HUNGER to Open at Lifeline Theatre, 2/12

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Elise Blackwell's Hunger, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric. During the 900-day Nazi siege of Leningrad, Russian botanist Ilya is charged with protecting a cache of valuable seeds for future generations. As the weeks turn to months and food grows scarce, Ilya and his co-workers are torn between their lives' work, the dictates of a brutal regime, and the harsh realities of survival in a time of war. Consumed by innumerable hungers and haunted by memories of happier days, Ilya must choose whether to preserve his life or protect his ideals. A powerful drama of deprivation and loss, in a world premiere adaptation based on the 2003 debut novel by American author and journalist Elise Blackwell (The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish, An Unfinished Score). Hunger runs February 3 – March 25, 2012 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.  

Regular performance times (February 16 – March 25) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for regular single tickets on Saturdays and Sundays, $32 for regular single tickets on Thursdays and Fridays, $27 for seniors, $20 for students (with I.D.), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.This production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

The complete cast for Hunger includes Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Peter Greenberg (Vitalli/Lysenko), Katie McLean Hainsworth (Efrosinia/Klavdiya), Jenifer Tyler (Lidia), and Christopher M. Walsh (The Director/Ivan); with guest artists Dan Granata (Sergei/Peter), John Henry Roberts (Ilya), and Kendra Thulin (Alena). With understudies Tosha Fowler, Simone Roos, and Joseph Stearns.

The crew includes Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Kevin D. Gawley (Lighting Designer), Chris Hainsworth (Adaptor), and Robert Kauzlaric (Director); with guest artists Katie Adams (Stage Manager), Matt Engle (Fight Designer), Jesse Gaffney (Properties Designer), Andy Hansen (Original Music & Sound Designer), Cortney Hurley (Production Manager), Jordan Kardasz (Assistant Lighting Designer), Jessica Kuehnau (Scenic Designer), Joanna Melville (Costume Designer), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg), and Joe Schermoly (Technical Director).

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).