Lifeline Theatre today announced the cast and crew of the World Premiere production of Kimberly Dixon-Mays’ RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS, directed by Christopher Wayland and running September 14 - October 5, 2025 (previews September 5 - 13) on the Rogers Park theatre’s stage at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets ($25 - $45) are now available at www.lifelinetheatre.com.
Top Row L-R: LaKecia Harris, Simmery Branch
Bottom Row L-R: Felisha McNeal, Marcus D. Moore
In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings–opposites and estranged–take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.
Lifeline Theatre invests in new and diverse voices with its BIPOC Developmental Workshop program. Each year, playwrights are selected to participate in a process-oriented, writer-focused developmental experience including feedback sessions, regular readings of new or rewritten material with Lifeline ensemble members and playwright-invited artists, administrative and casting support, and a final reading for an public audience, with the support of an assigned director and dramaturg, to help them further develop adaptations of books or other literary works into a stage production. As a 2024 winner, Kimberly Dixon-Mays’ RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS, inspired by A.A. Milne’s “Cherry Stones” and “Br’er Rabbit” stories following African-American, African, and Caribbean oral tradition, becomes the first production to be staged through Lifeline’s program. Applications for Lifeline’s 2026 BIPOC Developmental Workshop open September 15, 2025. Apply at www.lifelinetheatre.com.
The production features LaKecia Harris (Ash), Simmery Branch (Harley), Marcus D. Moore (Teddy), and Felisha McNeal (Inola).
The production team includes Maryha Paige (Stage Manager), Shokie Tseumah (Scenic and Props Designer), Joseph Nelson (Lighting and Projections Designer), Emily McConnell (Costume Designer), and Isaac Mandel (Sound Designer).
FACT SHEET:
RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS
Title: RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS
Written By: Kimberly Dixon-Mays
Directed By: Christopher Wayland
Cast: LaKecia Harris (Ash), Simmery Branch (Harley), Marcus D. Moore (Teddy), and Felisha McNeal (Inola)
Production Crew: Maryha Paige (Stage Manager), Shokie Tseumah (Scenic and Props Designer), Joseph Nelson (Lighting and Projections Designer), Emily McConnell (Costume Designer), and Isaac Mandel (Sound Designer)
Dates: September 14 - October 5, 2025 (Previews September 5 - 13)
Press Opening: Sunday September 14, 2025
Schedule: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Run Time: 75 minutes
Location: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
Tickets: General Admission: $45; Previews $30
Military, student, and senior discounts available
Box Office: info@lifelinetheatre.com or by phone at 773-761-4477
ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE
Now in its 43rd season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.
Lifeline Theatre’s MainStage programs are partially supported by the Carole Oppenheim and Jerome S. Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Anonymous; Paul M. Angell Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Saints; and the annual support of businesses and individuals. https://lifelinetheatre.com/