Lifeline Theatre's Hit LIONS IN ILLYRIA Adds Two Week Extension, Through Sunday, March 1

CHICAGO – To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of Lions in Illyria, a world premiere based on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, written by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Delheimer Dimond. Separated from her brother by a storm at sea, the young lioness Violet must brave an unknown country all alone. Disguised as a boy, she joins with a preposterous peacock on a quest to claim the attentions of the most graceful gazelle in town. But soon Violet is torn between multiple masters and her adventure takes a turn for the absurd when she becomes entangled in the clownish antics of a wacky warthog and his featherbrained dodo sidekick. Travel to the weird and wonderful land of Illyria in a magical comedy loaded with music, monkeys, and mayhem. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission.

UPDATED CLOSING DATE: Lions in Illyria runs through Sunday, March 1 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of Lions in Illyria (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for Lions in Illyria includes:

CAST: Guest artists Mykele Callicutt (Orsino, Toby), Brandi Lee (Violet, Maria), Kate McDermott (Olivia, Antonia), and Ryan Stajmiger (Sebastian, Andrew). With understudies Ryan Czerwonko, Jaci Entwisle, and Alison Sweat.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor) and Amanda Delheimer Dimond (Director); with guest artists Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Mikhail Fiksel (Original Music & Sound Designer), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), John Kelly (Master Electrician), Liz Rice (Assistant Director), Clare Roche (Stage Manager), and Joe Schermoly (Scenic & Properties Designer, Technical Director).

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents Lions in Illyria, now running through Sunday, March 1 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request. A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties. 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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Now in its 32nd 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; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; 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. ; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.