Miss Buncle's Book at Lifeline Theatre

CHICAGO– Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of D.E. Stevenson’s Miss Buncle’s Book, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit (four-time Jeff Award winner), and directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne (Jeff Award and After Dark Award winner). Barbara Buncle is just an ordinary, unassuming spinster passing an unremarkable existence in the sleepy village of Silverstream. But when the Great Depression wipes out her nest egg, she tries her hand at writing and publishes a novel – under an assumed name – about her quaint hometown and the oddball characters that inhabit it. When the book becomes a surprise bestseller and her neighbors’ foibles are thrust into the national spotlight, Miss Buncle must navigate a madcap storm of accusations, rivalries, and romances. A rollicking look at life imitating art and art imitating life, in a world premiere adaptation of the 1934 novel by D.E. Stevenson. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Miss Buncle’s Book runs September 11 – November 1 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 13 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (September 24 – November 1) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. (No performances Halloween, Saturday, October 31.) Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 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.

Accessible Performances: The Sunday, September 27, 4 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, October 10, 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 Miss Buncle’s Book includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Peter Greenberg (Mr. Abbott/Mr. Durnet), Elise Kauzlaric (Mrs. Greensleeves/Miss King), Katie McLean Hainsworth (Mrs. Featherstone Hogg), and Jenifer Tyler (Barbara Buncle); with guest artists Mark-Anthony Gonzalez (Ernest Hathaway/Mr. Fortunum), Kate Hildreth (Mrs. Carter/Mrs. Walker), Kristina Loy (Sally/Margaret), Martel Manning (Stephen Bulmer/Dr. Walker), Tiffany Oglesby (Sarah Walker/Dorothea Bold), Sean Siniski (Col. Weatherhead/Mr. Featherstone Hogg). With understudies Shelby Lynn Bias, Caroll Furlough Jr, Jhenai Mootz, and Linsey Falls.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Christina Calvit (Adaptor), Alan Donahue (Scenic & Properties Designer), Kevin D. Gawley (Lighting Designer), and Dorothy Milne (Director); with guest artists Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Anthony Ingram (Sound Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Annaliese McSweeney (Dramaturg), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician & A/V Supervisor), Kate Reed (Assistant Stage Manager), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), and Kendra Thulin (Dialect Coach).

Lifeline Theatre presents Miss Buncle’s Book, running September 11 – November 1 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 13 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (September 24 – November 1) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. (No performances Halloween, Saturday, October 31.) Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 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).

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Now in its 33rd 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; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Flex Print , Inc.; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.