Measure For Measure in Philly

[ABitOnTheSide]

I just wanted to post that the Lantern Theatre in Philadelphia is performing a thrilling production of Shakespeare's rarely performed, yet eerily prescient and timely Measure For Measure. If you're in Philly, go and enjoy this thought provoking comedy. The show runs til April 21. www.lanterntheater.org

[DoTheDood]

I keep seeing advertisements for this, but I'm not super familiar with Shakespeare so I'm really on the fence. Anything to know, or is it best going in blind?

Also how is the student rush if anyone knows for the Lantern?

[ABitOnTheSide]

I went with a friend who knew nothing about the play and she was thoroughly compelled by this easily accessible production. As far as student rush, that I don't know. Check their website.

[AC126748]

Lantern has $15 student tickets that can be purchased in advance and $10 day-of-show rush. Aside from opening nights, performances in Philly rarely ever sell out, so you should have no trouble snagging a ticket if you want to see it.

I went last week and wasn't so hot on the production overall, which I found too episodic, with lots of clashing design and acting styles that didn't always fit well together. Surprisingly, given the OP's comment about finding the staging accessible, my companion (who had never seen or read the play) had a lot of trouble keeping all the action straight.

It was interesting to see Ben Dibble, who projects such natural affability, cast as Angelo, and I found the contrast between his charming exterior and the character's malicious actions quite successful. But I thought Claire Inie-Richards was a bit one-note as Isabella, and some of the supporting performances (especially Jered McLenigan) were overly broad.

I've seen a lot at Lantern and generally find them pretty hit-or-miss. This production was better than the dull Betrayal they just did but not as good as last season's excellent Tempest.