Lifeline Theatre Kicks Off 2013-14 Season with THE KILLER ANGELS, Begin. 9/6

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lifeline Theatre presents Karen Tarjan's adaptation of Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War novel, The Killer Angels (originally commissioned by Lifeline in 2004). The production will be directed byMatt Miller,who joins Lifeline Theatre as a director for the first time. It's the third summer of the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee leads the Army of Northern Virginia into the North and the Army of the Potomac has no choice but to pursue. Over the course of three historic days, beside campfires and amidst firefights, a remarkable group of soldiers wrestle with their doubts, their fears, and their hopes for a shattered nation. Cemetery Hill, Culp's Hill, Little Round Top, and Pickett's charge come to vibrant life through the indelible stories of the men who fought the legendary battles. A cast of ten actors brings over twenty historical characters to life, led by returning artist Don Bender as General Robert E. Lee, along with Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth.

The Killer Angels runs September 6 - October 27 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Opening night is Monday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 6 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 8 at 4 p.m.)

The complete cast and production team for The Killer Angels includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth (Buford); with guest artists Don Bender (Lee), Matt Fletcher (Troubadour), Joe Flynn (Fremantle), Tom Hickey (Longstreet), Zach Livingston (Tom), Niall McGinty (Armistead),Michael McKeogh (Chamberlain), Steve O'Connell (Pickett), and Sean Sinitski (Ewell). With understudies Luke Daigle,Volen Iliev, Eddy Karch, Royen Kent and Dan Maxon.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Alan Donahue (Scenic & Properties Designer), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), and Elizabeth Wislar (Costume Designer); with guest artists Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Shelby Glasgow (Stage Manager), Matt Miller (Director), Clare O'Connor (Assistant Director), Danny Osburn (Master Electrician),Julian Pike (Lighting Designer), Greg Poljacik (Fight Choreography), Mike Przygoda (Music Director), Stephen Ptacek(Sound Designer), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), and Karen Tarjan (Adaptor).

Regular performance times (September 19 - October 27) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 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. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett