Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents the World Premiere of Leaf March 16 Through April 20, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List 

Lifeline Theatre Presents the 

World Premiere of Leaf

Based on Sandra Dieckmann’s Debut Picture Book

The production runs approximately 50 minutes with no intermission

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents the world premiere of Leaf, based on the beloved picture book by Sandra Dieckmann, March 15 to April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Adaptor and Lifeline ensemble member Amanda Link teams up with director Nathaniel Niemi to bring audiences a timely world premiere featuring a polar bear on their quest to return home and the young crow who finds it within herself to help them. Leaf centers on our interconnectedness with each other and our planet, and the importance of sharing one’s story. 

"Adults will pick up on important themes like the dangers of climate change or fearing those who are different," says Link. "For the kids, I hope to spark their sense of wonder and awaken empathy." Link and Niemi are KidSeries regulars and have appeared in numerous Lifeline hits together, including the popular Click, Clack, Moo series. Now the pair take the reins on Link’s debut adaptation. "The vivid illustrations from the book have inspired a beautiful scenic design, inventive costuming, and dynamic puppets," says Niemi. "I can't wait for the kids to see our giant polar bear!" 

I'll be out for the press opening for Leaf on March 16th at 11:00 a.m. so check back shortly after for my full review. 

Opening is Sunday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. Previews are Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Regular performance times (March 22 through April 20) are Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 

Ticket prices are $20 for regular single tickets and $15 for preview tickets, with group rates for 8 or more available upon request. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com or through the Lifeline Theatre box office, 773-761-4477. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. during the run of Leaf (following the 11:00 a.m. show, or before the 1:00 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is $10 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information. 

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES: The Sunday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, March 22, 1:00 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at noon, and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The performance on Saturday, March 29, at 1:00 p.m. will be sensory-friendly for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator John Craig at 773-761-4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Leaf includes

CAST: Jake Busse (Squirrel/Dad Crow), Amanda de la Guardia (Fox/Mom Crow), Bradley Halverson (Polar Bear/Hare), Shea Lee (Crow); with understudies Ariya Hawkins, Alexis Queen, and Michele Stine

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline ensemble member Alan Donahue (Scenic and Props Designer), ensemble member Diane Fairchild (Lighting Designer), Jessica Gowens (Costume Designer), Emily Hayman (Sound Designer), ensemble member Anthony Kayer (Producing Director), ensemble member Amanda Link (Adaptor), Caitlin McLeod (Puppet Designer), Nathaniel Niemi (Director), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor), Amber Stephenson (Lighting Assistant), and Erik Strebig (Stage Manager)

Now in its 42nd 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 KidSeries programs are partially supported by the Carol Oppenheim and Jerome S Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council; Anonymous; Goodman Theatre; Paul M Angell Foundation; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; McMaster-Carr; The Saints; Rogers Park Business Group; Rogers Park Business Alliance; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Photo credit: Josh Bernaski

LAST CALL: Don't Miss Lifeline Theatre's Midwest Premiere of Kid Prince and Pablo Now Playing Through February 16th

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List 

Lifeline Theatre Presents the Midwest Premiere of

Kid Prince and Pablo 

Based on The Prince and the Pauper

The production runs approximately 2 hours with an intermission.

Recommended for ages 13 and up

A new hip-hop adaptation of The Prince and the Pauper. This production will be a first-time collaboration with Salvadoran-American artists Brian and Marvin Quijada. 

Brian wrote and starred in Teatro Vista’s highly acclaimed 2022 world premiere musical, Somewhere Over the Border. 

Throw 'em a Lifeline...

You have 4 shots left to catch Kid Prince and Pablo. Don't miss this! 

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've adored Lifeline Theatre for decades! When my children were young, we were season subscribers to all their fabulous KidSeries Shows and I've been reviewing just about all of their adult and family friendly productions since 2010. Lifeline Theatre is truly a local gem, and they've been struggling financially since the pandemic. If you can kick in a little financial love or make it a point to see their shows this season, please do! Tickets are a reasonable $20-$45. There are just 4 performances of Jeff Recommended Kid Prince and Pablo left, so don't miss this. 

ChiIL Mama's kids, Dugan & Sage (ages 9 & 7), ChiILin' in Lifeline Theatre's lobby Big Chair 

back in 2010! My son grew up to major in Theatre Arts at Northwestern University and now works in the industry in Chicago. 

Lifeline Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of Kid Prince and Pablo, a hip-hop musical based on Mark Twain’s story The Prince and the Pauper, January 3 – February 16 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Kid Prince and Pablo, adapted by Brian Quijada with music composed by Marvin Quijada, and directed by Raquel Torre, makes its Midwest premiere after its initial run at the Kennedy Center in 2019. 

Regular performance times through February 16, are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 

In the divided Capital City, the ruling class has banned rap and dance after an attempted revolution by the People. Kid Prince is set to inherit the throne…that is, until he meets Pablo, a drummer who performs for underground rap battles. When the two hatch a plan to switch identities, mayhem and music ensue. But by standing in each other’s shoes, Kid Prince and Pablo discover connections that could start a whole new revolution. 

Photo credit: Josh Bernaski

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 an hour before showtime, subject to availability), and $25 for previews. Group rate for 8 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 Sunday, January 26, 2:30 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 1:00 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Sunday, February 2, 2:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are hearing impaired. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact our Operations Manager John Craig at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Kid Prince and Pablo includes:

CAST: Jesus Barajas (Pablo), Bryan Nicholas Carter (Clemens), Terrance Mayfield Jr. (Samuel), Shaina Toledo (Langhorne), and Joshua Zambrano (Kid Prince); with understudies Kevin Cruz, Yongwoo Park, and Sharon Pasia.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Kasey Alfonso (Choreographer), Heather Currie (Producing Director), Brenden Marble (Lighting Designer), Jasmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Harrison Ornelas (Scenic Designer/Technical Director), Brian Quijada (Adaptor), Marvin Quijada (Composer), Stefanie M. Senior (Sound Designer), Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor), Miranda Taylor (Stage Manager), Raquel Torre (Director), and Shokie Tseumah (Props Designer)

Now in its 42nd 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 Carole Oppenheim and Jerome S Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Anonymous; Goodman Theatre; 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.