Between the Lines: Steppenwolf's Seagull and a Reluctant Actor's Journey Back to the Stage

by Eric Simonson

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 Theater Renaissance, this memoir takes the listener behind the scenes of a Steppenwolf classic, and inside the head of a man desperate to rediscover the joy and craft of acting.

Audible Audio

Published September 23, 2024

Reviews

[Sara Risley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge theater fan. There is almost nothing I like better than sitting in the dark watching theatrical magic unfold before me. This is a great book for sneaking a peek behind the scenes of professional theater through the eyes a theater professional. A quick easy read which will give me, personally, a new and different perspective next time I attend the theater. Simonson’s book is honest and real and I appreciate so much his laying bare his soul.

[Alan Kopischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the peeks behind the scenes at a really exciting time in Chicago theatre as well as the personal story told with such humor and vulnerability. Tons of insights from a guy with an impressive and varied career. Eric sure knows how to tell stories!

[Cheryl Petrone]

I read this book for a program that was sponsored by Chicago Dramatists. The author and the director of Steppenwolf discussed this book.

[Austin Fonacier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a theatre person but Eric brings us into the world of the theatre so well and so seamlessly that I can consider myself a theatre person now. I love the humor and the personal anecdotes he brings to the whole narrative. Lastly, I love how vulnerable Eric was in telling him his whole story. I enjoyed this book immensely.