Join us for another exciting season of BIG STORIES, UP CLOSE!

It’s a another year of incredible stories brought to Life, from reimagined classics to exciting world premieres. Come Live the Page at Lifeline!

The 2023-24 MainStage season features a revival of Kurt Vonnegut’s popular novel Cat’s Cradle, followed by Nambi E. Kelley’s brilliant adaptation of Richard Wright’s powerful novel, Native Son.

Our KidSeries production is the world premiere of Amy Timberlake’s beloved book, Skunk and Badger.

Additionally, we’re thrilled to continue our festivals, the 27th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a two-week solo performance and storytelling festival; as well as the 3rd Annual Adaptation Development Workshop, a showcase that features BIPOC playwrights and their new works.

Call 773-761-4477 or visit the Memberships page for more information about memberships — or become a Member online – memberships go on sale July 5, 2023!

MainStage

CAT’S CRADLE
September 1 – October 22, 2023

Based on the popular novel by Kurt Vonnegut
Adapted by Lifeline ensemble member John Hildreth
Directed by Lifeline ensemble member Heather Currie

Join the famed Hoenikker family on the Caribbean Island of San Lorenzo for a satirical tale of how “pure” scientific research, banana republic politics, and an organized religion based on lies bring about the end of the world. You’re invited to convert yourself, learn a new way to make love, and make a supreme gesture to God Almighty (if indeed, He is still with us) in this revival of ensemble member John Hildreth’s playful adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s beloved novel.

Ensemble member Heather Currie (You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?, Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters) tackles ensemble member John Hildreth’s (Treasure Island, Watership Down) invigorating adaptation of one of Kurt Vonnegut’s most beloved novels for a new generation.

NATIVE SON
May 10–June 30, 2024

Based on the highly lauded novel by Richard Wright
Adapted by Nambi E. Kelley
Directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan

Suffocating in rat-infested poverty on Chicago’s South Side during the 1930s, twenty-year-old Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man’s house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Adapted with theatrical ingenuity by Chicago’s own Nambi E. Kelley, this Native Son captures the power of Richard Wright‘s novel for a whole new generation.  

Spearheaded by artistic director ILesa Duncan (Middle Passage, Neverwhere,) experience Nambi E. Kelley’s “gutsy, powerful, and relentless” adaptation of Richard Wright’s powerful introspection on race and justice like never before.

KidSeries

SKUNK AND BADGER
March 2–April 7, 2024

A world premiere based on the book by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Alan Donahue
Directed by Brian Tochterman Jr.

Badger loves nothing more than studying his rock collection in peace and quiet in his brownstone home. Or rather his Aunt Lula’s brownstone, he is reminded, when she sends her new friend Skunk to share her town home. Doesn’t she understand? Not everyone wants a skunk! But like a book and its cover, or a rock and its texture, is it wise to judge a skunk by their scent? Strap in for wild antics, new friendships, and lots of chickens in this world premiere story about stepping out of your comfort zone.

Ensemble member Alan Donahue (Bongo Larry and the Two Bad Bears, Sophie’s Masterpiece: A Spider’s Tale) teams up with director Brian Tochterman Jr. to bring you this world premiere that navigates the rocky road of two very different roommates.

PLUS