Lifeline Opens 29th Anniversary Season with The COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Director-Play and Director-Musical). Framed by a conspiracy of three terrible enemies, Edmond Dantès is torn from the woman he loves and wrongly imprisoned for fourteen years. After escaping captivity, he enters the upper reaches of Parisian society under a new name: the Count of Monte Cristo. With the aid of Albert de Morcerf, son of his former fiancée, the Count insinuates himself into the lives of his three tormentors and, one by one, seeks to use their own secrets to destroy them. A dark tale of intrigue and vengeance, in a world premiere adaptation based on the 1844 classic by French novelist Alexandre Dumas (The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask), The Count of Monte Cristo runs September 9 - October 30 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 9 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 10 and 17 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 11 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (September 22 - October 30) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for regular single tickets on Saturdays and Sundays, $32 for regular single tickets on Thursdays and Fridays, $27 for seniors, $20 for students (with I.D.), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.This production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

The complete cast and production team for The Count of Monte Cristo includes:

CAST:
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Chris Hainsworth (Edmond), Robert Kauzlaric (Villefort), and Jennifer Tyler (Mercedes); with
guest artists Don Bender (Caderousse/Abbe Faria), Dana Black (Hermine), Chris Daley (Albert), John Ferrick (Danglars), Susaan
Jamshidi (Haydee), Jesse Manson (Benedetto), Cathlyn Melvin (Eugenie), and James Anthony Zoccoli (Fernand/Luigi Vampa).
With understudies Rachel Renee, and Mandy Walsh.

CREW:
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director), and Christopher M. Walsh (Adaptor); with guest artists Katie Adams (Stage Manager), Aly Renee Amidai (Costume Designer), Cortney Hurley (Production Manager), Christopher Kriz (Sound Designer), R&D Choreography (David Gregory & Richard Gilbert; Violence Designers), Joe Schermoly (Scenic and Properties Designer), Katie Swimm (Dramaturg), Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer), and Ian Zywica (Technical Director).

Lifeline Theatre presents The Count of Monte Cristo, running September 9 - October 30 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 9 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 10 and 17 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 11 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (September 22 - October 30) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for regular single tickets on Saturdays and Sundays, $32 for regular single tickets on Thursdays and Fridays, $27 for seniors, $20 for students (with I.D.), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

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).

Now in its 29th season, 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. We aspire to create art that is relevant to our culturally diverse, increasingly youthful neighborhood. Lifeline Theatre - Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre's programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; 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; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Rhoades Foundation; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Saints; S&C Foundation; The Service Club of Chicago; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

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