PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE
By Bertolt Brecht
Translation by Ralph Manheim
Directed by Charles McMahon
September 5 - October 13, 2019

A shady businessman turns to politics, using gangster instincts to grab and hold power. He rapidly learns how to sway a crowd using fear and false promises. Will the people reject his appeal or succumb to his demands? In the midst of a world war, Bertolt Brecht brought forth this brilliant drama that remains an insightful parable for our time.

Mary Lee Bednarek as Dockdaisy / Betty Dullfeet / Ensemble  •  Charlie DelMarcelle as Givola / Ensemble  •  Julia Hopkins as Ensemble  •  Gregory Isaac as Butcher / Ensemble  •  Anthony Lawton as Arturo Ui  •  Jered McLenigan as Giri / Ensemble  •  David Pica as Flake / Ensemble  •  Brian Anthony Wilson as Roma / Ensemble  •  Frank X as Dogsborough / Ensemble

Nick Embree, Scenic Designer  •  Natalia de la Torre, Costume Designer  •  Drew Billiau, Lighting Designer  •  Christopher Colucci, Sound Designer  •  Rebecca Smith, AEA Stage Manager  •  David Bardeen, Assistant Director

The Philadelphia Tribune talks with actor Frank X: "Being in a great play and being part of something bigger than yourself doesn't happen every day. But when it does it's marvelous." more

"Brecht's 1941 parody feels very 2019." –The Philadelphia Inquirer  more

"A gripping piece of drama filled with strong speeches, but also generously sprinkled with dark humor. The translation Lantern used is by Ralph Manheim, widely considered one of the best German-into-English translators of the 20th century... The English text is, by turns, sparkling, lyrical, muscular, persuasive and alarming. Arturo Ui is quite a challenging work, but the Lantern team met the challenge with overwhelming success." –Philadelphia Free Press

"Lantern's production of The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui is quick, masterful, and would make Brecht proud." –Phindie  more