FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2006

Lantern Theater Company concludes its 2005/06 season with a run of William Shakespeare's Richard III from March 24-April 30, 2006. This play, not seen on a professional Philadelphia stage for nearly a decade, will feature local favorite Pete Pryor in the title role. Lantern Theater Company Artistic Director Charles McMahon directs.

Victorious in the Wars of the Roses, the House of York wins the throne of England. But peace doesn't suit Richard of Gloucester, brother to the new king, and only a few poor innocent souls stand between him and the crown. What's a war-mongering tyrant to do? One of history's most gleeful villains, Richard III's relentless rise to power is full of intrigue, deception, seduction and betrayal.

"Not only is Richard one of the most dynamic characters of all time," says Charles McMahon, "but, this play uncovers the bitter consequences of man's pursuit of power, which is always timely."

"Richard makes things happen; he is the catalyst and the architect of the action," says Pete Pryor. "To play one of Shakespeare's toughest roles is an incredible opportunity." Pryor is the Co-Founder of 1812 Productions and he has worked with Arden Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, People's Light & Theatre Company and 1812 Productions, among others. He has been nominated for eight Barrymore Awards, winning the 1995 Supporting Actor in a Play award for his work in the Wilma's production of Road.

Charles McMahon, directs the all-star cast of Richard III, which includes locals Patrick Doran (Rivers, Richmond, Ensemble), Kate Hurster (Lady Anne, Ensemble), Dave Jadico (Murderer, Ensemble), John Lopes (Hastings, Mayor, Ensemble), Sally Mercer (Queen Elizabeth, Ensemble), Jane Moore (Queen Margaret, Ensemble), Paul Nolan (Buckingham, Ensemble), Peter Pryor (Richard III) and Lindsay Smiling (Clarence, Ensemble). Having directed over a dozen plays for Lantern Theater Company, McMahon's Shakespeare credits include Much Ado About Nothing, The Comedy of Errors (Barrymore Nomination for Best Director, named Best Director by The Philadelphia Inquirer), The Tempest, King Lear and A Doll's House.

The creative team for Richard III also includes: Nick Embree (Scenic Design), Janet Embree (Lighting Design), Millie Hiibel (Costume Design) and Nick Rye (Sound Design, previous Barrymore nomination for his work on The Tempest at Lantern Theater Company).

Richard III is supported in part by the Suzanne Roberts Cultural Development Fund, the Charlotte Cushman Foundation, and the Hassel Foundation.

Performances of Richard III begin on Friday, March 24, 2006 and run through Sunday, April 30, 2006 at St. Stephen's Theater, located at 10th and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. Tickets range in price from $14-$28 and are available now by visiting or calling the box office at 215.829.9002, or online at www.lanterntheater.org.