Lifeline Theatre's MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS - EXTENDED through December 13

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of Mr. Popper's Penguins, a world premiere musical adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric, with music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist, based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater. Money is tight and times are tough in the town of Stillwater. With no houses to paint till spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of adventures in far-off lands, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook, a new horizon opens before them. As a quiet partnership expands into a boisterous flock, the Poppers learn that there's no problem that can't be solved with steady determination, lots of love, and a dash of unconventionality. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission.

UPDATED CLOSING DATE: Mr. Popper's Penguins runs through Sunday, Dec. 13 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m, with an added relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.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. 7, 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. 14, 1 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline's accessibility services, please 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 Mr. Popper's Penguins (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 Mr. Popper's Penguins includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie (Mrs. Popper); with guest artists Josh Bernaski (Reporter, Admiral Drake & others), Amanda Roeder (Mrs. Callahan, Artie Greenbaum & others), and Jonathan Schwart (Mr. Popper). With understudies Nate Buursma, Michelle Jasso, Anthony Kayer, and Sierra Nibbe. CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director) and Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor); with guest artists Elyse Balogh (Properties Designer), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Noah Ginex (Puppet Designer), George Howe (Composer, Lyricist, Musical Director), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), and Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer, Technical Director).

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents Mr. Popper's Penguins, now running through Dec. 13 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.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). MrPoppersPenguins_02-03

Mr. Popper (Jonathan Schwart) and Mrs. Popper (Heather Currie) hit the road with their "Popper's Performing Penguins" act; in Lifeline Theatre's world premiere production of "Mr. Popper's Penguins," script by Robert Kauzlaric, music and lyrics by George Howe, directed by Paul S. Holmquist. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.