Windfall

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is renowned as one of the Midwest's leading launchpads for new plays. Its dedication to developing and premiering innovative American plays has gained international acclaim, with many productions transitioning to Broadway or receiving prestigious awards. Currently, they are set to showcase three world premieres in their 2026/2027 Season: Adirondack Chair Circle and The Night Fawn. Additionally, audiences can experience the deeply engaging, impactful, high-octane production of Windfall, written by the acclaimed playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, at the Ensemble Theater, where many are now thinking, just like Passover, written by Antoinette Nwandu, it's set for Broadway. Currently the Artistic Director at Geffen Playhouse, McCraney's 2016 Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, from his script In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, won best picture in 2017; he is known for dialogue that feels grounded and elevated by a poetic, almost spiritual quality. The play is a clash between personal grief and how others measure it, with the pragmatist characters deeming themselves unaccountable through capitalism,looking to the father to sell his feelings of loss, thereby ending their accountability. The father, Mr. Mano, played brilliantly by Michael Potts, undergoes a tense mental drama where, after presumably losing his child to police violence, the city offers him a financial settlement as a way to silence him. The money offers a literal escape—a chance to leave and find comfort, by moving on from the tragedy, or to resist and stay, holding onto the memory of his child and the fight for justice, even if it means reliving the cycle of pain. He is visited by three people (all played by Alana Arenas) who serve as motivators, pushing him to decide to take the money. Through hallucinations, Mr. Mano sees his deceased stepson, Marcus (Glenn Davis). McCraney uses this character, who is something like the play's narrator, for the audience. Marcus tries to encourage his father to accept the settlement. The father doesn't want it, calling it "blood money." Still, Marcus argues that since all money is essentially "blood money" in a broken system, he should take what he's owed to secure his future, leaving the painful past behind. Eli is McCraney, a non-binary passionate community activist deeply involved in protests related to missing persons of color. Eli's fate is a powerful testament to the fight for justice. After being shot by police during a protest, Eli is presumed missing or dead. He and fellow protesters rise on stage, passionately sharing their stories and the reasons behind their activism. Following his alleged death, the coroner signs the certificate of death, registering the original birth name of Eli as the deceased. Eli emerges as an inspirational prophet, igniting hope among fellow activists and inspiring change. This newfound reverence creates apprehension among the police, who fear that his legacy will spark further transformation in the community. While Marcus believes his stepfather should accept the settlement, Eli embodies the unwavering refusal to be bought, representing the struggle between the resilience of activism and the diverse, deep-seated views of capitalism.

​Under the skilled direction of Awoye Timpo, who previously brought the heartwarming production Leroy and Lucy to life at Steppenwolf, featuring the dynamic Jon Michael Hall, this latest work gathers a remarkable ensemble of Steppenwolf talent. The cast includes the vibrant Alana Arenas, the versatile Glenn Davis, and the charismatic Jon Michael Hill, who recently captivated audiences in the acclaimed play Purpose. Additionally, Windfall brings to the stage the highly talented ensemble member Namir Smallwood, along with the compelling performances of Esco Jouléy as Cori and Eli, protestors, and the seasoned Michael Potts. Together, they create a spellbindingtheatrical experience. The play includes several poignant moments as Potts struggles to acclimate to calling his daughter by her new name, Eli, while also trying to use the correct pronoun. Additionally, there are heartfelt scenes between Potts and Davis, in which they want to share a hug, as they discuss how men are often conditioned to prioritize emotional control and strength over expressing love. Windfall marks the third captivating play this week to skillfully employ the Fourth Wall concept, drawing the audience into a deeply engaging experience executed with brilliance and creativity.

​The atmosphere of the play is pulsing, showcasing the urgency of making decisions that will change the course of his life and those he loves, making the emotional stakes feel immediate and unavoidable. It doesn't just tell a story; it forces the audience to sit inside the father's impossible dilemma, asking them to answer the question, "What would you do?" and whether you can put a price on life. Windfall impressively explores themes of grief, justice, sexuality, gender, history, and pride, which can become secondary concerns in the wake of offering cold, hard cash.

It is an inspiring exploration of how a resilient community confronts the challenges of grief while navigating the tempting appeal of the almighty dollar as they strive for true justice. It's a captivating, visually stunning drama that demands your attention—an experience you won't want to miss.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Steppenwolf Theatre

Windfall

Written by ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney

Directed by Awoye Timpo

April 9 - May 31, 2026

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