2011/12 Season Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles McMahon March 1 - April 8, 2012
Romeo and Juliet is 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. Don't miss this devastating explosion of poetry, sex, and violence, brought to you by "the city's top presenter of Shakespeare's work." (TheaterMania.com) "Lantern Theater Company extends its production of Romeo and Juliet through April 8, giving audiences the opportunity to see Shakespeare at its best in Philadelphia with an impressive play that is new yet faithful to the original and features a talented cast of actors." –WHYY Newsworks "The Lantern version of Romeo and Juliet is really hot." –Philadelphia Inquirer "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." –Broad Street Review "Stunning! It's hard to imagine that even the Bard himself would not be in awe of Lantern Theater Company's current offering. The theater's refreshingly genuine take on a well-known classic, coupled with impeccable production talent, meets and in certain cases exceeds the lofty expectations audiences have come to expect from Lantern. Any lover of the arts is urged not to overlook this enthralling production." –STAGE Magazine "You may ask, 'Do we need yet another production of Romeo and Juliet?' The answer is yes we do. This is the Lantern. Next question?" –CurtainUp "Raunchy and slapstick, crushing and unsettling... Daringly original – if only because it actually sticks to the original play. Director Charles McMahon purposefully avoids the modern inclination to update and reinvent Shakespeare's text by digging more deeply into the poetry of the play itself." –Uwishunu "Thoroughly entertaining! Breathes new life into the age-old tale of the star-crossed lovers... While every actor in this production was phenomenal and infinitely engrossing to watch, much of the credit for the uniqueness of the performance belongs to Sean Lally and his brilliant take on the eponymous hero, Romeo." –CultureMob "An invigorating production. It's great when a play you think you know by heart seems brand new." –Talkin' Broadway
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.
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