Windfall is a breath of fresh air at the Steppenwolf Theatre

For its 50th anniversary season, Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents Windfall in the Ensemble Theater. The production is performed in the round on risers and with arena-style seating similar to a rally. This gives an immersive feel to the piece and the players often break the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.

The plot centers around a family that has lost one of its members in an altercation with the police. Michael Potts plays Henri Tamaño, a father who wrestles with accepting a cash settlement and is haunted by his adopted son Marcus' ghost.

This deal with the devil is offered several times and is mixed in with other scenes involving Tamaño's other child, Eli, an activist trying to make a difference in the world.

Windfall takes place in the Windy City and Chicago audiences will recognize some familiar faces in the talented cast. Queer, Academy Award-winning Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney penned the script that will stir up discussions and debates from patrons long after the drama is over. He supplies just the right amount of humor in a piece that hops around with a frenetic pace.

The skilled cast deliver realistic portrayals in their individual roles, with Alana Arenas' trio of women and Potts' solo rant as noticeable standout moments.

The creatives involved have drummed up a communal experience that engages onlookers and encourages them to be activated. Windfall blows into the Steppenwolf Theatre with a tornado of talent that is adept at telling important stories onstage with complex and complicated characters.

Windfall rises to the occasion from now until May 31, 2026, at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 North Halsted Street. Find a courtside seat at steppenwolf.org.