Lifeline Theatre Presents Northanger Abbey, a World Premiere Musical Adaptation of the Book by Jane Austen, Opens June 7

Lifeline Theatre presents Northanger Abbey, a world premiere musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff Awards: New Adaptation, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Neverwhere), music and lyrics by George Howe (Non-Equity Jeff Award: New Work–Musical, Queen Lucia), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director–Play, Mariette in Ecstasy), based on the novel by Jane Austen. Catherine Morland leaves her quiet country home for the splendors of Bath, armed only with an innocent heart and the examples of her favorite literary heroines. Immersed in a new world of parties, balls, and high society, Catherine soon finds herself caught in a web of social scheming far above her skill to master. False friends, greedy lovers, and a wealth of misunderstandings lead to the revelation that bruises of the heart can be far more painful than the imagined terrors of Gothic novels. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Northanger Abbey runs May 27 – July 17 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, June 5 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, May 27 and June 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 28 and June 4 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 29 at

4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (June 9 – July 17) 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 active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $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.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, June 11, 4 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, June 25, 4 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Northanger Abbey includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Peter Greenberg (General Tilney) and Jenifer Tyler (Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Tilney); with guest artists Chris Ballou (James Morland), Shelby Lynn Bias (Eleanor Tilney), Andres Enriquez (John Thorpe), Javier Ferreira (Henry Tilney), Lydia Hiller (Isabella Thorpe), Stephanie Stockstill (Catherine Morland), and Denzel Tsopnang (Frederick Tilney). With understudies Nicole Armold, Nicholas Amann, David Cooper and Kirsty Engelhardt,.

MUSICIANS: Nick Heinzmann (Cello), Renee Henley (Violin), Ellen K. Morris (Piano, Music Director), Minjung Park (Violin: 6/3, 6/7, 6/10 & 6/11)

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Aly Renee Amidei (Costume Designer), Elise Kauzlaric (Director & Dialect Coach), Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor), and Maren Robinson (Dramaturg); with guest artists Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer), Mealah Heidenreich (Properties Designer), George Howe (Composer & Lyricist), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Sarah Lewis (Scenic Designer), Jacqueline Marschke (Stage Manager), Ellen K. Morris (Music Director), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Shannon Nishi (Assistant Dialect Coach), Kate Reed (Assistant Stage Manager), Todd Rhoades (Choreographer), and Joe Schermoly (Technical Director.

Lifeline Theatre presents Northanger Abbey, running May 27 – July 17 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, June 5 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, May 27 and June 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 28 and June 4 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 29 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (June 9 – July 17) 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 active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $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.

Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and 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. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

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Now in its 33rd season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Flex Print , Inc.; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.