Lifeline Theatre Presents THE MOONSTONE, Closes 2/27

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric, directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist. The Moonstone, an Indian diamond steeped in a history of violence and mysticism, is stolen from Rachel Verinder's bedroom, and no one in her household is above suspicion. Join an unforgettable collection of liars, lovers, addicts and outcasts as they struggle to uncover the truth and reclaim the stone before its curse destroys them all. This thrilling mystery, regarded as the first detective novel in the English language, is re-imagined for the Lifeline stage by the award-winning adaptor and director of The Island of Dr. Moreau and Neverwhere. The Moonstone closes March 27, 2011 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). 

Regular performance times (Feb. 17 - Mar. 27) 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 three hours with two intermissions. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Lifeline Theatre has a long history of critically-acclaimed world premiere mystery adaptations, from Raymond Chandler's The Little Sister (1994 Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Citation for New Work: Mark Richard); through Georgette Heyer's The Talisman Ring (1996 Jeff Award for New Adaptation: ensemble member Christina Calvit); to ensemble member Frances Limoncelli's four installments of Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey series: Whose Body?, Strong Poison (2005 Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Citation for New Adaptation), Gaudy Night (2007 Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Citation for New Adaptation), and Busman's Honeymoon (2010 Non-Equity Jeff Award for New Adaptation). And now, in 2011, Lifeline is thrilled to explore the work of one of detective fiction's seminal writers. Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone has been called "the first, the longest, and the best of modern English detective novels" by T.S. Eliot; "probably the best detective tale in the world" by G.K. Chesterton; and "probably the very finest detective story ever written" by Dorothy L. Sayers.

Adaptor Robert Kauzlaric and director Paul S. Holmquist have previously partnered to create three world premiere stage adaptations at Lifeline Theatre, including The Island of Dr. Moreau (winner of five 2008 Non-Equity Jeff Awards, including Best Production-Play and New Adaptation) and 2010's Jeff-Recommended Neverwhere. As a director, Holmquist is no stranger to the mystery genre, having directed Frances Limoncelli's adaptation of Busman's Honeymoon at Lifeline Theatre last season (2010 Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Production-Play).

The complete cast and production team for The Moonstone includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Peter Greenberg (Ezra Jennings) and Jenifer Tyler (Lady Julia Verinder); with guest artists Kaitlin Byrd (Drusilla Clack), Sonja Field (Penelope Betteredge), Vincent P. Mahler (Matthew Bruff), C. Sean Piereman (Godfrey Ablewhite), Cody Proctor (Franklin Blake), John Henry Roberts (Mr. Murthwaite), Sean Sinitski (Gabriel Betteredge), David Skvarla (Sergeant Cuff), and Ann Sonneville (Rachel Verinder). With understudies Vic May and Jhenai Mootz.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), and Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor); with guest artists Katie Adams (Stage Manager), Christina DeRisi (Sound Designer), Richard Gilbert (Assistant Director), Cortney Hurley (Production Manager), Bill Morey (Costume Designer), R&D Choreography (Violence Design), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg), Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer), and Ian Zywica (Scenic Designer and Technical Director).

Lifeline Theatre presents The Moonstone, running February 4-March 27, 2011 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Friday, Feb. 4 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 5 and 12 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (Feb. 17 - Mar. 27) 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.

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).

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