Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park celebrates 50th anniversary season

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It all started with theatre kids in Highland Park who wanted to put on some shows.

Now, the world acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre is just wrapping up its 50th anniversary season.

The artists who've been making it happen spoke with ABC7 about the legendary ensemble that's been electrifying the stage for half a century.

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"In the beginning it was just kids wanting to do plays. We loved it, and it grew and grew," founding member Gary Sinise said. "The next thing you know, 50 years down the road, and it developed into something pretty special."

"It started off just being so tiny and just about the actors. The footprint of that is now way bigger," original member Laurie Metcalf said. "It's an integral part of Chicago in my small role I played in it I feel really proud about that."

"These roots were deep, we got a kick out of each other we were our only friends. We had 'us against the world' mentality" founding member Jeff Perry said. "We're gonna change the face of American theatre. I don't remember saying it, but I can imagine the arrogance of saying that."

"We just wanted to make something beautiful for Chicago audiences, we did that and New York came calling," artistic director and ensemble member Glenn Davis said. "To be doing this with artists of color is hugely monumental and a profound joy to be part of this journey. These things have come together in perfect harmony. We owe a debt of gratitude to those amazing artists. They started out in high school and college just doing plays. They cast themselves because other folks wouldn't."

"Chicago audiences were the water to our garden," artistic director and ensemble member Audrey Francis said. "I came up in Chicago theatre. My dream was, how can I be on Steppenwolf's stage one day. I know that those actors are out there in Chicago today, and my biggest dream is to make sure there is space for them to be sitting here with you in 20 years, so that this ensemble mentality and Steppenwolf brand continues for another 50."