Lifeline Theatre to Stage World Premiere of SPARKY! in 2016

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Sparky!, a world premiere musical adaptation with script by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright, music and lyrics by Laura McKenzie, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Jenny Ofill and illustrated by Chris Appelhans. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. Sparky! runs Saturday, Jan. 16 - Sunday, Feb. 21 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism-friendly performance on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 17 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, Jan. 23, 1 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. There will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. And the Saturday, Feb. 13, 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. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

Libby desperately wants a pet, but her mother says she can only have one that doesn't need to be walked, bathed, or fed. So she orders a sloth and names him Sparky. It's love at first sight... even if Sparky doesn't know how to fetch and always loses at Hide-and-Seek (though he's very good at playing "statue"). But after know-it-all Mary Potts mocks Sparky as lazy and unimpressive, Libby must throw a backyard talent show to highlight the talents of her misunderstood companion. Roll up for the first-ever "Trained Sloth Extravaganza!" and learn about accepting your friends for who they are, in this world premiere musical based on the delightful 2014 book by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of Sparky! (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.

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