Chris Ballou

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces seventeen added performances of its critically-acclaimed production of Northanger Abbey, a world premiere musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff Awards: New Adaptation, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Neverwhere), music and lyrics by George Howe (Non-Equity Jeff Award: New Work-Musical, Queen Lucia), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Play, Mariette in Ecstasy), based on the novel by Jane Austen. Catherine Morland leaves her quiet country home for the splendors of Bath, armed only with an innocent heart and the examples of her favorite literary heroines. Immersed in a new world of parties, balls, and high society, Catherine soon finds herself caught in a web of social scheming far above her skill to master. False friends, greedy lovers, and a wealth of misunderstandings lead to the revelation that bruises of the heart can be far more painful than the imagined terrors of Gothic novels. The production runs two and a half hours with one intermission. The book is on sale in the lobby.

Lifeline gives new musical life to Austen obscurity.

Kokandy Productions launches its 2016 season with the Chicago premiere of the dark 'mean teen' comedy HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, based on the hit 1980s cult film of the same name, from the award winning-team of creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives) and Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde). Directed by James Beaudry, with music direction by Kory Danielson and choreography by Sawyer Smith, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL will play now through April 24, 2016 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

Lifeline Theatre presents Northanger Abbey, a world premiere musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff Awards: New Adaptation, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Neverwhere), music and lyrics by George Howe (Non-Equity Jeff Award: New Work-Musical, Queen Lucia), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Play, Mariette in Ecstasy), based on the novel by Jane Austen. Catherine Morland leaves her quiet country home for the splendors of Bath, armed only with an innocent heart and the examples of her favorite literary heroines. Immersed in a new world of parties, balls, and high society, Catherine soon finds herself caught in a web of social scheming far above her skill to master. False friends, greedy lovers, and a wealth of misunderstandings lead to the revelation that bruises of the heart can be far more painful than the imagined terrors of Gothic novels. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

 Kokandy Productions is pleased to launch its 2016 season with the Chicago premiere of the dark 'mean teen' comedy HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, based on the hit 1980s cult film of the same name, from the award winning-team of creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives) and Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde). Directed by James Beaudry, with music direction by Kory Danielson and choreography by Sawyer Smith, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL will play February 28 - April 24, 2016 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. The press opening is Friday, March 4 at 8 pm.

?Kokandy Productions is pleased to launch its 2016 season with the Chicago premiere of the dark "mean teen" comedy HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, based on the hit 1980s cult film of the same name, from the award winning-team of creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives) and Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde). Directed by James Beaudry, with music direction by Kory Danielson and choreography by Sawyer Smith, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL will play February 28 - April 24, 2016 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. The press opening is Friday, March 4 at 8 pm.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 'Jersey Boys' return, '[title of show]' premieres and CPaz hosts a belt-fest! Plus new works everywhere! Piven Theatre, Northlight Theatre, The Music Theatre Company, Chicago Children's Theatre, FWD Theatre and Porchlight Music Theatre show us our future, plus the world premiere of 'Sense And Sensibility' at Chicago Shakespeare Theater!

Piven Theatre Workshop announces the Midwest Premiere of Melancholy Play: a chamber musical by Sarah Ruhl, with new music by Todd Almond, directed by Polly Noonan. The production will run tonight, May 2 - June 7, 2015 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes Street. Press opening is tonight, May 2 at 7:30PM.

Piven Theatre Workshop announces the Midwest Premiere of Melancholy Play: a chamber musical by Sarah Ruhl, with new music by Todd Almond, directed by Polly Noonan. The production will run May 2 - June 7, 2015 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes Street. Previews are tonight, April 30 & May 1. Press opening is Saturday, May 2 at 7:30PM.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Special events on the horizon from Porchlight, FWD and Option Up! Plus new-to-Chicago works from Piven and Bailiwick, colleges do 'Spring Awakening' and 'The Wild Party,' and Emerald City Theatre and Chicago Children's Theatre head for the big time!

Piven Theatre Workshop announces the Midwest Premiere of Melancholy Play: a chamber musical by Sarah Ruhl, with new music by Todd Almond, directed by Polly Noonan. The production will run May 2 - June 7, 2015 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes Street. Previews are April 30 & May 1. Press opening is Saturday, May 2 at 7:30PM.

Monstrous Regiment runs tonight, May 30-July 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Todays, May 30 and June 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 31 and June 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 1 at 4 p.m.)

Monstrous Regiment runs May 30-July 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, May 30 and June 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 31 and June 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 1 at 4 p.m.)

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 128 nominations in 24 categories of Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 147 productions offered by 65 Non-Equity producing organizations. The judges recommended 66 of those shows, making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Thirty theatre companies received nominations.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Lyle Finds His Mother, a world premiere musical based on the beloved children's book by Bernard Waber, adapted by Jessica Wright Buha, with music and lyrics by Michael James Brooks, and directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne. Lyle loves his life with the Primms in the house on East 88th Street. But everything changes when Hector P. Valenti, Star of Stage and Screen, returns with an offer to take Lyle to meet his mother in the land of the crocodile. Should Lyle trust the devious showman? And will his adopted family understand his desire to meet his birth mother? Travel the world on a journey of hilarity and heart in this world premiere musical for the entire family. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment, by ensemble member Chris Hainsworth, and directed by Kevin Theis (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee). Borogravia is at war. Again. When Polly Perks' brother goes missing in action, she cuts off her hair, stuffs a sock down her breeches, and enlists, hoping to find him. Passing successfully as a young man, she soon discovers that she's not alone in protecting a secret and that nothing in the improbable war is as it seems. Scrambling to survive both the enemy and their untried officer, Polly's misfit company makes its way to the front, where it might just prove to be the least likely regiment to ever win a battle. A wickedly funny look at the absurdities of war and ambiguities of identity, brought to life by a cast of eleven actors, including Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Robert Kauzlaric, Katie McLean Hainsworth, and Christopher M. Walsh.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Lyle Finds His Mother, a world premiere musical based on the beloved children's book by Bernard Waber, adapted by Jessica Wright Buha, with music and lyrics by Michael James Brooks, and directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne. Lyle loves his life with the Primms in the house on East 88th Street. But everything changes when Hector P. Valenti, Star of Stage and Screen, returns with an offer to take Lyle to meet his mother in the land of the crocodile. Should Lyle trust the devious showman? And will his adopted family understand his desire to meet his birth mother? Travel the world on a journey of hilarity and heart in this world premiere musical for the entire family. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.