Previews for Lifeline's KidSeries MRS. PIGGLE-WIGGLE Begin 3/14

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents the family musical "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle," based on the bestselling children's book by Betty MacDonald, illustrated by Hilary Knight, adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Christina Calvit, music by Paul Gilvary, and directed by Lifeline ensemble member John Hildreth.  Who's that crazy lady who wears the funny hats and lives in the upside-down house?  Why, it's Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and kids love her because she always has time to play and her house smells like cookies.  Parents love her too, because she's got hilarious cures for Answer-Backers, Selfish-Selfers and mean-spirited Whisperers. This production is appropriate for children ages five to ten, and runs about one hour with no intermission.  Books are on sale in the lobby.

 "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" originally premiered at Lifeline in 2000, and featured the audience favorite songs, "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle," "Answer-Backer" and "The Pete Thompson Blues."  The 2009 production will feature one new song, "You Need Style, Style, Style," also created by original composer Paul Gilvary, with additional dialogue by Christina Calvit.

Lifeline's "Stories Come Alive!" will feature excerpts from and theatre games for "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" on Saturday, February 28, from 3-4 p.m., at Rogers Park Library, 6907 N. Clark St. in Chicago.  This is a FREE event for children aged 5-8 and their parents.  Other upcoming Lifeline family events listed below under "ALSO."

Previews are on March 14 at 1 pm and March 15 at 11 am. Regular performances run on Saturdays at 1 pm and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm. There will be no shows on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. The show closes on May 3, 2009.

Tickets cost $12 for both children and adults for all shows. Pay-what-you-can tickets available half an hour before the show (subject to availability). Group rates and other discounts are available upon request. Party rooms are available for full-service birthday and special event parties.

For tickets call 773-761-4477.

Lifeline ensemble members include Christina Calvit (Adapter), John Hildreth (Director) and Alan Donahue (Set and Props Design), with guest artists Paul Gilvary (Composer), John Sanchez (Lighting Design), Joanna Melville (Costume Design), Cathleen Bentley (Choreographer) and Ellen Willett (Stage Manager).

Guest artists include Gillian Bellinger (Evelyn Rover), Rachel Boller (Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle), Scott Allen Luke (Pete Thompson), Nicole Pellegrino (Mary O'Toole), and understudies Daniel Hickey and Amanda Link.  

Lifeline Theatre is located at 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, about six blocks/ten minute walk.
The theatre is handicapped accessible.

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