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THE REAL THING
By Tom Stoppard Directed by Peter DeLaurier
September 4 – October 5, 2025
How do you know when it's the real thing or a tragic romance? When Tom Stoppard writes a play about a playwright falling in love, you can be sure that comedy and drama will get married – or at least have a serious fling. The Real Thing is Stoppard's masterful exploration of the human heart, at war with itself and the beloved.
![]() ![]() KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Performance Venue
The Real Thing will be performed at St. Stephen's Theater, which is conveniently located at 923 Ludlow Street in Center City Philadelphia. Directions & parking»
Running Time
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one brief intermission (subject to change during previews)
Accessibility
We regret that access to both the performance space and restrooms at St. Stephen's Theater requires navigating a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, no elevator service is available. We are able to accommodate patrons with early seating or other special needs. When you arrive at the theater, please let the house manager on duty know how we may assist you.
![]() ![]() THE REAL THING on THE LANTERN SEARCHLIGHT BLOG
Written by Lantern Resident Dramaturg Meghan Winch, these articles are hosted on Medium and will load in a new browser tab. No sign-in required!
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The Cast
Trevor William Fayle as Billy
J Hernandez as Henry
Adam Howard as Max/Brodie
Campbell O'Hare as Annie
Cheyenne Parks as Debbie
Brett Ashley Robinson as Charlotte
The Creative Team
Peter DeLaurier, Director
James F. Pyne, Jr., Scenic Designer
Kelly Myers, Costume Designer
Lily Fossner, Lighting Designer
Christopher Colucci, Sound Designer
Lyndsey Connelly, Stage Manager
Talia Speak, Assistant Director
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Header Photo: Lawrence Stallings in the world premiere of Me and the Devil (2021); Anthony Lawton and Dave Johnson in Travesties (2022); Melissa Rakiro and Joanna Liao in Twelfth Night (2023); and Paul L. Nolan, Sally Mercer, and Charles McMahon in Copenhagen (2018). Photos by Mark Garvin.
Lantern Theater Company acknowledges that it is situated on Lenapehoking, the ancestral and spiritual homeland of the Unami Lenape, and we pay respect to them as this region's original storytellers. ©2025 Lantern Theater Company Privacy Policy |