FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2006

Lantern Theater Company, a growing not-for-profit professional theater with an annual budget of $500,000, was recognized today with 12 nominations for the 2006 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. With the second highest total nominations of the 42 nominated theater companies, Lantern Theater Company proves, through its innovative and intimate approach to classics and original works, that it is one of the most vital theater companies in the region. Two shows from the 2005/06 season were nominated with five awards each:

The Foocy

• Outstanding Overall Production of a Play
• Outstanding Direction of a Play (Matt Pfeiffer)
• Outstanding Set Design (Dave Jadico)
• Outstanding New Play (Anthony Lawton)
• Outstanding Ensemble in a Play

Richard III

• Outstanding Overall Production of a Play
• Outstanding Direction of a Play (Charles McMahon)
• Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play (Peter Pryor as Richard of Gloucester)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Kate Hurster as Lady Anne, Messenger, Prince Edward, Christopher, Oxford)
• Outstanding Ensemble in a Play

In addition to its production awards, Lantern Theater Company was also honored with nominations for its collaboration with the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts on the creation of "The Trial of Richard III," as well as for its education and outreach program, Illumination, which reaches underserved and economically-disadvantaged children throughout Greater Philadelphia.

Since the inception of the Barrymore Awards in 1995, Lantern Theater Company has been nominated for 40 awards, winning 8 times.

The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre are the greater Philadelphia region's comprehensive theatre awards program, produced annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. This year's award winners will be announced at the Annual Barrymore Awards Ceremony on Monday, October 23, 2006. For more information, visit the Theatre Alliance website at www.theatrealliance.org.

Lantern Theater Company is committed to an authentic and intimate exploration of the human spirit in our choice of classic, modern and original works. We create an innovative and stimulating theatrical experience that evokes thoughtful reflection and discussion long after the play ends.

The 2006/07 season at Lantern Theater Company begins on September 15, 2006 and marks the 13th in the Lantern's history. For more information, please call 215.829.9002 or visit www.lanterntheater.org.