FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2006

Opening the 2006/07 season at Lantern Theater Company is Athol Fugard's classic, "Master Harold"... and the boys. A coming of age story set in 1950s South Africa, "Master Harold"... and the boys is a powerful examination of the impact of apartheid on the relationship between Hally, a young white man, and Sam, the black man who has been his lifelong friend. This searing, haunting, funny and ultimately redemptive semi-autobiographical drama from South African playwright Athol Fugard is as timely as ever, a triumph of conscience over injustice. "Master Harold"... and the boys will run from September 15 - October 8, 2006.

Celebrated Athol Fugard has written over 20 plays throughout his illustrious career. He earned the distinguished Tony® Award for his 1974-75 Broadway production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead/The Island. His semi-autobiographical "Master Harold"... and the boys (written in 1982) was awarded the Drama Desk Award, as well as both the New York and London Critics' Circle Awards. This unforgettable play tests the bonds of friendship and family and foreshadows Fugard's activism against apartheid in his nation.

"It is easy to identify with Hally, who is bright and charismatic, but is very much in danger of falling into the arrogance and brutality of the apartheid system in which he grew up. "Master Harold..." catches him at a point where his choices carry critical weight and consequence and have the power to influence his closest relationships," says Lantern's Artistic Director Charles McMahon. "The play is compelling and funny in its portrayal of friendship and family, and honest in its approach to the conflicts that often define those bonds."

The cast includes local favorites Frank X as Sam (Barrymore Award-winner) and Ahren Potratz as Hally, as well as emerging actor James Christopher Tolbert as Willie. MFA directing student at Temple University, David O'Connor, directs. "Master Harold"... and the boys is designed by a team of talented local artists: Meghan Jones (sets), Millie Hiibel (costumes), Janet Embree (lighting), and Matthew Lorenz (sound).

"Master Harold"... and the boys previews begin on Friday, September 15. Preview performances run September 15, 16, 17 and 19. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, and the show runs through Sunday, October 8, 2006. Single tickets, on sale beginning September 1, range from $15 to $30 and may be purchased by calling the Lantern Box Office at 215.829.9002 or ordered online at www.lanterntheater.org or in person at the box office at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th and Ludlow Streets 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour before curtain on performance days. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups of 20 or more.

Where:
Lantern Theater Company
At St. Stephen's Theater
10th and Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia

When:
September 15 - October 8, 2006

Reviewing Press: are invited to attend Opening Night of "Master Harold"... and the boys on Wednesday, September 20 (7pm performance).

Other Press: may arrange for tickets for the first week of production, September 15-24, 2006, by calling 215.829.9002.

Associated Events:
Lecture Series (September 11, 7pm)
Director's Discussion (September 22, 7pm)
Symposia (October 1, 4pm)

Following "Master Harold"... and the boys, the 2006/07 season continues with QED (November 10-December 3, 2006), La Ronde (February 2-25, 2007) and The Taming of the Shrew (March 30-April 29, 2007). Four-play subscriptions are available for the 2006/07 season at up to 25% off single ticket prices, with packages ranging in price from $44-$104. Single tickets for the 2006/07 season will be on sale beginning September 1, 2006 and are $15-$30, with student, senior and group rates available. New this season: weekday performances at 7pm and a special 2pm Wednesday matinee offered once per run. Events, dates and times subject to change. For tickets and information, please contact the Lantern Theater Company box office at 215.829.9002 or visit us online at www.lanterntheater.org.