LIFELINE THEATRE ANNOUNCES 30th ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF BIG STORIES, UP CLOSE: THREE WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATIONS FOR ADULTS, ONE WORLD PREMIERE AND THE RETURN OF TWO HIT MUSICALS FOR KIDS, PLUS THE 16TH ANNUAL FILLET OF SOLO FESTIVAL. SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE APRIL 16
CHICAGO – Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and the artistic ensemble announce their 2012-2013, 30th anniversary season of Big Stories, Up Close. In its award-winning and audience-acclaimed style, Lifeline’s 2012-2013 season will feature six unforgettable books brought to life: sprawling, classic stories as well as thrilling contemporary titles, as Lifeline retains its reputation for fresh, imaginative interpretations of beloved favorites and embraces the challenges of new, thought-provoking works. And in January 2013, Lifeline Theatre will produce the sixteenth annual Fillet of Solo Festival. Season subscriptions and single tickets for the 2012-2013 season go on sale April 16. To purchase season subscriptions, single tickets or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com. For specific details on ticket prices scroll down to the bold information.
MainStage “The Woman in White,” September 7 – October 28, 2012 (opens 9/17/12, 7:30 p.m.) “The City & The City,” February 15 – April 7, 2013 (opens 2/25/13, 7:30 p.m.) “Bridge of Birds: A Tale of an Ancient China That Never Was,” May 31 – July 21, 2013 (opens 6/10/13, 7:30 p.m.) KidSeries “Duck for President,” October 20 – November 25, 2012 (opens 10/21/12, 1 p.m.) “The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost,” January 12 – February 17, 2013 (opens 1/13/13, 1 p.m.) “The Emperor’s Groovy New Clothes: A Fashion Statement,” March 23 – April 28, 2013 (opens 3/24/13, 1 p.m.) Plus The 16th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, January 3 – 20, 2013
Thirty Years of Lifeline Theatre: A Storied History and a Lasting Legacy Founded in 1982, Lifeline is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since. Over the course of thirty years and more than one hundred and fifty productions, Lifeline Theatre has made not only an indelible mark on the Chicago theatre scene, but an invaluable contribution to the theatre world at large. Lifeline’s dedicated artistic ensemble has developed a total of one hundred world premiere literary adaptations and thirteen original plays, two dozen of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with nearly one hundred and fifty subsequent productions spread across more than thirty U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, England, and Ireland. Additionally, two scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to U.S. national tours, and nine have been published.
Lifeline Theatre has garnered a total of forty-seven Jeff Awards (Equity and Non-Equity), including fourteen for New Adaptation or New Work, and twenty-one After Dark Awards. The critics have said, “Few American theaters can do this kind of thing – with such imagination, dignity, humor and judicious restraint – quite like the master storytellers at Lifeline.” (Chicago Tribune, 5/12/10); “Nobody does it better than Lifeline Theatre when it comes to spinning a rip-roaring yarn full of derring-do and adventure” (Chicago Sun-Times, 9/22/09); and “Spectacle and story so ambitious and colorful, poetic and vulgar, heroic and homely, it’s like eavesdropping on your favorite author’s waking dream.” (CenterstageChicago.com, 5/10/10). Lifeline’s history of extraordinary Big Stories, Up Close continues in 2012-13 with four exciting world premieres, the return of two audience favorites, and the continuation of the popular Fillet of Solo Festival.
The MainStage season begins with the classic tale of suspense, “The Woman in White,” followed by the contemporary detective story, “The City & The City,” and concludes with the epic adventure of “Bridge of Birds.” Lifeline’s KidSeries season begins (just in time for election season) with the bestselling musical of farm politics, “Duck for President,” followed by the fun and adventure of “The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost,” and ends with the irreverent hit musical, “The Emperor’s Groovy New Clothes.” Additionally, Lifeline Theatre will produce the sixteenth annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a three-week, multi-venue solo performance and storytelling festival. Copies of the source books for the MainStage and KidSeries seasons will be on sale in the lobby, along with cast recordings of the KidSeries musicals.
Additionally, Lifeline Theatre offers a wide range of fun and educational programming for children. Lifeline will hold three “School’s Out Workshops” in the 2012-13 school year: a Columbus Day workshop (Monday, 10/8/12); a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day workshop (Monday, 1/21/13); and a Presidents’ Day workshop (Monday, 2/18/13); all from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.. These workshops cost $30 and are for kids ages 6-10. Past activities have included break dancing, puppetry, stage combat, improvisation, musical theatre, physical comedy, and storytelling. And Lifeline expands its “Stories Come Alive!” Hours to run Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m., between regularly scheduled KidSeries performances. These hour-long sessions cost only $10 per child, and feature read-alongs, drama games, and additional material to supplement the KidSeries productions. Additionally, Lifeline also offers three free “Stories Come Alive!” Library Days at the Rogers Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library (6907 N. Clark St.). These free events for children ages 4 and up feature read-alouds and story theatre performances from a KidSeries book with interactive drama games.
To purchase season subscriptions, tickets, or for more information, call the Lifeline Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com. Season subscriptions go on sale April 16, and offer the three MainStage productions for $75 (a $105 value); and the three KidSeries plays for $30 (a $45 value). Full passes to the Fillet of Solo Festival may be added to any subscription for only $20 (allows entry to all performances in the 2013 Festival). Being a Lifeline subscriber allows patrons to save up to 33% off regular ticket prices; offers discounts on additional tickets for friends; gives first choice of seats with unlimited free ticket exchanges; knocks 25% off party room rental for pre- or post-show events; and offers invitations to subscriber events such as Sneak Peeks of the rehearsal process, book discussions, and author events (previous writers have included Ron Hansen, Adam Langer, Sara Paretsky, and Donald Westlake).
Lifeline continues its popular “Book Club Subscriptions,” which include tickets to all three productions of either the MainStage or KidSeries season, plus copies of the source books. Read the books beforehand, discuss them with the creative team at MainStage Sneak Peeks, and then experience Lifeline’s adaptation! Sneak Peeks are held on a Sunday early in the rehearsal process, and feature refreshments and discussions with the adaptor, director, designers and cast. “Book Club Subscriptions” are an add-on of only $25 to the regular MainStage or KidSeries subscription price. Additional add-ons for KidSeries Subscriptions include admission to all three “School’s Out Workshops” for $60 (a $90 value), and admission to one “Stories Come Alive!” Hour during each KidSeries production for $20 (a $30 value).
Ticket prices for the 2012-2013 season are as follows: regular single MainStage tickets are $32 on Thursdays and Fridays; regular single MainStage tickets are $35 for Saturday and Sunday performances; seniors and groups (12 or more) are $27; previews, students (with ID) and rush tickets (half-hour before show, subject to availability) are $20. Lifeline’s KidSeries single tickets for adults and kids are $15 each; and groups of 15 or more are $10 each. “Name Your Price” KidSeries tickets are available a half-hour before show time (subject to availability). Lifeline Theatre also offers a full-service party room for on-site, pre- or post-show events. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline Theatre has a designated parking lot which may be used for all performances, located at the NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood (one block west of Clark Street). Lifeline Theatre’s shuttle van will run between the theatre and the parking lot 45 minutes prior to each performance and make loops back to the lot immediately after each performance. Street parking is also available. The theatre is wheelchair accessible, and is located half a block south of the Morse Red Line El train stop.
Lifeline Theatre specializes in original literary adaptations. Its ensemble of artists uses imaginative, unconventional staging to portray sprawling stories in an intimate space. Lifeline is committed to promoting the arts in its Rogers Park neighborhood and is an anchor of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, aspiring to create art that is relevant to its culturally diverse, increasingly youthful neighborhood. Lifeline’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Pauls Foundation; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Rhoades Foundation; S&C Foundation; The Saints; and the annual support of businesses and individuals. MainStage Productions
“The Woman in White,” a world premiere based on the novel by Wilkie Collins Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric September 7–October 28, 2012 Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20 Previews: Fridays, 9/7 and 9/14 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9/8 and 9/15 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 9/9 and 9/16 at 4 p.m. Press Opening: Monday, 9/17, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 9/16 at 4 p.m.) Regular Run: 9/20–10/28, 2012: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. “My own love! With all your wealth, and all your beauty, how friendless you are!” Trapped in a loveless marriage and threatened by a conspiracy of ruthless men, young heiress Laura Fairlie faces a future of sorrow and misery. Her only hope lies with her true love, the poor artist Walter Hartright, and her sister Marian Halcombe, both of whom will risk everything to protect her. Without the law, society, or money on their side, Walter and Marian must race against time to free their beloved Laura and uncover the truth behind the mysterious woman in white that shares her face. A dark tale of romance and suspense, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 1889 novel by Wilkie Collins (The Moonstone, Armadale), considered among the first mystery novels in the English language.
“The City & The City,” a world premiere based on the novel by China Miéville Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Dorothy Milne February 15–April 7, 2013 Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20 Previews: Fridays, 2/15 and 2/22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2/16 and 2/23 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2/17 and 2/24 at 4 p.m. Press Opening: Monday, 2/25, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 2/24 at 4 p.m.) Regular Run: 2/28–4/7, 2013: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. “There’s more going on here than you know.” Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad is assigned to a seemingly open-and-shut case: an American student found dead in the gutters of the city of Bes?el. But soon this deceptively simple crime reveals ties to powerful political and corporate factions at the heart of both Bes?el and its twin city, Ul Qoma. Forced to cross the divide between two city-states coexisting in the same geographical space yet separated by irreconcilable cultural differences, Borlú must bring to justice the mastermind of the most unusual and dangerous case of his career. A thrilling crime story set in a location both fantastical and eerily real, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 2009 novel by China Miéville, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Hugo Award for Best Novel.
“Bridge of Birds: A Tale of an Ancient China That Never Was,” a world premiere based on the novel by Barry Hughart Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Katie McLean Hainsworth May 31–July 21, 2013 Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20 Previews: Fridays, 5/31 and 6/7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 6/1 and 6/8 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 6/2 and 6/9 at 4 p.m. Press Opening: Monday, 6/10, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 6/9 at 4 p.m.) Regular Run: 6/6–7/21, 2013: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. “Fable has strong shoulders that carry far more truth than fact can.” The children of Ku-fu have fallen victim to a deadly plague, and their fate rests in the hands of a stalwart young man named Number Ten Ox. Together with the irascible Master Li, an ancient scholar with “a slight flaw in his character,” this simple peasant must set out on an unforgettable quest to secure the Great Root of Power, the only hope for his dying village. Explore a legendary land of magic and mystery with an unlikely pair of heroes, and do battle with ghosts, monsters, mercenaries, an evil Ancestress, and a very wicked Duke. A rousing adventure with humor and heart, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 1984 novel by Barry Hughart, winner of the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.
KidSeries Productions “Duck for President,” a musical based on the popular bestseller by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote Music and lyrics by George Howe Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos October 20–November 25, 2012 All tickets $15 Previews: Saturday, 10/20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 10/21 at 11 a.m. Press Opening: Sunday, 10/21 at 1 p.m. Regular Run: 10/27–11/25, 2011: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. “My name is Duck, and I approved this message…” Life on the farm is hard: too much work, not enough sleep, and no time for swimming. And who put Farmer Brown in charge, anyway? When the chores get out of control, it’s time for a charismatic young Duck to run for office. And once he’s running the farm, it’s only a few more steps before he’s running the whole country. With Cow and Hen’s help – and with Pig as his campaign manager – nothing can stand in Duck’s way! The smash hit musical about the pitfalls of politics returns, just in time for the election. Based on the 2004 bestseller by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin (Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type; Dooby Dooby Moo).
“The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost,” a world premiere based on the popular whodunit by Geoffrey Hayes Adapted by Scott T. Barsotti Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist January 12–February 17, 2013 All tickets $15 Previews: Saturday, 1/12 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1/13 at 11 a.m. Press Opening: Sunday, 1/13 at 1 p.m. Regular Run: 1/19–2/17, 2013: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. “There’s a ghost on the loose… and we’re going to catch it!” A burglar is at large in Boogle Bay and the prime suspect is none other than the ghost of the infamous pirate Blackeye Doodle. Hungry for adventure, young Otto and his Uncle Tooth set out to capture the mischievous thief and recover the stolen goods. But all is not as it seems, and soon Otto must reach out to a troubled outsider and help him learn the value of honesty and hard work. A heartwarming adventure for children of all ages, with music, swashbuckling, and spooky fun! Based on the 1985 book by Geoffrey Hayes (Bear by Himself, A Poor Excuse for a Dragon).
“The Emperor’s Groovy New Clothes: A Fashion Statement,” a musical based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen folktale Adapted and Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Frances Limoncelli Music and lyrics by George Howe Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com) March 23–April 28, 2013 All tickets $15 Previews: Saturday, 3/23 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 3/24 at 11 a.m. Press Opening: Sunday, 3/24 at 1 p.m. Regular Run: 3/30–4/28, 2013: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (No performances Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013) “Being a hero isn’t quite as simple as it seems in the books…” The Emperor is beloved as a chic trendsetter, but his ridiculous fashion tax is bankrupting the country. Determined to be a hero for the ages, one young girl travels to the royal palace to confront the superficial ruler and teach him a lesson about what really matters. Soon, however, a devious con man hatches a sinister plot to send the Emperor out among the people in nothing but his birthday suit, and only our heroine can save “His Royal Groovyness” from a world of embarrassment – but should she? The hilarious hit musical returns! Based on the 1837 folktale by Hans Christian Andersen (The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling).
The 16th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival January 3–20, 2013 Tickets: $10 per performance Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.
Participants, locations, scheduling and full details for the 2013 Fillet of Solo Festival will be announced summer 2012.
Season subscriptions and single tickets for the 2012-2013 MainStage and KidSeries seasons go on sale April 16. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. To purchase season subsciptions, single tickets or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.
