Lifeline Theatre Inaugurates 27th MainStage Season With TREASURE ISLAND 9/21-11/1

Lifeline Theatre inaugurates its 27th anniversary MainStage season with the world premiere adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," adapted by Lifeline ensemble member John Hildreth, directed by Lifeline ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric. A treasure map discovered in a dead pirate's sea-chest leads young Jim Hawkins on an expedition across the ocean to recover a fortune in plundered gold. Fair winds and favorable seas soon give way to mutiny, greed and the evil machinations of a one-legged scoundrel named Long John Silver. Join Jim on an unforgettable adventure as he fights for his life - and the lives of his friends - in this legendary tale of piracy and heroism. The show runs approximately two hours with one intermission, and copies of the book will be on sale in the lobby.

Lifeline is offering season subscriptions to all three 27th anniversary season MainStage shows for $75 (and all three KidSeries plays for $27). Being a Lifeline subscriber allows patrons to save up to 25% off regular ticket prices; offers discounts on additional tickets for friends and family; gives first choice of seats with unlimited free ticket exchanges (and includes reminder cards for shows selected, plus a reminder call a few days before the reservation); knocks 25% off party room rental for audience pre- or post-show events; and offers invitations to subscriber events such as sneak peeks of the rehearsal process, book discussions with the creative team, and author events (previous writers have included Ron Hansen, Daniel Mason, Sara Paretsky, and Donald Westlake).

Lifeline has produced five previous world premiere stage adaptations by Hildreth, including "Around the World in 80 Days" in 2002 and "Johnny Tremain" in 2006, both of which garnered Non-Equity Jeff Awards for New Adaptation. Kauzlaric has acted in eleven MainStage productions, and written four adaptations for Lifeline - including "The Island of Dr. Moreau," winner of 2008's Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Production-Play and New Adaptation. "Treasure Island" marks Kauzlaric's directorial debut at Lifeline. The violence in "Treasure Island" will be choreographed by Geoff Coates, who previously choreographed the fights in Lifeline's productions of "The Mark of Zorro" in 2008 (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Fight Choreography; After Dark Award: Outstanding Fight Choreography) and "The Talisman Ring" in 2005 (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Fight Design).

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.

Opens on Monday, September 21, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. (media also invited to final preview on Sunday, September 20, at 4 p.m.). Closes on November 1, 2009. 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 on Fridays, September 11 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. (no Thursday shows during previews); Saturdays, September 12 and 19, at 8 p.m. (no 4 p.m. Saturday shows during previews); Sundays, September 13 and 20, at 4 p.m.

$30 for regular single tickets, $20 for previews, $25 for seniors (with ID), $15 for students (with ID) and rush tickets (half hour before, subject to availability), $10 for industry on first preview weekend. Group rates for 12 or more available upon request. $75 for all three 27th anniversary season MainStage shows. Rogers Park Theatre Flex Pass at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/42048