MARIETTE IN ECSTASY Premieres at Lifeline Theater 2/13

Chicago's Lifeline Theatre continues its 26th anniversary MainStage season with the world premiere adaptation of Ron Hansen's contemporary bestseller MARIETTE IN ECSTASY, adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Christina Calvit, directed by Lifeline ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric.

The show opens on February 13, 2009 and closes on April 5, 2009. Performances run Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m. Previews on Fridays, February 13 and 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, February 14 and 21, at 8 p.m. (no 4 p.m. shows during previews); Sundays, February 15 and 22, at 4 p.m. Recommended for mature audiences.

The Sisters of the Crucifixion live quiet lives of prayer and devotion until the intriguing Mariette is initiated into their cloister. When she experiences what may be a truly divine encounter, their unity is shattered into conflicting fragments of acceptance, envy, idolatry and fear, challenging the sisters' faith and the future of their sheltered existence. Written in 1991, this hit book scrutinizes the politics of community, as it awakens the desire in all of us to find a deeper meaning in our everyday lives.  The show runs approximately one hour and 45 minutes, and copies of the book will be on sale in the lobby.

Book author Hansen will be at Lifeline on Saturday, March 14, to sign books from 7-8 p.m., as well as participate in the post-show discussion from about 9:45-10:30 p.m.

The crew includes Ensemble members Christina Calvit (Adaptor), Alan Donahue (Scenic and Properties Design), Elise Kauzlaric (Director), with guest artists Sarah Hughey (Lighting Design), Branimira Ivanova (Costume Design), Tim Hill (Sound Design), Richard Gilbert and David Gregory (Violence Design), and Stephanie Ehemann (Stage Manager).  

The cast includes Lifeline ensemble members Katie McLean (Sister Aimee) and Shole Milos (Dr. Baptiste), with guest artists Brenda Barrie (Mariette Baptiste), Allison Cain (Sister Agnes), Patrice Egleston (Reverend Mother Celine), Sarah Goeden (Sister Hermance), Morgan McCabe (Mother St. Raphael), Melinda Moonahan (Sister Catherine), Elizabeth Olson (Sister Philomene), Janice O'Neill (Sister Marguerite), Brian Parry (Pere Mariott) and Sadie Rogers (Sister Genevieve).

The upcoming MainStage show will be "Busman's Honeymoon," May 1-June 21, 2009 (opens 5/11/09). The next KidSeries show is "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle," March 14–May 3, 2009 (opens 3/15/09).

Now in its 26th 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. 

Supporters include Alphawood Foundation; The Arts Work Fund; The Chicago Community Trust; CityArts 3 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture and the Prince Charitable Trusts; Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation; Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for MARIETTE IN ECSTASY are available by calling HotTix at 773-761-4477. Tickets are $30 for regular single tickets, $20 for previews, $20 for seniors, $15 for students (with valid ID), $15 for rush tickets (half hour before the show, subject to availability), $10 for industry on first preview weekend. Group rates for 12 and over available upon request.

Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Parking available (street and lot); 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.

For general theatre info, call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

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