ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT Comes To Lifeline Theater 3/19-5/15

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Arnie The Doughnut, based on the popular children's book by Laurie Keller. The production is adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, with music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric. Arnie, a lovable chocolate-covered doughnut with sprinkles, is the happiest pastry in the bakery when he's finally selected to be taken home by a new owner. But when mild-mannered Mr. Bing tries to eat the unsuspecting Arnie, both are in for the surprise of their lives. Embark upon a hilarious quest to redefine human/doughnut relations with a pair of true originals, in this world premiere musical adaptation by the creators of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch. 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.

Arnie The Doughnut runs March 19 - May 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, March 20 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, March 19 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 11 a.m.) There are no performances Easter Sunday, April 24; or Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. 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 Laurie Keller, Arnie the Doughnut's author and illustrator, for a book signing event in the theatre's lobby on Sunday, April 10 at 12 p.m. (between the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances.) This is a free event and copies of the Arnie the Doughnut book will be on sale.

The complete cast and production team for Arnie The Doughnut includes:

CAST: Guest artists BranDon Paul Eells (Arnie), Audrey Flegel (Powdered Doughnut, Sheila), Anthony Kayer (Mr. Bing), Julia Merchant (Jelly Doughnut, Mrs. Plute), and Abby E. Sammons (French Cruller, Ronnie). With understudies Timothy Cahill and Jasmine Ryan.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Elise Kauzlaric (Director) and Frances Limoncelli (Adaptor); with guest artists Jennifer Aparicio (Stage Manager), Joe Court (Sound Designer), Kat Doebler (Costume Designer), Katherine Greenleaf (Puppets & Properties Designer), George Howe (Composer/ Lyricist), Sarah Hughey (Lighting Designer), and Melania Lancy (Scenic Designer).

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents Arnie The Doughnut, March 19 - May 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, March 19 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, March 19 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 11 a.m.) There are no performances Easter Sunday, April 24; or Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. 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 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).