FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2005

Families attending The Foocy at Lantern Theater Company on New Years Eve are in store for a special holiday event. The Russian world and the production elements of The Foocy provide the central themes and activities for Midnight in Vrinsk, a family-friendly New Years Eve celebration at the Lantern, taking place from 4 - 6pm (between the two 2pm and 8pm performances) on December 31, 2005.

A wickedly hilarious folktale, The Foocy tells the story of a malodorous witch who roams the Russian countryside with her hideous golem, wreaking havoc wherever she goes. Surprises are in store when she reaches the small village of Vrinsk, fifty years after her last visit. Perfect for the holidays, children and adults alike will delight in The Foocy and its imaginative staging of puppets, masks and music. The Foocy is recommended for children ages seven and up.

Midnight in Vrinsk will feature mask-making activities for children, Russian folk music, baked goods and sbiten, Russia's national winter beverage made from spices, herbs, honey and sugar. The event culminates in a countdown to the New Year, Vrinsk time (approximately 5:00pm). This event is offered free of charge to ticket holders.

The New Years Eve performances of The Foocy will be held at 2pm and 8pm at St. Stephen's Theater, located at 10th and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. Tickets range in price from $17-$28 and are available now by visiting or calling the box office at 215.829.9002, or online at www.lanterntheater.org.