ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT Comes to Lifeline Theatre KidSeries

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Arnie The Doughnut, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Laurie Keller, with script by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Frances Limoncelli (three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award winner), music and lyrics by George Howe (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award winner), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (two-time Non-Equity Jeff nominee). Arnie, a loveable chocolate-frosted, rainbow-sprinkled doughnut, is the happiest pastry in the bakery when he's chosen to be taken home by a new owner. But when mild-mannered Mr. Bing tries to eat the unsuspecting Arnie, both are in for the surprise of their lives. Man and doughnut are drawn into a sugar-fueled existential crisis as they work to redefine their relationship while trying to outwit the meddlesome President of the Cozy Confines Condo Community. Join Arnie on a zany quest to prove that he's more than just delicious - and that friends come in all shapes and sizes - in this hit musical adaptation of the 2003 book that kicked off the beloved series by Laurie Keller. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.

Arnie The Doughnut runs Saturday, Oct. 21 - Sunday, Nov. 26 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com. Accessible Performances: The Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 10 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. And there will be an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of Arnie The Doughnut (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for Arnie The Doughnut includes:

CAST: Guest artists Juanita Anderson (Mrs. Plute/French Cruller), Maddie Dorsey (Powdered Doughnut/Sheila), David Gordon-Johnson (Mr. Bing), Khloe Janel (Jelly Doughnut/Ronnie), and Jared Rein (Arnie). With understudies Madison Rasmussen, Adriana Tronco, and Max Weinberg.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Elise Kauzlaric (Director) and Frances Limoncelli (Adaptor); with guest artists Eric Backus (Sound Designer), George Howe (Composer/ Lyricist), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Becca Jeffords (Lighting Designer), Sarah Lewis (Scenic Designer), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Jenny Pinson (Props Designer), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), and David Zizic (Music Director).

Arnie The Doughnut runs Saturday, Oct. 21 - Sunday, Nov. 26 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre also offers "Name Your Price" tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request. A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties. Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Greenview Ave. just south of North Shore Ave.) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

Now in its 35th season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre - Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre's programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; A.R.T League Inc.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; Lagunitas Brewing Co. Community Grant Program; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Poubelle Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

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