LESTER'S DREADFUL SWEATERS Set for Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Lester's Dreadful Sweaters, a world premiere musical adaptation with script by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Aly Renee Amidei; lyrics by Aly Renee Amidei, Julie Tallarida and Scott Tallarida; music by Scott Tallarida; and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie, based on the book by K.G. Campbell. One terrible morning, Cousin Clara presents young Lester with the gift of a hand-knit sweater... and it is DREADFUL: shriveled yet saggy and smothered with pom-poms. Lester (who likes things just so) is mortified to wear it, but his parents insist and the kids at school tease him relentlessly. When he ruins the sweater "by accident," Clara just makes others, each more ghastly than the last. To restore his neatly ordered life and save face on the playground, Lester must find a way to stop the endless parade of horrifying sweaters once and for all. Enter a fashion nightmare and embrace your inner clown in this world premiere musical based on the charming 2012 book by K.G. Campbell. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters runs Saturday, Mar. 19 - Sunday, Apr. 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Mar. 20 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 17 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Mar. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 20 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, Mar 26, 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. The Saturday, Apr. 2, 1 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 17 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 Lester's Dreadful Sweaters (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 Lester's Dreadful Sweaters includes:

CAST: Guest artists Sam Button-Harrison (Lester), Elizabeth Levy (Clara), Amanda Roeder (Mother), Scott Sawa (Father), and Chris Vizurraga (Mr. Twist). With understudies Maria Dale, William Marquez, and Dustin Rothbart. CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Aly Renee Amidei (Adaptor, Co-Lyricist, Costume Designer), Heather Currie (Director), and Alan Donahue (Scenic & Properties Designer); with guest artists Emily Arnold (Assistant Costume Designer), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Laura McKenzie (Music Director), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), Julie Tallarida (Co-Lyricist), Scott Tallarida (Composer, Co-Lyricist), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), and Eli Van Sickel (Sound Designer).

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters runs Saturday, Mar. 19 - Sunday, Apr. 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Mar. 20 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 17 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Mar. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 20 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. Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available and Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).

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