Pictured: Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas

Steppenwolf announced the complete cast for Erika Sheffer’s THE FUNDAMENTALS, a look at America’s corporate culture through the story of a Manhattan hotel maid with higher aspirations. Directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov, the cast features ensemble members Alana Arenas (Millie), Caroline Neff (Stellan) and Alan Wilder (Abe) with Audrey Francis (Eliza) and Armando Riesco (Lorenzo). Peyankov and Sheffer last collaborated on Steppenwolf’s 2014 Chicago premiere of RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, which also featured Wilder. Previews begin November 10, 2016 and the show runs through December 23, 2016 in Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted. Single tickets ($20 – $89) go on sale Friday, August 5 at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

The Fundamentals was commissioned by Steppenwolf and developed as part of the First Look new play series in 2015. As part of First Look, audiences were able to attend an open rehearsal of The Fundamentals followed by a discussion with Erika Sheffer and the artistic team, in addition to seeing a staged reading.

Alana Arenas has been an ensemble member since 2007, starring most recently in MARIE ANTOINETTE in 2015. She recently received the 2016 Lucille Lortel Award for her performance in HEAD OF PASSES at the Public Theatre. Caroline Neff is the newest ensemble member to join Steppenwolf. She has appeared in six Steppenwolf productions including the critically acclaimed Chicago premiere of THE FLICK this season. Alan Wilder, an original ensemble member, has appeared in more than 60 Steppenwolf productions, including MARY PAGE MARLOW and John Steinbeck’s EAST OF EDEN this season. Audrey Francis is currently starring in BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY and was seen in last season’s THE HERD. Armando Riesco is a film and stage actor celebrated for his work as the title character in THE ELLIOT TRILOGY by Quiara Alegría Hudes and is currently starring in Avad Akhtar’s JUNK at the La Jolla Playhouse. He performed in Roadworks and Steppenwolf’s 1999 co-production of THIS IS OUR YOUTH.

The Fundamentals production team includes Collette Pollard (scenic design), Natasha Dukich (costume design), Lee Fiskness (lighting design), Rick Sims (sound design and original music) and Stephan Mazurek (projection design). Other credits include Aaron Carter (artistic producer), JC Clementz (casting), Laura D. Glenn (stage manager) and Nora Mally (assistant stage manager).