REVIEW: Lifeline Theatre's A Wrinkle in Time Now Playing Through October 18, 2026

  Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar:

A Stellar Celebration of The Neurodivergent

Lifeline Theatre Presents 

A WRINKLE IN TIME 

based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle

Recommended for ages 7+

Pictured: Sam Hook, Rohan Link-Francisco, Manali Sunkara, Victoria Cruz, Amanda Link, Jordan Gleaves, Cami Stuckert

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Sometimes cosmic things happen in small spaces. Last night we entered Lifeline Theatre's space to see a stark stage with a shimmering curtain, a large half arch, and a raised platform with overlapping circles. In the row in front of us a little girl with a huge grin bounced in her seat next to a bouquet of flowers, her excitement palpable. I asked if she knew someone in the cast and she replied "My mom and my brother!" The child happily told us she got to voice a puppet in the 2nd act, too! She had every reason to be proud. Amanda Link and Rohan Link-Francisco put on an incredible performance, as did the entire cast. Rohan, who plays Charles Wallace, was a particular standout.

Pictured: Sam Hook, Amanda Link, Rohan Link-Francisco, Manali Sunkara

Photo Credit for all: Josh Bernaski

Manali Sunkara (Meg), Sam Hook (Calvin) also put on a stellar performance. We adored Amanda Link (Whatsit), Cami Stuckert (Who), Jordan Gleaves (Which), who beautifully embodied Madeleine L’Engle's benevolent aliens.

This adaptation is delightfully nerdy and a stellar celebration of the neurodivergent. It's full of harrowing, off world sci-fi adventures, and seemless quotes from Earth's best and brightest. It's also a great reminder that our differences make us better, and that creativity, kindness, intelligence should be celebrated. 

It's a lovely example of bravery in the face of bullying and evil. We live in a time when mass surveillance, ICE agents, AI, and attacks on DEI, education, and science itself bring us ever closer to becoming like the dark planet Camazotz, with conformity violently enforced by an evil overlord "IT". A Wrinkle in Time was written in 1962, won the 1963 Newbery Medal, and is a frequently challenged book that still faces book bans in various schools and libraries. The intervening decades have just increased the need for L’Engle's message. We loved Lifeline Theatre's all too timely adaptation. Don't miss this! 

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar: Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. 

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle was a top favorite of mine as a child and the concept of shortcut time travel from point A to B, like bending a string, was a mind-blowing delight. I eagerly devoured the whole series! Lifeline's adaptation is an excellent representation of the book. They use body language and simple lighting techniques like strobe lights and blackouts to suggest time travel, and keep the focus on excellent storytelling, rather than special effects. 

Why Is This Book Banned?: Some have made false accusations of anti-Christianity or encouraging witchcraft for the use of crystal balls, and "New Age" themes in the world building. Jesus is also mentioned in conjunction with historical figures like Gandhi, Buddha, and Einstein as fighters against darkness, which some find objectionable as he's not elevated over the others.

Why Lifeline's Age 7+ Recommendation? Thematic Elements: The story deals with high stakes, a missing father, and a dark, menacing cosmic force ("IT"), which may feel a bit intense or scary for very young children. Staging: The production features imaginative space-age lighting, special effects, and stylized puppetry designed to bring the multidimensional journey to life safely and engagingly for elementary school-aged kids and older.

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Fabulous, family friendly fun. Though this season opener is a Lifeline Mainstage, not KidSeries production, it's a great opportunity for creating multigenerational theatre memories, and sparking interesting discussions. We find it a fantastic production, with a multicultural cast, and excellent messaging.  

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and empty nester. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

A Wrinkle in Time

Based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle 

Adapted by ensemble member James Sie

Directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Lifeline Theatre's season opening production, A Wrinkle in Time, is based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by ensemble member James Sie, directed by ensemble member Heather Currie, running September 11 – October 18, 2026 (previews September 11, 12, 13) at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Ever since her father vanished under mysterious circumstances, Meg Murray’s life has been spiraling out of control. But one dark and stormy night, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which appear with a promise to help rescue him from the monstrous darkness that threatens the universe. Join Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, their pal Calvin, and a host of extraterrestrial friends and foes as they journey into the heart of a terrible evil in the hope of reuniting a fragmented family.

"This story seems to me more relevant than ever. In a moment when anger, outrage, and fear have become the dominant voices; when differences are to be reviled, not celebrated; when conformity has become mandated both by government and social media forces and AI cuts off human connection entirely; during this moment it’s so vitally important for each of us to become individual stars piercing the darkness, and to do it with love," said adaptor James Sie.

"This book was formative for me. It has always been a safe place that encouraged me to be myself and know that there was love all around me. What a privilege to get to explore this story on stage!" said director Heather Currie.

The production features Manali Sunkara (Meg), Rohan Link Francisco (Charles Wallace), Sam Hook (Calvin), Amanda Link (Whatsit), Cami Stuckert (Who), Jordan Gleaves (Which), Victoria Cruz (Mother), Brian Tochterman (Father). Understudies are Leslie Huang, Diego Rivera-Rodriguez, Havalah Grace, Hillary P. Barry, and Justin P. Banks. 

The production team includes Heather Currie (Director), James Sie (Adaptor), Lindsay Mummert (Scenic Designer), Sam Lancaster (Props Designer), Sarah Riffle (Lighting Designer), Jazmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Joe Griffin (Sound Designer), Saskia Bakker (Puppet Designer), Felicia Niebel (Choreographer), Devin Meseke (Production Manager), Bec Dose (Stage Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director) and Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor). 

Click here for tickets and more information at Lifeline Theatre's main site: A WRINKLE IN TIME

About Lifeline Theatre

Lifeline Theatre explores, interprets, and reimagines books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives.

Founded in 1982, Lifeline is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since. For more than four decades and over two hundred productions, Lifeline Theatre has made an indelible mark on the Chicago theater scene and an invaluable contribution to the theater world at large. Lifeline’s dedicated artistic ensemble has developed more than one hundred and forty world premiere literary adaptations and original plays, many of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with productions across the United States, Canada, and abroad. Several scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to national tours, and more than a dozen have been published. Lifeline Theatre has garnered dozens of Jeff Awards, including numerous awards for New Adaptation, New Musical, or New Work.

Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline is accessible by CTA - Red Line Morse stop/buses. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Polk Brothers Foundation; S&C Electric Company Fund; McMaster-Carr Supply Company; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Two Shows Only at Lyric Opera: Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film April 10 and 11th, 2026

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film

 

Lyric Opera House Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. 

The running time for this performance is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including one intermission.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film, featuring the full-length film projected on a massive screen above the stage while the award-winning musical score by composers Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman is performed live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther.

Released in 1964, Disney’s Mary Poppins received thirteen Academy Award nominations and won five Oscars, including Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and Original Score by Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. The film stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and remains one of the most celebrated musical films in cinema history.

A magical English nanny, Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), flies out of the breezy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children and the hearts of their family. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday.” Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with the whole family.

Audiences will hear the Sherman Brothers’ complete score performed live in sync with the film, including beloved songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

American conductor Anthony Parnther is widely recognized as one of today’s leading conductors of film and concert music. Parnther is in his sixth season as Music Director of California’s San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and serves as conductor of the Gateways Festival Orchestra, which made its sold-out Carnegie Hall debut under his leadership. A specialist in film music, he has led recording sessions for major motion pictures and television series including Oppenheimer (Academy Award–winning), Encanto (Grammy Award–winning), The Mandalorian (Emmy Award–winning), Avatar: The Way of Water, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and has appeared with leading orchestras worldwide.

This presentation marks the second Movie Nights at Lyric title of the 2025/26 Season, following Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film, which was presented last fall.

Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film will be performed at the Lyric Opera House on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The Friday evening showing will feature American Sign Language interpretation and SoundShirt accessibility services.

Tickets start at $39. For tickets and more information, visit lyricopera.org/MaryPoppins. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, United Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

United Airlines

Illinois Arts Council

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion For more information on Lyric's upcoming 2024/25 Season, visit lyricopera.org/newseason.