By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Kathryn MacMillan
September 8 - October 16, 2016

Philadelphia stage legend Mary Martello plays the title role in George Bernard Shaw's scathing comedy about social hypocrisy and the excesses of capitalism. Mrs. Kitty Warren worked her way out of the London slums and now lives abroad, having provided her daughter Vivie with the education and means to grow into a smart, independent young woman of strong convictions. When Mrs. Warren returns, mother and daughter discover that neither is the woman they thought they knew.

David Bardeen as Mr. Praed  •  Andrew Criss as Sir George Crofts  •  Daniel Fredrick as Frank Gardner  •  Claire Inie-Richards as Vivie Warren  •  John Lopes as Reverend Samuel Gardner  •  Mary Martello as Mrs. Kitty Warren

Dirk Durossette, Scenic Designer  •  Janus Stefanowicz, Costume Designer  •  Peter Escalada-Mastick, Lighting Designer  •  Christopher Colucci, Sound Designer  •  Flora Vassar, Props Master  •  Meghan Winch, Dramaturg  •  Rebecca Smith, Stage Manager  •  Charlotte Northeast, Assistant Director  •  Meghan Jones, Production Manager

Lantern's 'Mrs. Warren': Victorian play, today's issues: The Philadelphia Inquirer explores the timeliness of Shaw's play.  more

"I'm in love with Mary Martello. Why pretend otherwise? I mean, who wouldn't be? As an actress, Martello is an irresistible combination of effervescence and grounded-ness, abounding in good humor and common sense, alluring yet practical. And, like Shakespeare's Cleopatra, with the years she only grows better – more interesting, funnier, sexier. Mrs. Warren's Profession is a play done too rarely, and Lantern's highly enjoyable and gripping version should be seen. (A word to the wise: buy your tickets soon – it's already a near-sellout.) –Philadelphia Magazine

"Shaw ably weaved his sociopolitical ideas into the tapestry of finely wrought, endlessly interesting dramatic situations. This is on perfect display in Lantern Theater Company's excellent production. It crackles with kinetic energy from the first moments onward, and still feels unabashedly contemporary. Mrs. Warren's Profession has not been seen in Philadelphia for over twenty-five years, and we should be glad that it's back. It feels as contemporary as if it were written yesterday." –Talkin' Broadway

"Director Kathryn MacMillan's production [of Mrs. Warren's Profession] is positively lively and dynamic. And it hasn't lost its power to astonish." –DC Metro Theater Arts

"Rousingly intelligent entertainment and smartly done comedy. In a Philadelphia theater season with an auspicious beginning, this production of Mrs. Warren's Profession might be the most auspicious of all." –Phindie

"I would definitely recommend heading down to the Lantern Theatre and taking in this excellent production!" –PA Theatre Guide

"George Bernard Shaw's advocacy for women's rights and economic concerns merged in many of his plays, but in none so effectively as his notorious 1893 drama Mrs. Warren's Profession, which receives a spirited revival by Lantern Theater Company. Director Kathryn MacMillan's snappy production delivers Shaw's comedy without exaggeration and recognizes the drama in the characters's spirited negotiations. Martello's performance rules the play. Her Mrs. Warren is appropriately charming, commanding, and conniving." –Broad Street Review