***** Over my many years of reviewing theater in Chicago and surrounding areas, I have always found Steppenwolf Theatre Company to be one of the most consistent in performance quality. They have several different stage areas, allowing them the freedom to tackle almost any project that they feel their audiences will enjoy. The newest of these, “The Ensemble Theater”, an in-the-round/arena stage, is the perfect setting for the theatrical version of Peter Shaffer’s Oscar and Tony Award winning masterpiece, “Amadeus”, and who better to direct this amazing work, but Chicago legend Robert Falls.

By the way, what truly makes this work extra special is the number of Steppenwolf Ensemble members who grace the stage of the stage named for them. It is wonderful to see many of the faces that I reviewed over the years, bringing this epic storytelling about the life of  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ( a glorious performance by David Darrow) set against the equally powerful work of Ian Barford bringing Antonio Salieri to life. These men were rival composers and while Mozart thought that Salieri was his friend, he was the complete opposite. In fact, he was quite jealous and did everything that he could to undermine the brilliance of Mozart.

Salieri was the Emperor’s composer. But we, the audience do not know the story. The play opens with Salieri on a simple bed, in simple night clothing and two Venticelli ( these sort of “Greek Chorus members are handled by Sawyer Smith and Ora Jones) who throughout the production, assist with furniture movement, costumes changes, and storytelling. They are terrific, As Salieri tells us the saga, we begin to meet the characters that will complete the picture started , and we will get into the heads of each of these artists as we watch the rivalry between them grow.

This is a two act play that is close to three hours in length including a 15 minute intermission. The cast list seems more like a “who’s who in Chicago theater, and proves that there are no small parts, as each member of this cast is important to the overall production. Robert Breuler, William Dick, Andres Enriquez, Jodi Gage, Michael Kingston, Aaron Kirby, Greg Komorowski, Jaye Ladymore ( Mrs. Mozart), Gregory Linington, John Lister, Matt Miles, Yasen Peyankov, Aja Singletary, Joey Slotnick and Erica Stephan. Each cast member is important to this complete story being as strong as it is. I imagine the Jeff Awards people will have a difficult time with this one ( and they should- it is a “MUST SEE”).

There isn’t a typical set, but Todd Rosenthal has created some magic with lighting fixtures and  stained glass windows. The piano and furniture are perfect as are the costumes ( Amanda Gladu) and the incidental music by Mikhail Fiskel  is quite fitting to the mood of the production and story. The movement and fight coordination was by Nick Sandys with the intimacy consultancy handled by Kristina Fluty.

If you have seen the original film, I suggest you consider seeing a live version to add to your love of what you saw. In fact, I think when you see the performances of Barford and Darrow, you will praise the play over the film. I know I will.

“Amadeus” will continue thru – Jan 25th, 2026 , with performances as follows: