Lifeline Theatre Concludes 28th Anniversary Season with Watership Down

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Richard Adams' Watership Down, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member John Hildreth (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award winner for New Adaptation), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Katie McLean Hainsworth. When their birthplace is destroyed, brothers Hazel and Fiver lead a misfit band of survivors on a quest for a new home. Confronted with insurmountable dangers on all sides, the refugees must join forces with unexpected allies and conquer their deepest fears in order to endure. Join a pair of unlikely leaders in the adventure of a lifetime, in this unforgettable story of survival against impossible odds. A stirring adventure, re-imagined for the Lifeline stage with puppetry, movement, and animalistic stage combat, by the award-winning adaptor and director of Johnny Tremain. Watership Down runs April 29 - June 19, 2011 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, May 8 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, April 29 and May 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, April 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 1 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (May 12 - June 19) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for regular single tickets on Saturdays and Sundays, $32 for regular single tickets on Thursdays and Fridays, $27 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. This production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

The complete cast and production team for Watership Down includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Hazel) and Christopher M. Walsh (Bigwig); with guest artists Scott T. Barsotti (Fiver), Chris Daley (Blackberry), Bryson Engelen (Silver/Prince Rainbow), Matt Engle (Captain Holly), Eduardo Garcia (Strawberry/Groundsel), Matt Kahler (Threarah/Captain Campion), Jesse Manson (Dandelion/Kehaar), Chelsea Paice (Clover), Dave Skvarla (General Woundwort), and Mandy Walsh (Hyzenthlay). With understudies Brian Amidei, Aaron Lawson, and Elizabeth MacDougald.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Alan Donahue (Projectionist), John Hildreth (Adaptor), Paul S. Holmquist (Movement Designer), and Katie McLean Hainsworth (Director); with guest artists Aly Renee Amidei (Costume Designer), Mikhail Fiksel (Original Music & Sound Designer), Erica Foster (Stage Manager), Cortney Hurley (Production Manager), Joanna Iwanicka (Puppet Designer), Wenhai Ma (Scenic & Properties Designer), Sean Mallary (Lighting Designer), R&D Choreography (David Gregory & Richard Gilbert, Violence Designers), Jessica Wright (Assistant Director), and Ian Zywica (Technical Director).

Lifeline Theatre presents Watership Down, running April 29 - June 19, 2011 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, May 8 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, April 29 and May 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, April 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 1 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (May 12 - June 19) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for regular single tickets on Saturdays and Sundays, $32 for regular single tickets on Thursdays and Fridays, $27 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).