories of the “First In.” This is the untold true story of the Last Out.
The Last Out production team includes: Scott Mann (Executive Producer), Monty Mann (Producer), Bob Pritchard (Stage Manager), Mark Prator (Production Manager), Paul Hudson (Lighting Designer) Ozzy Giron (Audio Technician), Michael Sanford (Casting Director), Megan Nemanic (General Manager), Emma Brannon (Assistant Project Manager), Allison Vetzel (Logistics Coordinator), Kim Seevers (Community Engagement Director), Kari Ellis (Team Manager), Mary Millsaps & Zeke Vanderpool (Interventionists), Holly Higgins (“Families of the Fallen” Ambassador), Kevin Lang (Videographer), Elizabeth Cole (Publicist) and Jesse Torgerson (Breath Coach).
For more information on the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit garysinisefoundation.org.
A Safe Return
As the Chicago theatre community continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Steppenwolf Theatre remains committed to the safety of its patrons and staff. For the most up-to-date information on our venue’s COVID precautions, please visit steppenwolf.org/welcomeback.
Sponsor Information
United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from Northern Trust, Allstate Insurance Company, Amazon, ComEd, Conagra Brands Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, PNC and Vinci Restaurant. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a Chicago theater that is home to America’s ensemble. The company began performing in the mid-1970s in the basement of a Highland Park, IL church—today Steppenwolf is the nation’s premier ensemble theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Deeply rooted in its ensemble ethos, the company is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and making the Steppenwolf experience accessible to all. Groundbreaking productions from Balm in Gilead and August: Osage County to Downstate and Pass Over—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony® Awards—have made the theatre legendary. Artistic programming includes a main stage season; a Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; LookOut, a multi-genre performance series; and the Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage. The nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education engages more than 20,000 participants annually in Chicagoland communities promoting compassion, encouraging curiosity and inspiring action. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. 2021 marked the opening of Steppenwolf’s landmark Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts & Education Center—deepening the company’s commitment to Chicagoland teens and serving as a cultural nexus for Chicago. Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis are the Artistic Directors and E. Brooke Flanagan is Executive Director. Keating Crown is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees.
Steppenwolf’s Mission: Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.