Tongue in Cheek Theater Productions to Stage THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE in 2015

Tongue in Cheek Theater Productions (Jake Lipman, producing artistic director) will adapt the popular novel, The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman (Vintage Contemporaries) into a full-length play over 2015, culminating with a three-week performance run October 7-24, 2015 in midtown NYC.

The Inn at Lake Devine begins in 1962. When Natalie Marx's mother inquires about summer accommodations in Vermont, she gets the following reply: "The Inn at Lake Devine is a family-owned resort, which has been in continuous operation since 1922. Our guests who feel most comfortable here, and return year after year, are Gentiles." For twelve-year-old Natalie, who has a stubborn sense of justice, the words are not a rebuff but an infuriating, irresistible challenge, setting in motion events that will change her life.

Elinor Lipman's books include Then She Found Me (adapted and directed by Helen Hunt into the film by the same name), Isabel's Bed, The Way Men Act, The Family Man, The View from Penthouse B and The Ladies' Man, among others. She has been compared to Jane Austen for her cheeky view of romantic relations and smart female leads.

Founded in 2006 by Jake Lipman, Tongue in Cheek Theater's mission is to produce thought-provoking comedic works. Current productions include dark comedy Whale Song or: Learning to Live with Mobyphobia by Claire Kiechel. In May 2014, TIC's company-created comedy Buffalo Heights by Adam Harrell was the recipient of a 2014 Puffin Foundation grant. In 2013, The Huffington Post recognized the company's tenure, saying, "Tongue in Cheek is an Off-Off-Broadway company celebrating its eighth season, a major achievement in and of itself."

The Inn at Lake Devine will be developed over 2015 for Tongue in Cheek Theater's 31st production and 10th anniversary season. Producing artistic director Jake Lipman explains, "Although Elinor Lipman and I are not related, I feel a true kinship with her work, and the humor and heart throughout The Inn at Lake Devine fits perfectly with TIC's mission."

Novelist Elinor Lipman shares, "I've always hoped that one of my books could be adapted for the stage, but whom to trust? I found that answer from the first conversation I had with Jake Lipman. Yes, I said; yes! For me, this theater and this book are a match made in adaptation heaven. I'm excited to see my characters-especially these, who are very dear to me-brought to life."

The play The Inn at Lake Devine will run October 7-24, 2015 at Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios, 244 West 54 Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY. Tickets will go on sale in June 2015 at www.tictheater.com.