Lifeline Theatre presents Middle Passage directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan February 24 – April 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Middle Passage, co-adapted by Duncan and David Barr III, revisits Dr. Charles Johnson’s epic tale, originally mounted at Pegasus Theatre in 2016 under the title Rutherford’s Travels. The play shares a tale of personal growth within a dark phase of American history.
The press opening for Middle Passage is Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb. 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 15 and 22 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb.16 at 4 p.m.).Regular performance times (February 27 – April 5) 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 $45 for regular single tickets, $20 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $35 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $25 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. The production runs approximately 2 hours with an intermission. The novel will be on sale in the lobby.
Accessible Performances: The Sunday, March 1, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, February 29, 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 our Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.
In Middle Passage, Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed Illinois slave eking out a living in 1830 New Orleans, stows away aboard The Republic, an outbound rigger, to evade debtors enforcing marriage. But his clever escape backfires as the clipper turns out to be a slave ship bound for Africa. Calhoun must choose between a fanatical captain, a mutinous crew, and the Africans seeking escape. Building on a tradition of African American storytelling, this tale challenges perceptions of American identity using a Black aesthetic. We are at a critical historical moment in which issues such as racism, classism, poverty, and the meaning of freedom impact us all.
The complete cast and production team for Middle Passage includes:
CAST:
Lifeline ensemble members Patrick Blashill (Captain Falcon/Ensemble), Andrés Enriquez (Peter Cringle/Ensemble), Christopher Hainsworth (Josiah Squibb/Ensemble); with guest artists Shelby Lynn Bias (Isadora/Ensemble), Hunter Bryant (Jackson/Ensemble), Demetra Dee (Baleka/Ensemble), LaQuin Groves (Santos/Ensemble), Robert Hines III (Papa Zerinque/Ensemble), Michael Morrow (Rutherford Calhoun), Jill Oliver (Tom/Ensemble), & David Stobbe (McGaffin/Ensemble); with understudies Andrew Bosworth, Carter Caldwell, Whitney Dottery, Gregory J. Fields, Shole Milos & Noah Thomas.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Lifeline ensemble members Alan Donahue (Scenic Designer), Ilesa Duncan (Director/Co-adaptor), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg); with guest artists David Barr III (Co-adaptor), Barry Bennett (Sound Designer), Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), Kyle Bricker (Asst. Stage Manager), Simean Carpenter (Lighting Designer), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Anna Wooden (Costume Designer), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), R&D Choreography (Violence Designers), Nicole Clark Springer (Choreographer), & Shawn Wallace (Composer/Music Director).
Lifeline Theatre presents Middle Passage running February 14 – April 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb.14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 15 and 22 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.). Regular performance times (February 27 – April 5) 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 $45 for regular single tickets, $20 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $35 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $25 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.
Now in its 37th season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.
Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by A.R.T League Inc.; Beni E. Sherman & Sons, Inc.; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; CNA Foundation; Cornerstone Investment Group, Inc.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; FGMK LLC; FlexPrint, Inc.; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; HBRA Architects; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; J.B. Alberto’s; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Rogers Park Builders Group; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; Schuler Shook Theatre Planners; Th Manufacturing, Inc.; The Common Cup; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Steele Foundation; William Blair & Company; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.