Steppenwolf Theatre Presented Topdog/Underdog
The award-winning production runs in Chicago through November 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Performance Art
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Steppenwolf Theatre Company is currently presenting the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Topdog/Underdog. The production stars Glenn Davis as Lincoln and Namir Smallwood as Booth.
Why it matters
The play provides a focused exploration of the two lead characters as they navigate their relationship and the pressures of their lives. It remains a notable fixture in the current Chicago theater season due to its critical acclaim.
The production of Topdog/Underdog spans a duration of two and a half hours. This performance follows the play's history of earning both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
The players
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
This Chicago-based theater ensemble is renowned for producing influential and challenging new works.
Glenn Davis
He is an artistic director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company who performs the role of Lincoln in the production.
Namir Smallwood
He is a professional actor who portrays the character Booth in this iteration of the play.
The details
The play features only two actors on stage for the entire duration of the production. The character Lincoln makes his living by acting out the assassination of the president.
Timeline
The production is scheduled to conclude its run on November 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the established trajectory of Pulitzer Prize-winning scripts being adapted by major regional houses. It highlights the continued relevance of the work in the modern landscape of American performance art.
Theatergoers can see the play at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company venue through the final performance on November 1, 2026. The two-and-a-half-hour runtime should be factored into planning for transit and evening schedules.
The takeaway
The play offers a concentrated performance featuring two actors for the entire duration of the show. Prospective attendees should note that the limited engagement concludes on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local productions in the Chicago Performance Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
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