Lifeline Theatre KidSeries to Present THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, 3/21-4/26

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents The One and Only Ivan, a world premiere adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne, based on the bestselling book by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao. For 27 years, the world of Ivan the gorilla was a dull cage in a roadside shopping mall. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant captured in the wild, Ivan's ambitions and imagination must grow to meet the challenge of rescuing his endangered new companion. Aided by Bob the scrappy dog and a young human ally, Ivan sets out to become the great silverback and protector he was always meant to be. Enter the mind of a remarkable hero in this unforgettable story of enduring friendship, drawn from true events. Based on the 2012 book published by HarperCollins, a #1 New York Times bestseller and winner of the Newbery Medal. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, Inc. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission.

The One and Only Ivan runs Saturday, March 21-Sunday, April 26 (no performances Easter Sunday, April 5) at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, March 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.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of The One and Only Ivan (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. (No sessions on Easter Sunday, April 5.) Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for The One and Only Ivan includes:

CAST: Guest artists Allison Cain (Stella), Christian Castro (Ivan), Tom Jansson (George), Tiffany Oglesby (Ruby, Julia), and Rick Smith (Mack, Bob). With understudies Linsey Falls, Andrew Kepka, and Rachel Van Marter.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members James E. Grote (Adaptor) and Dorothy Milne (Director); with guest artists Juan Castaneda (Assistant Director), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Jesse Gaffney (Properties Designer), Tony Ingram (Sound Designer), Joanna Iwanicka (Puppet Designer, Costume Co-Designer), John Kelly (Lighting Designer, Master Electrician), Katie Messmore (Stage Manager), and Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer, Costume Co-Designer, Technical Director).

The One and Only Ivan runs Saturday, March 21-Sunday, April 26 (no performances Easter Sunday, April 5) at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, March 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. 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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