Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries Presents New Musical Adaptation January - February 2011

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents a musical adaptation of SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH, based on the popular children's book by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz (©1991 by Eileen Spinelli, Simon & Schuster, Inc.). The production is adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Ann Boyd. Dull and predictable Mr. Hatch had always lived an isolated life until one Valentine's Day, when an unexpected delivery transforms the town's most unsociable hermit into everyone's favorite friend. Share in a heartwarming tale of companionship and acceptance, as Mr. Hatch's neighbors get to know the mysterious man next door. This production is appropriate for children ages five and up, and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. The book and cast recording CDs will be on sale in the lobby.

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH closes February 27, 2011 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, January 9 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m.) Ticket prices are $12 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre will also be hosting Stories Come Alive! SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH at the Rogers Park Library, 6907 N. Clark St., Saturday, December 18, 2010, from 3 - 4 p.m. Lifeline Theatre actors will read stories and play drama games with children ages 5 - 8 (parents welcome.) Admission is free. For more information, call Lifeline Theatre, 773-761-4477.

The complete cast and production team for SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH includes:

CAST: Guest artists Jason Bowen (Mr. Goober), Michael T. Downey (Mr. Hatch), Sara Sevigny (Mrs. Weed), and Tuckie White (Tina Finn). With understudies Victoria Abram-Copenhaver and Micah J.L. Kronlokken.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Frances Limoncelli (Adaptor); with guest artists Ann Boyd (Director), George Howe (Composer/Lyricist), Jessica Kuehnau (Costume Designer), Aileen McGroddy (Assistant Director), Shayna Petit (Stage Manager), Rick Sims (Sound Designer), Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer), Chelsea Warren (Scenic & Props Designer).

Lifeline Theatre also offers pay-what-you-can 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).

Lifeline Theatre's programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; CityArts 3 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Rhoades Foundation; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; Taproot Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.