Elmhurst native Jose Nateras to play lead role in Lifeline Theatre's 'Neverwhere'
Lifeline Theatre in Chicago will present 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 to July 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Opening night will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 4. Previews will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, May 25 and June 1; 8 p.m. Saturdays, May 26 and June 2; and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 27.
Regular performance times (June 7 to July 15) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m.
Tickets 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, performance at 4 p.m. and the Friday, July 13, performance at 7:30 p.m. will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, June 24, performance at 4 p.m. will feature a preshow 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 Erica Foster, accessibility coordinator, at (773) 761-4477, ext. 703, or access@lifelinetheatre.com.
The complete cast and production team for "Neverwhere" includes:
Guest artists LaQuin Groves (Mr. Vandemar and ensemble), Aneisa Hicks (Hunter and ensemble), Jose Nateras (Richard), Samantha Newcomb (Door), Michaela Petro (Jessica, Anaesthesia and ensemble), Michael Reyes (Islington and ensemble), John Henry Roberts (Mr. Croup and ensemble), Matthew Singleton (Marquis de Carabas and ensemble), and Dave Skvarla (Old Bailey, The Earl and ensemble). With understudies Paul Chakrin, Jennifer Cheung, Kim Fukawa, Gary Henderson, Dakota Hughes, Benjamin Ponce, and Roy Samra.
The production team includes: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Aly Renee Amidei (costume designer), Alan Donahue (scenic and properties designer), Robert Kauzlaric (adaptor), and Maren Robinson (dramaturg); with guest artists Becky Bishop (stage manager), Ilesa Duncan (director), Andrew Hansen (original music and 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), RandD Choreography (violence designers), Joe Schermoly (technical director), and Michelle Underwood (projections designer).
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.