Lifeline Theatre Opens its 2014-2015 Season with JANE EYRE, Adaptation of the Classic Romance by Charlotte Brontë, Opening September 15

CHICAGO – Lifeline Theatre presents an adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit (four-time Jeff Award winner), and directed by Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne (Jeff Award and After Dark Award winner). After a troubled childhood, Jane Eyre searches for new purpose as a governess at Thornfield Hall. But a fragile peace gives way to turbulent passion when she meets Mr. Rochester, a man concealing a dark secret. Their unconventional relationship leads to a terrible revelation, and Jane must forge a new future amid the ashes of her ravaged dreams. As she struggles to free herself from the ghosts of her past, Jane realizes that her only hope is to find love on her own terms. A highly theatrical exploration of one woman’s independent spirit in a beloved adaptation freshly updated for its first appearance on the Lifeline stage in thirteen years. Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com). 

Jane Eyre runs September 5 – October 26 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 14 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 6 and 13 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 7 at 4 p.m.) 

Regular performance times (September 18–October 26) 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 seniors, $20 for students (with I.D.), $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. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby. 

The complete cast and production team for Jane Eyre includes: 

CAST:            Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie (Mrs. Fairfax, Lady Ingram, Hannah); with guest artists Anu Bhatt (Jane Eyre), LaNisa Frederick (Grace Poole, Amy Eshton, Mary Rivers), Ada Grey (Adele), Maya Lou Hlava (Helen), Anthony Kayer (Brocklehurst, Dr. Carter, Rev. Wood, Porter), Jhenai Mootz (Bertha, Blanche), Kyra Morris (Mrs. Reed, Mary Ingram, Diana Rivers), Joshua Moaney (Richard Mason, St. John Rivers), and John Henry Roberts (Edward Rochester). With understudies Galya Loeb, Kate McDermott, and Michael Woods.  

CREW:           Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Christina Calvit (Adaptor), Kevin D. Gawley (Lighting & Projection Designer), and Dorothy Milne (Director); with guest artists Jana Anderson (Costume Designer), Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), William Boles (Set Designer), Kitty Campbell (Properties Designer), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Bailey Heinz (Assistant Stage Manager), Jordan Kardasz (Assistant Lighting & Projection Designer), Jason Kirk Martin (Dialect Coach), Autumn McConnico (Dramaturg),  Christopher Kriz (Original Music & Sound Designer), Danny Osburn (Master Electrician), Browyn Sherman (Assistant Director), and Joe Schermoly (Technical Director). 

Lifeline Theatre presents Jane Eyre, running September 5 – October 26 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, September 14 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, September 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, September 6 and 13 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 7 at 4 p.m.) 

Regular performance times (September 18 – October 26) 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 seniors, $20 for students (with I.D.), $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. 

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.