Amanda Link News

Circle House, which opened Friday, April 27, is the newest production from The Plagiarists, a return to a group-writing style that is rather uniquely theirs. Company member and lead playwright Jessica Wright Buha organized a group of writers and artists into multiple writing sessions over several months, exploring both the cyclical nature and unsteadiness of nature and life. From there the script was developed by Buha and her team, then masterfully tackled by the sure and sensitive hand of director Kate Nawrocki.

 Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Sparky!, a world premiere musical adaptation with script by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright, music and lyrics by Laura McKenzie, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Jenny Ofill and illustrated by Chris Appelhans. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. 

Lifeline Theatre welcomes Jessica Wright Buha to its artistic ensemble, the body which determines the company's artistic programming and provides leadership, support and counsel in its play-development process.

Pivot Arts has announced the full line-up for the 3rd annual PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL, featuring dozens of innovative performances and events throughout Chicago's Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods from May 28 - June 7, 2015. Tickets, ranging from free to $20, are currently available at ?www.pivotarts.org/festival. All-access passes cost $45.

Lifeline Theatre welcomes Josh LeVasseur as Development Director, starting April 6, 2015.

Lifeline Theatre welcomes Lavina Jadhwani as Casting Director beginning February 2 marking the transition of the role from a volunteer position to a salaried member of the administrative staff.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of Amy Timberlake's Edgar Award-winning and Newbery Honor book, One Came Home, by Jessica Wright Buha, directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Mariette in Ecstasy). During the great passenger pigeon migration of 1871, throngs of strangers descend upon Placid, Wisconsin, bringing prosperity in their wake. But as the skies clear, tragedy strikes and Georgie Burkhardt's sister goes missing. When a body is found and the town goes into mourning, Georgie sets out to uncover the truth behind Agatha's disappearance. The journey that follows, both humorous and heartbreaking, will test the limits of her courage and the strength of her character. A powerful coming-of-age tale combines live music with historical events in a world premiere adaption based on the 2013 novel by Chicago author Amy Timberlake. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby. One Came Home runs February 13-April 5, 2014 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb.13 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 14 and 21 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m.)

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the beloved classic by Margery Williams, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link.

Lifeline Theatre opens its 2014-15 KidSeries season with The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the beloved classic by Margery Williams, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs Today, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Nov. 23 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Todays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Today, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.) Ticket prices are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs Saturday, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Nov. 23 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.) Ticket prices are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre opens its 2014-15 KidSeries season with The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the beloved classic by Margery Williams, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link.

Lifeline Theatre opens its 2014-15 KidSeries season with The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the beloved classic by Margery Williams, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link. One Christmas morning, a shy stuffed bunny enters the world of a young boy's nursery. Initially ignored in favor of more modern toys, she waits patiently to be noticed, wondering if she will ever be loved like the others. When the wise old Skin Horse reveals the majesty and mystery of what it means to become real, the Velveteen Rabbit begins an odyssey of the heart to make a lasting connection with her boy that will endure for always. Return to a simpler time with this heartwarming story about the transformative power of love. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Factory Theater presents Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!, written by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer*, with music/lyrics by Laura McKenzie* (with additional lyrics by Kirk Pynchon). Directed by Matthew Gunnels and choreographed by Brigitte Ditmars, the show opens Today, April 25 8pm and continues through May 31, 2014.

Factory Theater presents Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!, written by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer*, with music/lyrics by Laura McKenzie* (with additional lyrics by Kirk Pynchon). Directed by Matthew Gunnels and choreographed by Brigitte Ditmars, the show opens Friday, April 25 8pm and continues through May 31, 2014.

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, with script and lyrics by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award-winning adaptor), music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link. Scroll down for photos from the production!

There are two sides to every story and the long-suppressed account of the Big, Bad Wolf is finally brought to light in Piggsylvania's Trial of the Century. Can a lone wolf get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court? And will anyone believe that all the 'huffing and puffing' nonsense was just a cover-up for a simple story about a sneeze and a cup of sugar?

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, with script and lyrics by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award-winning adaptor), music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link. Since its inception at Lifeline Theatre in 2007, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! has been produced all over the country, by companies such as Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Oregon Children's Theatre, Dallas Children's Theatre, and Atlantic Theater Company (whose production the New York Times called "One of the best children's shows of the year. Case closed."). After being seen in 36 states across the U.S. the past seven years, this production marks the first time the show returns to the Chicago area since its premiere.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.