Jimmy Smits to star in Steppenwolf’s ‘Mother------’
BY Hedy Weiss Theater Critic/hweiss@suntimes.com September 19, 2012 6:58PM
Jimmy Smits, the actor widely known for his many starring roles in such television shows as “L.A. Law,” “NYPD Blue,” “The West Wing” and “Dexter,” has been cast in the upcoming Steppenwolf Theatre production of “The Motherf..... With the Hat,” the Stephen Adly Guirgis play that ran on Broadway in 2011.
The actor will play the role of Ralph D. (portrayed on Broadway by Chris Rock), the drug and parole counselor to whom Jackie, a former dealer just released from prison, goes for help when he discovers what he believes is evidence of his girlfriend Veronica’s unfaithfulness.
Guirgis’ play, which will run Dec. 28, 2012-Feb. 24, 2013 at Steppenwolf, will be directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, who also staged the Broadway production. In addition to Smits (whose stage credits include everything from Shakespeare to replacing Jeff Daniels in the Broadway edition of “God of Carnage”), the cast will include film and New York theater actor John Ortiz (as Jackie), Chicago actresses Sandra Delgado (as Veronica), Sandra Marquez (as Ralph’s wife, Victoria), and Gary Perez.
For tickets, call (312) 335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org.
