FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2012

In response to demand from both the public and local high schools, Lantern Theater Company announces a one-week extension for Romeo and Juliet. Heralded as a "solid, moving production" by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Toby Zinman and "stunning" and "refreshingly genuine" by STAGE Magazine, Romeo and Juliet will now run through April 8. The following public performances have been added:

Wednesday, Apr. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Thursday, Apr. 5 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Apr. 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Apr. 7 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Apr. 8 at 2 p.m.

"The city's top presenter of Shakespeare's work" (TheaterMania.com) presents a play beloved all over the world for the tragic romance of its star-crossed lovers. But it is the story, too, of an enduring feud between the Capulet and Montague families – a conflict grown so deadly that it throws an entire city into turmoil. The danger on the streets is palpable: armed enemies from both sides lurk around corners, while the Prince threatens death to anyone who is caught up in the clash. When Romeo and his Juliet rise above the old grudges, their love may heal the deep divisions in Verona...or bring the whole city crashing down.

"An American production in the best sense of the word: fresh, brisk and inventive, with insightful direction by Charles McMahon and an able and energetic cast. Early spring is always the best time to put on Romeo and Juliet, a play about love that, even though doomed, lights the world. This is a version to catch," says Robert Zaller in Broad Street Review.

Romeo and Juliet is running now through Apr. 8, 2012. Tickets are $28 - $36 and are available online at lanterntheater.org or by calling the Lantern Box Office at (215) 829-0395. $10 student rush tickets are available 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID; cash only. Additional discounts are available for seniors and groups of 10 or more. Lantern Theater Company is located at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Streets in Center City Philadelphia.

Theatergoers are also invited to peruse Love and Loss: Reflections on Romeo and Juliet, an art exhibit downstairs in the Lantern Lab at St. Stephen's Theater. Hosted in partnership with the Da Vinci Art Alliance and open through April 8, this visual arts exhibition features works in diverse mediums that are inspired by the Lantern's production of Romeo and Juliet and the theme of love and loss. Exhibiting artists include Emina Beho, June Blumberg, Alden Cole, Lilliana Didovic, Michael DiPrinzio, David Foss, Ona Kalstein, Morris Klein, Patrice LeJeunesse, Deanna McLaughlin, Bill Myers, Jean Plough, Susan Richards, Rex Sexton, Cindy Silvert, Bonnie Shanas, Mina Smith-Segal, Francine Strauss, and Ted Warchal. The gallery is open one hour before show time and during intermission. Admission is free.

Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Charles McMahon

Now through April 8, 2012

Cast (in alphabetical order)
Jake Blouch as Tybalt/Paris/Peter
Charlie DelMarcelle as Mercutio/Prince
K.O. DelMarcelle as Lady Capulet
Nicole Erb as Juliet
Leonard C. Haas as Capulet/Apothecary
Sean Lally as Romeo
Kevin Meehan as Benvolio/Friar John/Balthasar
Ceal Phelan as Nurse/Montague
Frank X as Friar Laurence/Chorus

Production Team
Meghan Jones, Production Manager & Scenic Designer
Rebecca Smith, Stage Manager
Mary Folino, Costume Designer
Shelley Hicklin, Lighting Designer
Daniel Perelstein, Composer & Sound Designer
J. Alex Cordaro, Fight Director

2011/12 Season
Lantern Theater Company will conclude its 2011/12 season with The Island, written by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona, and directed by Peter DeLaurier (May 17 - June 10, 2012). The company's upcoming 2012/13 season will be announced later this week.

Lantern Theater Company thanks its 2011/12 season corporate partners at Marathon and its community partners at St. Stephen's Church.