Lifeline Theater KidSeries Presents THE LAST OF THE DRAGONS, Opens 1/3/2010

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents the world premiere musical adaptation "The Last of the Dragons," based on the classic fantasy story by Edith Nesbit, adapted by David Bareford, music by Mikhail Fiksel, and directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Dorothy Milne.

In the land of Astoria, tradition demands that every princess be given to a fire-breathing dragon so she can be saved by a handsome prince. But Andromeda, the swashbuckling daughter of the current king, doesn't want to be rescued by a boy. And Prince Stanley of Tuscany is more interested in science than feats of derring-do. Join this unlikely couple on a journey to the heart of the dragon's lair and learn the true meaning of bravery, in this rousing musical fantasy for the whole family. The production, appropriate for children ages five to ten, features a giant dragon puppet, operated by multiple actors, that participates in stage combat, and runs about one hour with no intermission.

Fight choreographers David Gregory and Richard Gilbert will be at the January 3, 2010, opening from 12 noon - 1 p.m., for a meet-and-greet and sword-fighting demonstration (this pre-show event is free). The book and cast recording CDs will be on sale in the lobby.

Stories Come Alive! "The Last of the Dragons" will be presented for free on Saturday, December 19, 2009, 3-4 p.m., at Rogers Park Library, 6907 N. Clark St., in Chicago. Lifeline actors will read "The Last of the Dragons" and play drama games with children ages 5-8 (parents welcome too). Further information at 773-761-4477.

WHERE: 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
Handicapped accessible

WHEN: Press opening Sunday, January 3, 2010, at 1 p.m.
Closes February 21, 2010
Runs Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Previews on January 2 at 1 p.m., and January 3 at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: 773-761-4477
$12 for both children and adults for all shows
Pay-what-you-can tickets (half-hour before the show - subject to availability)
Group rates and other discounts also available on request
Party room available for full-service birthday and special event parties
Rogers Park Theatre Flex Pass at www.rogersparkflexpass.com

STAFF: Lifeline ensemble member Dorothy Milne (Director), with guest artists Jennifer Aparicio (Stage Manager), David Bareford (Adaptor), Mikhail Fiksel (Composer and Sound Designer), Richard Gilbert (Fight Choreographer), David Gregory (Fight Choreographer), Joanna Iwanicka (Puppet Designer), Sarah Hughey (Lighting Designer), Joanna Melville (Costume Designer), and Ian Zywica (Scenic and Props Designer).

CAST: Guest artists David Fink (Dragon), Mike Ooi (King), Mallory Nees (Queen), Andrew Redlawsk (Stanley), and Anne Sears (Princess). With understudies Sara Gorsky and Andy Junk.

NEXT: Lifeline MainStage productions of "Mrs. Caliban," February 5-March 28, 2010 (opens 2/15/10); and
"Neverwhere," April 30-June 20, 2010 (opens 5/10/10).

Lifeline KidSeries production of "The Blue Shadow," March 13-May 2, 2010 (opens 3/14/10).

Lifeline's 2nd Annual Winter Drama Camp will run December 28-30, 2009, where the theatre's professional artists teach drama skills to ages 7-12 that emphasize building creativity, artistry and teamwork in an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and respect. For information and to register, call 773-761-4477.

In a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day workshop on January 18, 2010 (9 a.m.-12 noon) for ages 7 to 12, members of Alternatives, Inc.'s break dance troupe Connect Force teach a three-hour workshop on break dancing basics at Lifeline Theatre - $30 tickets available at 773-761-4477 (advance registration recommended).

In a Presidents' Day workshop on February 15, 2010 (9 a.m.-12 noon) for ages 9 to 12, noted Chicago fight choreographers David Gregory and Richard Gilbert teach a three-hour workshop on basic stage combat techniques at Lifeline Theatre - $30 tickets available at 773-761-4477 (advance registration recommended).

INFO: General theatre info, 773-761-4477, www.lifelinetheatre.com
Robert Kauzlaric, Marketing Director, 773-761-4477 x704, rob@lifelinetheatre.com
Lifeline Theatre's programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; CityArts 3 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Albert Pick, Jr. Fund; The Rhoades Foundation; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; Taproot Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

MISSION: Now in its 27th season, Lifeline Theatre is known for specializing in original literary adaptations. Its ensemble of artists uses imaginative, unconventional staging to portray sprawling stories in an intimate space. Lifeline is committed to promoting the arts in its Rogers Park neighborhood and is an anchor of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. We aspire to create art that is relevant to our culturally diverse, increasingly youthful neighborhood. Lifeline Theatre - Big Stories, Up Close.

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