Lifeline Theatre to Open 2016-17 Season with World Premiere of MISS HOLMES

Lifeline Theatre presents Miss Holmes, a new play by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre), inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Miss Sherlock Holmes, possessor of one of the greatest deductive minds of her generation, finds herself regularly incarcerated for behaviors deemed abnormal in a "respectable" lady. Miss Dorothy Watson struggles to make a difference at the only hospital in England that will hire female doctors. These unconventional women, trapped in an era that refuses to accept them, must forge a bond of trust and work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police investigator whose wives have a habit of turning up dead. A thrilling murder mystery that re-introduces familiar characters from the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle under a brand new light, in a world premiere production.

The production runs approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with one intermission. A collection of Sherlock Holmes stories will be on sale in the lobby.

The complete cast and production team for Miss Holmes includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Chris Hainsworth (Mycroft Holmes) and Katie McLean Hainsworth (Sherlock Holmes); with guest artists LaQuin Groves (Edwin Greener/Superintendent),Christopher Jones (Gregory Lestrade), Abie Irabor (Mrs. Hudson/Elizabeth Garrett Anderson/Eudora Featherstone), Kate Nawrocki (Lizzie Chapman/Peggy), Michael Reyes (Michael Stamford/Reginald), John Henry Roberts (Thomas Chapman), and Mandy Walsh (Dorothy Watson). With understudy Rasell Holt.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg), and Christopher M. Walsh(Playwright); with guest artists Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), Morgan Gire (Assistant Stage Manager), Andrew Hansen (Original Music and Sound Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), Holly McCauley (Properties Designer), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Greg Poljacik (Fight Choreographer), Joe Schermoly(Technical Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), Emily Wills (Assistant Director), and Ashley Woods (Scenic Designer).

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

Regular performance times (September 22 - October 30) 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, Oct. 1, 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. The Saturday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and 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. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

Now in its 34th 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.

Pictured: Mandy Walsh as Dorothy Watson and Katie McLean Hainsworth as Sherlock Holmes. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

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