As previously announced, the cast will be headed by John Mahoney — best known for playing Martin Crane on the hit sitcom "Frasier" — who will play the blind, foul-mouthed drunken Richard in the Christmas-set drama, which will run through Feb. 8, 2009 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre. Also featured will be Francis Guinan (Sharky), Tom Irwin (Mr. Lockhart) and Alan Wilder (Ivan).

The final addition to the cast is Randall Newsome, who will play the role of Nicky. Steppenwolf ensemble member Randall Arney will direct.

"It's Christmas Eve in Dublin," according to press notes. "In the rundown house where Sharky cares for his blind brother, old acquaintances gather for a card game — joined by an ominous stranger. As the booze flows and the game intensifies, Sharky discovers he is playing for his soul. In this eerie, darkly humorous tale, celebrated playwright Conor McPherson examines how we face the demons of our past as we struggle to find redemption."

The design team includes Takeski Kata (sets), Janice Pytel (costumes), Daniel Ionazzi (lights) and Richard Woodbury (sound). Christine D. Freeburg is the stage manager, and Rose Marie Packer is the assistant stage manager.

Mahoney, who began his acting career on stage at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre in the early '80s, won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his role in The House of Blue Leaves. Mahoney's films include "Moonstruck," "Say Anything," "In the Line of Fire" and "Primal Fear." For his role on "Frasier," which began in 1993, he was nominated for two Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Recently, Mahoney has returned to theatre in the Broadway revival of Prelude to a Kiss at the Roundabout Theatre Company and the world premiere of Better Late at the Northlight Theatre in Skokie, IL.

For ticket information visit www.steppenwolf.org.

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John Mahoney will also star in the Geffen Playhouse's production of The Seafarer, which runs April 14-May 24, 2009.