NEVERWHERE Opens At Lifeline Theatre in June

Lifeline Theatre presents Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, adapted by ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric and directed by Pegasus Theatre Executive Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan. Kauzlaric's adaptation of Neverwhere premiered at Lifeline in 2010 and garnered three Non-Equity Jeff Awards (New Adaptation, Scenic Design, and Sound Design). After receiving dozens of productions across the U.S., Canada, England, and Ireland, Neverwhere returns home for the first time, with an entirely new production helmed by Duncan. Richard Mayhew commits an act of kindness on the streets of London and finds himself trapped in a shadow world beneath the city. Lady Door returns home one day to find her family slain and her life upended. Drawn together by fate - and forces more powerful than they can guess - these two must brave countless trials, uncover the truth behind a dark conspiracy, and face the indomitable Great Beast before they can set things right again. Journey to London Below with a rogues' gallery of liars, outcasts, and assassins, on a treacherous quest to awaken the hero within. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The novel will be on sale in the lobby.

Neverwhere runs May 25 - July 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, June 3 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, May 25 and June 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 26 and June 2 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 27 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (June 7 - July 15) 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 16, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, July 13, 7:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, June 24, 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 Neverwhere includes:

CAST: Guest artists LaQuin Groves (Mr. Vandemar & ensemble), Aneisa Hicks (Hunter & ensemble), Jose Nateras (Richard), Samantha Newcomb (Door), Michaela Petro (Jessica, Anaesthesia & ensemble), Michael Reyes (Islington & ensemble), John Henry Roberts (Mr. Croup & ensemble), Matthew Singleton (Marquis de Carabas & ensemble), and Dave Skvarla (Old Bailey, The Earl & ensemble). With understudies Paul Chakrin, Jennifer Cheung, Kim Fukawa, Gary Henderson, Dakota Hughes, Benjamin Ponce, and Roy Samra.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Aly Renee Amidei (Costume Designer), Alan Donahue (Scenic & Properties Designer), Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor), and Maren Robinson (Dramaturg); with guest artists Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), Ilesa Duncan (Director), Andrew Hansen (Original Music & Sound Designer), Collin Helou (Master Electrician/AV Supervisor), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Becca Jeffords (Lighting Designer), Michelle Lopez-Rios (Dialect Coach), Liz Larsen (Assistant Stage Manager), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Mike Oleon (Puppet Designer), R&D Choreography (Violence Designers), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), and Michelle Underwood (Projections Designer).

Lifeline Theatre presents Neverwhere, running May 25 - July 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; seebelow). Press opening is Sunday, June 3 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, May 25 and June at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 26 and June 2 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 27 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (June 7 - July 15) 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 Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Albion Ave. just east of Bosworth) 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.

Photo: Jose Nateras as Richard and Samantha Newcomb as Door; in Lifeline Theatre's production of Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere," adapted by Robert Kauzlaric, directed by Ilesa Duncan. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.