Lantern Theater Co Presents In Conversation Series: Exploring MIDSUMMER

Lantern Theater Company will present a special series of programming, with events and scholars' conversations, in conjunction with A Midsummer Night's Dream. The audience enrichment series, Lantern Theater Company: In Conversation, offers an insider's look at the Lantern's production and celebrates Shakespeare's most exuberant and effervescent comedy. Midsummer runs March 10 -April 17, with In Conversation events beginning March 18.

Lantern Theater Company, "the city's most consistent producer of the Bard's work," (Philadelphia Weekly), brings together audiences, scholars, and artists for fun and insightful conversations. Midsummer's Magic: Commedia, Sex, and the Supernatural (March 21, 28 & April 4) will feature guest scholars along with Midsummer cast members and director Charles McMahon.

Envisioning A Midsummer Night's Dream (March 26-April 10), hosted in partnership with the Da Vinci Art Alliance, is an awards exhibition featuring artwork inspired by the Lantern's production. Other events include pre-curtain cocktails at Marathon and pre- and post-show discussions. [A full schedule of programs and admission info follows below.]

About A Midsummer Night's Dream
Thursday, March 10 - Sunday, April 17

The Lantern continues its 2010/11 season with A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Artistic Director Charles McMahon directs a cast of accomplished comedic actors who bring a distinct physical style to this fast-moving comedy. The four lovers are played by Charlotte Ford (Hermia/Moth), David Sweeny (Lysander/Snug), Lee Ann Etzold (Helena/Peaseblossom), and Bradley K. Wrenn (Demetrius/Starveling) - all known for their performances throughout the Philadelphia region, as well as their experimental and physical theater work. The production also stars Charlie DelMarcelle (Oberon/Theseus), Joanna Liao (Titania/Hippolyta), Dave Johnson (Puck/Philostrate), Benjamin Lloyd (Bottom), David Blatt (Quince/Egeus), Mark Cairns (Snout/Mustardseed), and Mike Dees (Flute/Cobweb).

In Conversation Events
Friday, March 18 - Sunday, April 17, 2011

Where: Lantern Theater Company (unless otherwise noted)
At St. Stephen's Theater
10th & Ludlow Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Admission: Individual admission for the scholars series Midsummer's Magic: Commedia, Sex, and the Supernatural
is $10 per session ($8 for subscribers and students) or $25 for an All-Access Scholars Pass ($20 for subscribers and students). All other events are free for ticketholders. Performance tickets are $20-$36 for Adults and $10-$26 for Students. $10 student rush tickets are available 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID; cash only

Tickets: (215) 829-0395 or www.lanterntheater.org

Friday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.
Directors: In Conversation - This moderated Q&A with director Charles McMahon gives a first-hand look into the design and rehearsal process for the production.
FREE for all ticket holders.

Sunday, March 20, immediately following 2:00 p.m. performance
Artists: In Conversation - This post-show discussion offers a unique opportunity to talk with the creative artists involved with the production and to hear behind-the-scenes stories.
FREE for all ticket holders.

Friday, March 21, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Scholars: In Conversation
Commedia - Scholars and Midsummer artists discuss the influence of this madcap comic genre on Shakespeare and the Lantern. With panelists Dr. Darlene Farabee (University of South Dakota), Charles McMahon (director, Midsummer), and Lee Ann Etzold (Helena, Midsummer).
$10 ($8 for subscribers and students)

Friday, March 25, 6:00 p.m.
Pre-Curtain Cocktails - Audiences can mingle with Lantern staff, artists, and fellow theatergoers over happy hour specials and light fare at Marathon.
Location: Marathon (10th & Walnut Streets)
FREE to attend; happy hour specials.

Saturday, March 26 - Sunday, April 10, Daily
Envisioning A Midsummer Night's Dream Exhibition - Exhibiting artists will be announced shortly. Hosted in partnership with the Da Vinci Art Alliance, this awards exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the Lantern's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
FREE to attend; artwork available for purchase.

Saturday, March 26, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Envisioning A Midsummer Night's Dream Panel Discussion, Curator's Tour, and Awards Reception
Discussion moderated by Dr. Debra Miller (President, Da Vinci Art Alliance) with Charles McMahon (Director, A Midsummer Night's Dream), Dave Johnson (Puck/Philostrate, A Midsummer Night's Dream), Ginger Dayle (Artistic Director, New City Stage Company), and Bud Boehringer (artist and retired art teacher). Awards Judges: Charles McMahon and David Blatt (Quince/Egeus, A Midsummer Night's Dream).
FREE to attend; artwork available for purchase.

Monday, March 28, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Scholars: In Conversation
Sex - Love and power, attraction, possession - scholars and Midsummer artists will explore the fiery relationships at the play's heart. With panelists Dr. Lois Potter (University of Delaware), Joanna Liao (Titania/Hippolyta, Midsummer), and Charlie DelMarcelle (Oberon/Theseus, Midsummer).
$10 ($8 for subscribers and students)

Friday, April 1, 7:00 p.m.
Artistic Director: In Conversation - Charles McMahon, Artistic Director, and KC MacMillan, Associate Artistic Director, talk with audience members about what - and who - makes the Lantern distinctive.
FREE for all ticket holders.

Monday, April 4, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Scholars In Conversation: Supernatural - Scholars and Midsummer artists discuss how the mayhem of magic drives the Lantern's production. With panelists John-Paul Spiro (Villanova University), Benjamin Lloyd (Bottom, Midsummer), and Dave Johnson (Puck, Midsummer).
$10 ($8 for subscribers and students)

Lantern Theater Company thanks its 2010/11 season corporate partners at Marathon Grill, La Fourno Ristorante Trattoria, and Dunkin' Donuts, and its community partners at St. Stephen's Church.

Don't Miss a Philadelphia News Story Sign up for all the news on the Fall season, discounts & more...