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• "The Seafarer" at the Steppenwolf

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Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre now has two Conor McPherson Christmas plays that feature character by conversational hangover among Dublin's recovering. "The Seafarer", which just opened and runs until February 22, gives us an unforgettable look into how we must face life's demons.

Dublin born Conor McPherson is a playwright whose reputation has soared into world class acclaim as the master of character driven struggles that feature an edge of loneliness and the supernatural. Since his debut in 1992 at age 21 with "Rum and Vodka", his powerful statements on loneliness have looked in many directions for a redemption among fellow humans.

Here, with "The Seafarer", an alcoholic Christmas Eve culminates in a poker game with the devil himself as McPherson brilliantly moves the play from a character study to an intense battle of nerves and tainted pasts. This production is the Chicago premiere of this highly acclaimed play that was a nominee for Best Play at last season's Tony Awards and London's Olivier Awards the year before.

Director Randall Arney brought us a wonderful production of McPherson's "The Weir" some years ago and here he brings back two Steppenwolf legends, John Mahoney and Francis Guinan from that production to play the critical leads here. Arney's instincts as a director and experience with McPherson really come to light as these two Steppenwolf founders give flawless performances in demanding roles.

This is an all male cast where the women are only spoken or are voices at the other end of the telephone. Any cast is an ensemble who must produce that special chemistry of a sorry lot of Christmas celebrants trying to find a bit of humanity in their lives. The remainder of Randall Arney's cast, Alan Wilder, Randall Newsome and Tom Irwin create just that special chemistry. A task no doubt made easier by the fact that every actor

and the director are long-time Steppenwolf ensemble members. Mr Irwin's devil with an Irish smile is one of the most fascinating and simultaneously terrifying characters to grace a Chicago stage in many a day.

Looking for the dark side of Christmas? Tired of happy talk holiday cliches? Take in the Steppenwolf's production of "The Seafarer" and Ebenezer Scrooge will suddenly appear as a mainstream dinner guest at your table, but your theater experience will be the richer for it.

The Steppenwolf is at 1650 North Halsted and can be reached at: 312-335-1650, or www.steppenwolf.org