Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries to Premiere THUMBELINA This Fall

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Thumbelina, a world premiere production adapted and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Demheimer Dimond, in collaboration with Mariana Green, Brandi Lee, and Liz Rice; based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.

Born from a flower and stolen away by a greedy toad, tiny Thumbelina never knew a family of her own. Pursued by all manner of woodland creatures eager to possess her, she must make her way through the great big world with nothing but her wits and will to protect her. A series of whimsical and magical adventures unfold as she sets out to find a community to call her own.

Let your imagination soar with Thumbelina as she travels over streams, through forests, and on the wings of majestic birds in a powerful, dance-inspired tale about growing up and finding your own path, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.

**This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.

Thumbelina runs Saturday, Oct. 22 - Sunday, Nov. 27 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 23 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.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 10 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Saturday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be a autism/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of Thumbelina (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. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for Thumbelina includes:

CAST: Guest artists Nate Buursma (Ensemble), Brandi Lee (Ensemble), BRyan Bosque (Ensemble), Antoniao Bouie JR (Ensemble), Dominique Watkins (Ensemble), Krystal Ortiz (Ensemble). With understudies Nic Bell, Richie Schiraldi, and Sofia Tew.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Delheimer Dimond (Director & Adaptor); with guest artists Stephanie Diaz (Puppet Designer), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Mikhail Fiksel (Composer), Mariana Green (Assistant Director), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), Brandi Lee (Assistant Director), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Jacqueline Penrod (Scenic Designer), Dan Plehal (Choreographer), Liz Rice (Assistant Director), Clare Roche (Stage Manager), and Joe Schermoly (Technical Director).

Thumbelina runs Saturday, Oct. 22 - Sunday, Nov. 27 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 23 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).

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: Brandi Lee as Thumbelina. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.