David Ives's NEW JERUSALUM... To Return To Lantern Theatre Company Fall 2012

On the heels of an enthusiastic Philadelphia reception for New Jerusalem, The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656, Lantern Theater Company has announced an encore limited engagement in the Fall of 2012, directed by the Lantern's Artistic Director, Charles McMahon. This revival will include the original cast and creative team of the critically acclaimed production that opened the Lantern's 2011/12 season.

Based on true events in the life of one of the greatest philosophers in history, Baruch de Spinoza, New Jerusalem was extended twice and played to capacity houses during its run at the Lantern, becoming the best-selling show in the company's 17-year history.

In an interview with Lantern Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan, playwright David Ives explained, "On the one hand, yes, I am surprised by New Jerusalem's reach and success because it's a play about a 17th century philosopher and no doubt looks forbidding at first glance. Yet when I set myself to work on the play I knew that this was a story with extraordinary dramatic and theatrical and human possibilities. Even more importantly, I knew that the issues raised by Spinoza's excommunication and banishment, and by his philosophy, are questions that resonate today as much as in 1656 – and indeed will always resonate as long as nations/societies/communities are troubled by heterodox thinkers, and for as long as people wonder about the nature of reality and the existence of God. That is to say, forever."

Ives is well known for his evenings of one-act comedies Time Flies and All In The Timing, which won the Outer Critics Circle Playwriting Award and in the 1995-96 season was the most performed play in the country after Shakespeare productions. His full-length plays include Venus In Fur, which recently opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre; New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza…, which won the prestigious Hull-Warriner Award; Is He Dead? (adapted from Mark Twain); Irving Berlin's White Christmas; Polish Joke; and Ancient History.

Reprising their roles for the 2012 production will be David Bardeen as Rabbi Saul Levi Mortera, David Blatt as Gaspar Rodrigues Ben Israel, Jake Blouch as Simon de Vries, Sam Henderson as Baruch de Spinoza, Kittson O'Neill as Rebekah de Spinoza, Seth Reichgott as Abraham van Valkenburgh, and Mary Tuomanen as Clara van den Enden.

Also returning are Nick Embree (scenic design), Maggie Baker (costume design), Shon Causer (lighting design), and Nick Rye (sound design).

Up next at Lantern Theater Company is British playwright Noël Coward's comedic masterpiece Private Lives, directed by Lantern Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan and starring Jessica Bedford, K.O. DelMarcelle, Ben Dibble, Leonard C. Haas, and Geneviève Perrier. Known for bringing a fresh perspective to classic plays, Private Lives marks the company's first production of a Coward work, bringing the elegance and sophistication of the golden age of Hollywood to the Lantern's stage during the holiday season. Private Lives runs Dec. 8 – 31, 2011 (press opening: Dec. 14, 7pm). Tickets are $20 – $36 and are available online at lanterntheater.org or by calling the Lantern Box Office at (215) 829-0395.

Lantern Theater Company will continue its 2011/12 season with The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, adapted and performed by Anthony Lawton (February 7-12, 2012); William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed by Charles McMahon (March 1-April 1, 2012); and The Island, written by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona, and directed by Peter DeLaurier (May 17-June 10, 2012).

Lantern Theater Company thanks its 2011/12 season corporate partners at Marathon and its community partners at St. Stephen's Church.

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