One of my favorite theater companies is also one of the best at putting on what we used to call “Children’s Theater.” I was hooked almost 10 years ago with my first: The Emperor’s New Threads: A Fashion Statement. Sure, the “KidSeries” is great for the younger ones, but great theater is great theater. And you simply cannot fool children in the theater — if they are bored, they’ll let you know — loudly. So if they sit still, rapt, imagine how grownups will feel.
Next up for Lifeline’s KidSeries is the new musical Extra Yarn, based on Mac Barnet‘s same-titled book, illustrated by Jon Klassen, Adapted by Jessica Wright Buha and John Szymanski, with music by Mr. Szymanski, and directed by Anthony Kayer, Extra Yarn runs February 18–March 11 at Lifeline Theatre.
While her parents work tirelessly at the local factory, Annabelle discovers a small wooden box in the snow filled with yarn that seemingly never ends. Armed with her love of friends and family, and her grandmother’s knitting needles, she effortlessly knits sweaters for the whole town. But the Archduke isn’t too pleased and will stop at nothing to get that never-ending yarn for himself. Bundle up with the discovery of family, friendship, and fighting for what’s right in this world premiere musical by the team that brought you We Found a Hat.
The cast includes Calvin Adams (Archduke/Pa), Amanda de la Guardia (Ma/Nate), Bradley Halverson (Mars/Mr. Gloom), and Shea Lee (Annabelle). The production team includes Noah Ginex (Puppet Designer), Jessica Gowens (Costume Designer), Adrian Griffey (Stage Manager), Ricky Harris (Music Director), Emily Hayman (Sound Designer), Becca Jeffords (Lighting Designer), Joe Johnson (Scenic Designer), Paige Keedy (Production Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), Sam Paulson (Properties Designer), & John Szymanksi (Co-adaptor/Composer).
photo by Suzanne Plunkett
Extra Yarn
presented by Lifeline Theatre KidSeries
Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
previews Feb. 18 at 11am and 1pm | Feb. 19 at 11am
regular performances beginning Feb. 25: Sat & Sun at 11am & 1pm
run time one hour
ends on March 11, 2023
for tickets, call 773.761.4477 or visit Lifeline
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago
Plus, every Saturday and Sunday at 12pm during the run, come for Stories Come Alive! Hour, during which children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $10 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required.
Accessible Performances: Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 9:30 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. And there will be an added sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, March 11 at 11 a.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities.
