THE KILLER ANGELS, LYLE FINDS HIS MOTHER and More Set for Lifeline Theatre's 2013-14 Season

Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and the artistic ensemble announce their 2013-2014, season of Big Stories, Up Close. In its award-winning and audience-acclaimed style, Lifeline's thirty-first season will feature six unforgettable books brought to life: sprawling, classic stories as well as thrilling contemporary titles, as Lifeline retains its reputation for fresh, imaginative interpretations of beloved favorites and embraces the challenges of new, thought-provoking works. Additionally, Lifeline Theatre will produce the seventeenth annual Fillet of Solo Festival and the Georgette Heyer Reading Series. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. To purchase season subscriptions, single tickets or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline's MainStage season of WAR & REDEMPTION begins with the Civil War drama, "The Killer Angels," followed by the French Revolution epic, "A Tale of Two Cities," and concludes with the hilarious contemporary send-up of war and gender politics, "Monstrous Regiment."

Lifeline's KidSeries season of TREATS, TRIALS & TRAVELS begins with a world premiere musical adaptation of the Halloween-themed "Click, Clack, Boo! A Tricky Treat," premiering in conjunction with the publication of the brand new book; followed by a rockabilly musical adaptation of the classic fractured fairy tale, "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!," and ends with the world premiere musical, "Lyle Finds His Mother."

Lifeline's history of extraordinary Big Stories, Up Close continues in 2013-14 with four exciting world premiere stage adaptations - one in conjunction with the publication of the book - plus the return of two audience favorites, the continuation of the popular Fillet of Solo Festival, and a concert reading series of three beloved Georgette Heyer adaptations from Lifeline's past. Copies of the source books for the MainStage and KidSeries seasons will be on sale in the lobby, along with cast recordings of the KidSeries musicals.

Additionally, Lifeline Theatre will produce the seventeenth annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a three-week, multi-venue solo performance and storytelling festival; and the Georgette Heyer Reading Series will see the return of Pistols for Two, Cotillion, and The Talisman Ring to the Lifeline stage.

Lifeline Theatre also offers fun and educational programming for children. Lifeline continues its "Stories Come Alive!" Hours, running Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m., between regularly-scheduled KidSeries performances. These hour-long sessions cost only $5 per child, and feature readings, on-your-feet drama games, and fun to supplement the KidSeries productions. Additionally, Lifeline also offers three free "Stories Come Alive!" Library Days at the Rogers Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library (6907 N. Clark St.). These free events for children ages 4 and up feature read-alongs and story theatre performances from a KidSeries book with interactive drama games.

To purchase season subscriptions, tickets, or for more information, call the Lifeline Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com. Season subscriptions offer the three MainStage productions for $75 (a $120 value), or the three KidSeries plays for $30 (a $45 value). Full passes to the Fillet of Solo FestiVal May be added to any subscription for only $20 (allows entry to all performances in the 2014 Festival). Being a Lifeline subscriber allows patrons to save at least 33% off regular ticket prices; offers discounts on additional tickets for friends and discounted tickets to the Georgette Heyer Reading Series; offers discounts to drama camp registration; gives first choice of seats with unlimited free ticket exchanges; knocks 25% off party room packages for pre- or post-show events; and offers invitations to subscriber events such as Sneak Peeks of the rehearsal process, book discussions, and author events (previous writers have included Ron Hansen, Adam Langer, Sara Paretsky, and Donald Westlake).

Lifeline continues its popular "Book Club Add-ons," which include copies of the source books for the MainStage or KidSeries season. Read the books beforehand, discuss them with the creative team at Sneak Peeks or Open Houses, and then experience Lifeline's adaptation. Sneak Peeks and Open House events are held early in the rehearsal process, and feature refreshments and discussions with the adaptor, director, designers and cast. "Book Club Add-ons" are only $25 for either series. An additional add-on for KidSeries Subscriptions is admission to one "Stories Come Alive!" Hour during each KidSeries production for $10 (a $15 value).

Ticket prices for the 2013-2014 season are as follows: regular single MainStage tickets are $40; seniors and groups (12 or more) are $30; previews, students (with ID) and rush tickets (half-hour before show, subject to availability) are $20. Lifeline's KidSeries single tickets for adults and kids are $15 each; and groups of 15 or more are $10 each. "Name Your Price" KidSeries tickets are available a half-hour before show time (subject to availability). Lifeline Theatre also offers a full-service party room for on-site, pre- or post-show events.

Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline Theatre has a designated parking lot which may be used for all performances, located at the NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood (one block west of Clark Street). Lifeline Theatre's shuttle van will run between the theatre and the parking lot 45 minutes prior to each performance and make loops back to the lot immediately after each performance. Street parking is also available. The theatre is wheelchair accessible, and is located half a block south of the Morse Red Line El train stop.

Founded in 1982, Lifeline is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since. Over the course of thirty seasons and more than one hundred and fifty productions, Lifeline Theatre has made not only an indelible mark on the Chicago theatre scene, but an invaluable contribution to the theatre world at large. Lifeline's dedicated artistic ensemble has developed over one hundred world premiere literary adaptations and thirteen original plays, two dozen of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with more than one hundred and fifty subsequent productions spread across nearly forty U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, England, and Ireland. Additionally, two scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to U.S. national tours, and nine have been published. Lifeline Theatre has garnered a total of forty-seven Jeff Awards (Equity and Non-Equity), including fourteen for New Adaptation or New Work, and twenty-one After Dark Awards.

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, aspiring to create art that is relevant to its culturally diverse, increasingly youthful neighborhood.

MainStage Productions:

"The Killer Angels," based on the novel by Michael Shaara
Adapted by Karen Tarjan
Director TBA
TONIGHT, September 6-October 27, 2013
Regular tickets $40; preview tickets $20

Previews: Fridays, 9/6 and 9/13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9/7 and 9/14 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 9/8 and 9/15 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 9/16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 9/15 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 9/19-10/27, 2013: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

It is the third summer of the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee leads the Army of Northern Virginia into the North and the Army of the Potomac has no choice but to pursue. Over the course of three historic days, beside campfires and amidst firefights, a remarkable group of soldiers wrestle with their doubts, their fears, and their hopes for a shattered nation. Cemetery Hill, Culp's Hill, Little Round Top, and Pickett's charge come to vibrant life through the remarkable stories of the men who fought the legendary battles. On the year of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lifeline revisits this beloved adaptation based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1974 novel by Michael Shaara.

"A Tale of Two Cities," a world premiere based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric
February 14-April 6, 2014
Regular tickets $40; preview tickets $20

Previews: Fridays, 2/14 and 2/21 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2/15 and 2/22 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2/16 and 2/23 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 2/24, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 2/23 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 2/27-4/6, 2014: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

As the Reign of Terror sweeps through Paris, destroying both the high and low, two Londoners are confronted with impossible choices. Will former aristocrat Charles Darnay abandon his family and enter the revolutionary storm to protect an innocent man? And can depressive barrister Sydney Carton find the strength to make the ultimate sacrifice for the unrequited love of his life? Darnay and Carton join a host of unforgettable characters in this passionate tale of soldiers and servants, revolutionaries and the nobility, set against a backdrop of violent social upheaval. An epic story of resurrection and redemption in a world premiere adaptation based on the 1859 novel by Charles Dickens.

"Monstrous Regiment," a world premiere based on the novel by Terry Pratchett
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth
Director TBA
May 30-July 20, 2014
Regular tickets $40; preview tickets $20

Previews: Fridays, 5/30 and 6/6 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 5/31 and 6/7 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 6/1 and 6/8 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 6/9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 6/8 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 6/12-7/20, 2014: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

Borogravia is at war. Again. When Polly Perks' brother goes missing in action, she does what any girl would do: she cuts her hair, stuffs a sock down the front of her breeches, and enlists, hoping to find him. It doesn't take long for Polly to realize that everyone in her squad is protecting a secret and that nothing in this improbable war is as it seems. Scrambling to survive both enemy assaults and the idiocy of their untried officer, her misfit company makes its way to the front, where it might just prove to be the least likely regiment to ever win a battle. A wickedly funny look at the absurdities of war and the ambiguities of identity in a world premiere adaptation based on the 2003 Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett.

KidSeries Productions

"Click, Clack, Boo! A Tricky Treat," a new musical premiering in conjunction with the publication of the book by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote
Music and lyrics by George Howe
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos
October 19-November 24, 2013
All tickets $15

Previews: Saturday, 10/19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 10/20 at 11 a.m.
Press Opening: Sunday, 10/20 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 10/26-11/24, 2013: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

It's Halloween! Duck, Pig, Cow, and Hen can't wait to throw a party, complete with apple-bobbing, bottomless candy bowls, and a spook-tacular costume contest. But when mean ol' Farmer Brown refuses to allow the festivities, it's going to take some clever trickery to enjoy the tasty treats. Join the beloved barnyard crew as they teach Farmer Brown that sometimes a little scare can be big fun, in a world premiere musical for the entire family. Based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin (Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type; Duck for President) being published Fall 2013.

"The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!," a musical based on the popular bestseller by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric
Music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush
Directed by Amanda Link
January 11-February 16, 2014
All tickets $15

Previews: Saturday, 1/11 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1/12 at 11 a.m.
Press Opening: Sunday, 1/12 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 1/18-2/16, 2014: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

There are two sides to every story and the long-suppressed account of the Big, Bad Wolf is finally brought to light in Piggsylvania's Trial of the Century. But can a lone wolf get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court? And will anyone believe that all the "huffing and puffing" nonsense was just a cover-up for a simple story about a sneeze and a cup of sugar? Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big 'n Bad in this hit musical called "One of the best children's shows of the year," by the New York Times. Based on the 1989 book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Math Curse).

"Lyle Finds His Mother," a world premiere musical based on the beloved classic by Bernard Waber
Adapted by Jessica Wright Buha
Music and lyrics by Michael James Brooks
Directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne
March 22-April 27, 2014
All tickets $15

Previews: Saturday, 3/22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 3/23 at 11 a.m.
Press Opening: Sunday, 3/23 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 3/29-4/27, 2014: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
(No performances Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014)

Lyle loves his life with the Primms in the house on East 88th Street. But everything changes when Hector P. Valenti, Star of Stage and Screen, appears with an offer to take Lyle to meet his mother in the land of the crocodile. Should Lyle trust the devious showman? And will his adopted family understand his desire to meet his birth mother? Travel the world on a journey of hilarity and heart in this world premiere musical. Based on the 1974 book by Bernard Waber (The House on East 88th Street; Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile).

The Georgette Heyer Reading Series
"Pistols For Two," December 4, 2013
"Cotillion," February 26, 2014
"The Talisman Ring," April 2, 2014
Tickets: $75; $50 for Lifeline subscribers

Following the runaway success of its 2012-13 Dorothy L. Sayers Series, Lifeline continues the tradition with concert readings of three beloved Georgette Heyer adaptations by ensemble member Christina Calvit: Pistols for Two (originally produced in 2000, Non-Equity Jeff Award winner for New Adaptation), Cotillion (originally produced in 1998), and The Talisman Ring (originally produced in 1996, remounted in 2005). All three readings will be directed by Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and will feature numerous Lifeline ensemble actors and original cast members.

Each evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeurves, a light supper, and wine (plus conversation with the cast and Lifeline ensemble). At 7 p.m., the performances start. (Script times vary, but are approximately two and a half hours in length.) Afterwards, coffee and dessert will be served.
Only 108 tickets will be sold for each performance. Tickets can only be ordered by calling the Lifeline Box Office at 773-761-4477.

The 17th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival
January 2-19, 2014
Tickets: $10 per performance

Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Participants, locations, scheduling and full details for the 2014 Fillet of Solo Festival will be announced summer 2013.

Season subscriptions and single tickets for the 2013-2014 MainStage and KidSeries seasons are on sale now. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. To purchase season subscriptions, single tickets or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

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