OFFBEAT: Steppenwolf's 'Birthday Party' a strange gift with promising debut by Sophia Sinise

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Actor John Mahoney finds his muse

When the phone rings and you see the name "John Mahoney" on the caller ID, it's a no-brainer that you're going to be talking about the actor's memorable roles in television and film and on stage with Chicago's Steppenwolf ensemble. Less predictable, on the other hand, are the topics of Speed…

The Great Outdoors

THE GREAT OUTDOORS - - Ensemble members Laurie Metcalf, Kevin Anderson and Kate Arrington lead the cast in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of "Detroit" by Lisa D'Amour, directed by ensemble member Austin Pendleton. (Photo by Michael Brosilow / NOT for sale via The Times and NWI.com)

OFFBEAT: Steppenwolf's 'Detroit' brings out the worst in neighbors and that's great

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Sharing time

SHARING TIME - - Actor Kevin Anderson plays Doug, an ex-convict struggling with his life, including his face to face encounter with prison penpal Betty, played by Cynthia Baker in "A Guide For The Perplexed" now playing at Victory Gardens Theater until Aug. 15, 2010.

OFFBEAT: Kevin Anderson shines in Victory Gardens' 'A Guide For The Perplexed'

It takes someone who has known someone behind bars to understand the mindset of a former inmate after lengthy time in prison.

Sitting it Out

SITTING IT OUT - - Actor Kevin Anderson stars in the world premiere play "A Guide For the Perplexed" at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, opening July 19 and playing through Aug. 14.

Heaven sent

HEAVEN SENT - - Actor Kevin Anderson is shown in his 1997 Golden Globe nominated television role of a Roman Catholic priest for the ABC TV series "Nothing Sacred." Anderson is in Chicago starring in a world premiere play titled "A Guide For the Perplexed" opening July 19, 2010 at Victory Gar…