Pictured: Jeff Perry

Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series has announced a newly added performance of STANDUP SHAKESPEARE: A Concert Reading with music by Ray Leslee, book by Kenneth Welsh and words by Shakespeare, of course. This event, which is a benefit concert reading for the theater, will feature Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry alongside Broadway legends Norm Lewis and Alice Ripley.

Standup Shakespeare sets the timeless language of the Bard to the exciting rhythms of jazz, baroque, samba and gospel-rock original music. A fractured love story is performed by a modern-day Fool (Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry) along with Norm Lewis and Alice Ripley. Accompanying the cast are Marshall Coid (Violin), Dave Dunaway (Bass), Ray Leslee (Piano) and Josh Plotner (Woodwinds).

STANDUP SHAKESPEARE runs July 17th at 6:30pm in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets ($79-99) go on sale Friday, June 23 at 11am through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

LookOut is Steppenwolf’s performance series that presents the work of artists and companies across genre and form. The series is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis.