Romeo and Juliet’s torches burn bright at Lantern Theater Company

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.

The youthful and vibrant Sean Lally and Nicole Erb play the title roles, deftly portraying teenage angst.  Lally delivers a genuine performance of an awkward teenager in love, transforming into a young man who avenges the death of his friend Mercutio, in an exciting, goose bump-inducing scene choreographed by award-winning fight director J. Alex Cordaro.

Erb’s performance of Juliet is outstanding, emotionally frustrated and even frantic at times, helpless with no control over her fate.  Rounding out the production are powerful performances by Charlie DelMarcelle as Mercutio, Jake Blouch as Tybalt, Leonard C. Haas as Lord Capulet, K.O. Delmarcelle as Lady Capulet, Kevin Meehan as Benvolio, and veteran Philadelphia actors Frank X and Ceal Phelan as Friar Laurence and Juliet’s Nurse.

Shakespeare’s Verona is beautifully depicted with an impressive set designed by Meghan Jones, offering numerous points of entry and exit for the actors, allowing for fast-paced scene changes; excellent lighting and sound design by Shelley Hicklin and Daniel Perelstein; authentic time-period costumes by Mary Folino; and expert direction by Charles McMahon, in the intimate setting of St. Stephen’s Theater.

Lantern is known as the place to see Shakespeare in Philadelphia and this production is full of all the drama, passion, and even comedy that you’d expect from this classic tragedy and from Lantern Theater Company.  A great introduction for young audiences, Lantern offers handy $10 student rush tickets available 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID, 10th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia.