Lifeline Theatre Announces The Count of Monte Cristo And More

By: Mar. 16, 2011
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and the artistic ensemble announce their 2011-2012, 29th anniversary season of Big Stories, Up Close. In its award-winning and audience-acclaimed style, Lifeline's 2011-2012 season will feature five unforgettable books brought to life, plus one original play, all productions written by Lifeline Theatre ensemble members. The season will feature sprawling, classic stories as well as stirring contemporary titles, as Lifeline retains its reputation for fresh, imaginative interpretations of beloved favorites and embraces the challenges of new, thought-provoking works. And starting in 2011, Lifeline Theatre, located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., will produce the popular annual solo storytelling celebration, the Fillet of Solo Festival. Season subscriptions and single tickets for the 2011-2012 MainStage and KidSeries seasons go on sale April 1. 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. To see the descriptions of the 2011 - 2012 season click here or read below.

MainStage
"The Count of Monte Cristo," September 9 - October 30, 2011 (opens 9/19/11, 7:30 p.m.)
"Hunger," February 3 - March 25, 2012 (opens 2/13/12, 7:30 p.m.)
"Pride and Prejudice," April 20 - June 10, 2012 (opens 4/30/12, 7:30 p.m.)
KidSeries
"The 13 Clocks," October 15 - December 4, 2011 (opens 10/16/11, 1 p.m.)
"How to Survive a Fairy Tale," January 7 - February 26, 2012 (opens 1/8/12, 1 p.m.)
"Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed," March 17 - May 6, 2012 (opens 3/18/12, 1 p.m.)
Plus
The 15th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, July 21 - August 7, 2011

The MainStage season begins with the legendary thriller "The Count of Monte Cristo," followed by the powerful historical drama "Hunger," and concludes with the beloved romance "Pride and Prejudice." Lifeline's KidSeries offerings begin with the irreverent adventure of "The 13 Clocks," followed by the world premiere fractured fairy tale, "How to Survive a Fairy Tale," and end with a musical adaptation of the whimsical children's book "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed." And, expanding its dedication to storytelling, Lifeline Theatre will produce the fifteenth annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a three-week, multi-venue solo performance festival. Copies of the source books for the MainStage and KidSeries seasons will be on sale in the lobby, along with cast recordings of previous Lifeline KidSeries hits "Arnie the Doughnut," "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch," and "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type."
Each season, in addition to the three KidSeries productions, Lifeline Theatre offers a wide range of fun and educational programming for children. Lifeline will hold three "School's Out Workshops" in the 2011-12 school year: a Thanksgiving workshop on Friday, 11/25/11; a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day workshop on Monday, 1/16/12; and a Presidents' Day workshop on Monday, 2/20/12, all from 9 a.m.-12 noon. These workshops cost $30 and are for kids ages 5 -10. Past activities have included break dancing, puppetry, stage combat, improvisation, musical theatre, mime, and physical comedy. 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-alouds and story theatre performances from a KidSeries book with interactive drama games. And, new this season, Lifeline is thrilled to offer "Stories Come Alive!" Hours every Sunday during regularly scheduled KidSeries performances. These hour-long sessions cost only $10 per child, and will feature read-alongs, drama games, and additional material to supplement the currently-running KidSeries production.
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 go on sale April 1, and offer the three MainStage productions for $75 (a $105 value); and 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 2011 Festival). Being a Lifeline subscriber allows patrons to save up to 33% off regular ticket prices; offers discounts on additional tickets for friends; gives first choice of seats with unlimited free ticket exchanges; knocks 25% off party room rental 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 is also proud to continue its "Book Club Subscriptions," which include tickets to all three productions of either the MainStage or KidSeries season, plus copies of the source books. Read the books beforehand, discuss them with the creative team at MainStage Sneak Peeks, and then experience Lifeline's adaptation! Sneak Peeks are held on a Sunday early in the rehearsal process, and feature refreshments and discussions with the adaptor, director, designers and cast. "Book Club Subscriptions" are only $25 more for the MainStage series (includes paperback copies of The Count of Monte Cristo, Hunger, and Pride and Prejudice), and $20 more for the KidSeries (includes hardcover copies of The 13 Clocks and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed).
Additional add-ons for KidSeries Subscriptions include admission to all three "School's Out Workshops" for $60 (a $90 value), and admission to one "Stories Come Alive!" Hour during each KidSeries production for $20 (a $30 value).
Ticket prices for the 2011-2012 season are: regular single MainStage tickets are $32 on Thursdays and Fridays; regular single MainStage tickets are $35 for both Saturday performances and Sundays; seniors and groups (12 or more) are $27; 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. Pay-what-you-can 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 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 the culturally diverse, increasingly youthful neighborhood. For Rogers Park Flex Pass information, visit www.rogersparkflexpass.com. Lifeline will again co-present the tenth annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest on August 19-21, 2011, featuring arts and crafts, theater, music, food and drink for the whole family on the brick-lined streets of historic Rogers Park - for information about artist applications, sponsorships, and more, visit www.GlenwoodAve.org.
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. 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; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; 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.
Critical acclaim for Lifeline's recent seasons includes: "Few American theaters can do this kind of thing - with such imagination, dignity, humor and judicious restraint - quite like the master storytellers at Lifeline." (Chicago Tribune, 5/12/10); "Nobody does it better than Lifeline Theatre when it comes to spinning a rip-roaring yarn full of derring-do and adventure" (Chicago Sun-Times, 9/22/09); and "Spectacle and story so ambitious and colorful, poetic and vulgar, heroic and homely, it's like eavesdropping on your favorite author's waking dream." (Centerstage Chicago, 5/10/10).

MainStage Productions
"The Count of Monte Cristo," a world premiere based on the legendary thriller by Alexandre Dumas
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist
September 9-October 30, 2011
Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20
Previews: Fridays, 9/9 and 9/16 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9/10 and 9/17 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 9/11 and 9/18 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 9/19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 9/18 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 9/22-10/30, 2011: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

"Fool that I am, that I did not tear out my heart the day I resolved to avenge myself..."

Framed by a conspiracy of three terrible enemies, Edmond Dantès is torn from the woman he loves and wrongly imprisoned for fourteen years. After escaping captivity, he enters the upper reaches of Parisian society under a new name: the Count of Monte Cristo. With the aid of Albert de Morcerf, son of his former fiancée, the Count insinuates himself into the lives of his three tormentors and, one by one, seeks to use their own secrets to destroy them. A dark tale of intrigue and vengeance, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 1844 classic by French novelist Alexandre Dumas (The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask).

"Hunger," a world premiere based on the historical drama by Elise Blackwell
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric
February 3-March 25, 2012
Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20
Previews: Fridays, 2/3 and 2/10 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2/4 and 2/11 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2/5 and 2/12 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 2/13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 2/12 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 2/16-3/25, 2012: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

"A man is ruled by appetite and remorse, and I swallowed what I could..."

During the 900-day Nazi siege of Leningrad, Russian botanist Ilya is charged with protecting a cache of valuable seeds for future generations. As the weeks turn to months and food grows scarce, Ilya and his co-workers are torn between their lives' work, the dictates of a brutal regime, and the harsh realities of survival in a time of war. Consumed by innumerable hungers and haunted by memories of happier days, Ilya must choose whether to preserve his life or protect his ideals. A powerful drama of deprivation and loss, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 2003 debut novel by American author and journalist Elise Blackwell (The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish, An Unfinished Score).

"Pride and Prejudice," based on the classic romance by Jane Austen
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric
April 20-June 10, 2012
Regular tickets $32-35; preview tickets $20
Previews: Fridays, 4/20 and 4/27 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 4/21 and 4/28 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4/22 and 4/29 at 4 p.m.
Press Opening: Monday, 4/30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (press also invited to final preview on 4/29 at 4 p.m.)
Regular Run: 5/3-6/10, 2012: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.

"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first..."

In the town of Meryton, reputation and marriage can secure - or destroy - a young woman's happiness. Faced with the loss of their land and income, Elizabeth Bennet's mother is desperate to secure husbands for her daughters at any cost. When Lizzy is introduced to Mr. Darcy at a local dance, tempers flare as her independent spirit clashes with his ingrained arrogance. Can the headstrong rivals overcome their pride and prejudice to repair the romantic entanglements which surround them and find lasting love? A world of unforgettable characters comes to life in this sparkling comedy of manners, freshly updated for its first appearance on the Lifeline stage in twenty years. Based on the 1813 novel by Jane Austen (Emma, Sense and Sensibility), one of the most beloved books in English literature.

KidSeries Productions
"The 13 Clocks," a world premiere based on the irreverent fairy tale by James Thurber
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric
Directed by TBA
October 15-December 4, 2011
All tickets $15
Previews: Saturday, 10/15 at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 10/16 at 11 a.m.
Opening: Sunday, 10/16 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 10/22-12/4, 2011: Saturdays at 1 p.m..; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"Once upon a time, in a gloomy castle on a lonely hill, where there were thirteen clocks that wouldn't go, there lived a cold, aggressive Duke, and his niece, the Princess Saralinda..."

On a faraway island, a wicked Duke has locked his niece in a high tower. When Prince Zorn of Zorna, in disguise as a wandering minstrel, learns of Saralinda's fate, he vows to free her - even if it means traveling thrice around the moon or turning November into June. Join Zorn on an unforgettable adventure filled with swordplay and song, spies and monsters, mysterious wizards, and magic spells to be broken. A modern twist on the classic fairy tale, sparkling with wit and humor, in a world premiere adaptation. Based on the 1950 classic by beloved American writer and humorist James Thurber (Fables for Our Time, The Wonderful O).

"How to Survive a Fairy Tale," a world premiere by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos
January 7-February 26, 2012
All tickets $15
Previews: Saturday, 1/7 at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1/8 at 11 a.m.
Opening: Sunday, 1/8 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 1/14-2/26, 2012: Saturdays at 1 p.m..; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"Leave a trail of breadcrumbs? Won't the birds just eat them? That's the worst idea I've ever heard..."

Even though his dad is a frog and his mom claims to be a princess, Jack grew up in a house without fairy tales. So when he is thrust into a mysterious forest, threatened by bears and witches and trolls, he must find a way to survive on his own without any knowledge of the "rules" of traditional folktales. Travel with Jack on a madcap quest to rescue a trio of pigs, escape from some extremely gruff billy goats, and help his parents find their Happily Ever After, in a world premiere fractured fairy tale. Based on popular fairy tales and nursery rhymes, from The Brothers Grimm and beyond.

"Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed," a world premiere musical based on the whimsical children's book by Mo Willems
Adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric
Music by Paul Gilvary
Directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist
March 17-May 6, 2012
All tickets $15
Previews: Saturday, 3/17 at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 3/18 at 11 a.m.
Opening: Sunday, 3/18 at 1 p.m.
Regular Run: 3/24-5/6, 2012: Saturdays at 1 p.m..; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (No performances Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012)

"There is so much to learn about the fascinating little creatures known as naked mole rats. But, for this story, you only need to know three things: 1. They are a little bit rat. 2. They are a little bit mole. 3. They are all naked..."

Unlike other naked mole rats, young Wilbur loves to wear clothes. By daring to defy social tradition, Wilbur makes life miserable for himself and his best friend. When the teasing and bullying at school get out of control, the pups take their case before Grand-pah: the greatest, wisest, and most naked naked mole rat ever. Will Grand-pah crush Wilbur's self-expression, or open the door of acceptance to a misunderstood outsider? A heartwarming lesson on tolerance, in a world premiere musical adaptation for the whole family. Based on the 2009 book by New York Times bestselling author Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!).

The 15th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival
July 21-August 7, 2011
Regular tickets: $10 per performance
Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
At Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) and BoHo Theatre's Heartland Studio space (7016 N. Glenwood Ave.)

Participants, scheduling and full pricing details for the 2011 Fillet of Solo Festival will be announced in April 2011.

Season subscriptions and single tickets for the 2011-2012 MainStage and KidSeries seasons go on sale April 1. 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.

 



Videos