BUSMAN'S HONEYMOON At Lifeline Begins Previews On 5/1

Lifeline Theatre concludes its 26th anniversary MainStage season with the world premiere adaptation of Dorothy L. Sayers' "Busman's Honeymoon," adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, and directed by Lifeline ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist.  Wedding bells have finally rung for amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey and novelist Harriet Vane.  But their quiet, country honeymoon becomes a farce full of eccentric locals, exploding chimneys and even a body found in the wine cellar.  This inauspicious beginning begs the question - when life gets in the way, can love persevere?  Lifeline ensemble members Peter Greenberg and Jenifer Tyler reprise their roles as Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane in this sequel to "Gaudy Night," which premiered at Lifeline Theatre in 2006. The show runs about two and a half hours with one intermission, and copies of the book will be on sale in the lobby.

Lifeline has produced three previous world premiere stage adaptations of Sayers' Wimsey books - "Gaudy Night" in 2006, "Strong Poison" in 2004, and "Whose Body?" in 2002.  Limoncelli adapted all three productions, and "Gaudy Night," and "Strong Poison" garnered Non-Equity Jeff Awards for New Adaptation.  Greenberg received an After Dark Award for Outstanding Performance for his portrayal of Wimsey in "Strong Poison," and both he and Tyler were nominated for Jeff Awards for their performances in "Gaudy Night."  Holmquist recently directed Lifeline's adaptation of "The Island of Dr. Moreau," which won five 2008 Non-Equity Jeff Awards, including Best Production-Play.

The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. (please note that Thursdays are added on this production). Previews are on Fridays, May 1 and 8, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. (no Thursday shows during previews); Saturdays, May 2 and 9, 2009, at 8 p.m. (no 4 p.m. Saturday shows during previews); Sundays, May 3 and 10, 2009, at 4 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 for previews and $30 for regular single tickets. Concession prices are available for seniors ($25) and students with identification and rush tickets, subject to availability a half an hour before curtain ($15). Group rates for 12 or more available upon request. To order tickets call 773-761-4477 or visit HotTix.

Rogers Park Theatre Flex Pass available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/42048.

Ensemble members include  Frances Limoncelli (Adaptor) and Paul S. Holmquist (Director), with guest artists Mary Griswold (Scenic Design), Brett Masteller (Sound Design), Joanna Melville (Costume Design), Seth Reinick (Lighting Design), LaRonika Thomas (Dramaturg), Jenniffer Thusing (Properties Design), and Kim Percell (Stage Manager).  

Ensemble members include Peter Greenberg (Lord Peter Wimsey), James E. Grote (Mr. Puffet), Robert Kauzlaric (Frank Crutchley), Phil Timberlake (Bunter), and Jenifer Tyler (Harriet Vane), with guest artists Adam Breske (Constable Sellon), Kate Harris (Miss Twitterton), Millicent Hurley (Mrs. Ruddle), Paul Myers (Rev. Goodacre), Will Schutz (Superintendent Kirk) and Christopher M. Walsh (Mr. MacBride).

Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60626. Parking available (street and lot – see below); CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/buses). Free designated parking lot west of the theatre at the NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood with free shuttle service before and after the show. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

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