Lifeline Theatre Announces World Premiere Of ANNA KARENINA

Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of Anna Karenina, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright Buha and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy.

As a wave of profound upheaval sweeps through Russian society, it is a time of impossible choices. Anna is torn between raising her cherished son and languishing in a lifeless marriage, or sacrificing everything to follow her lover Alexei into disgrace. Konstantin struggles to reconcile his existential torment with his enduring passion for Kitty. Innocents will suffer, hearts will be broken, and families will be torn apart as two couples learn that living truthfully is no simple thing. Travel to the palaces and farms of imperial Russia in a world premiere meditation on the complexities of love based on the 1877 novel by Leo Tolstoy. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The novel will be on sale in the lobby.

Anna Karenina runs February 16 - April 8, 2018 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (March 1 - April 8) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $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.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, March 10, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, March 11, 4 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Anna Karenina includes:

CAST: Guest artists Dan Cobbler (Stiva/ensemble), Lindsey Dorcus (Betsy/ensemble), Eric Gerard (Vronsky), Gay Glenn (Countess Vronskaya/ensemble), Dan Granata (Levin/ensemble), Aneisa Hicks (Dolly/ensemble), Brandi Lee (Kitty/ensemble), Jason Pereira (Kapitonich/ensemble), Michael Reyes (Karenin/ensemble), Michele Stine (Seryohza/ensemble), and Ilse Zacharias (Anna). With understudies Ashley Agbay, Diana Coates, Isabella Coelho, Zoë DePreta, Blake Holen, Rachel Mock, Bruce Phillips, and Roy Samra.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Jessica Wright Buha (Adaptor), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer), and Amanda Link (Director); with guest artists Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Abigail Cain (Properties Designer), Savannah Clements (Assistant Stage Manager), Stephanie Diaz (Puppet Designer), Kasey Foster (Movement Designer), Collin Helou (Master Electrician/AV Supervisor), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Joanna Iwanicka (Scenic Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), Colleen Schuldeis (Stage Manager), Zev Valancy (Dramaturg), and Emily Wills (Assistant Director).

Lifeline Theatre presents Anna Karenina, running February 16 - April 8, 2018 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (March 1 - April 8) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $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.

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; 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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