Lantern Theater Company to Present THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, 3/19-5/3

The battle of the sexes becomes a sensual tango in Lantern Theater Company's production of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, running March 19-May 3. Directed by Charles McMahon, the production features David Bardeen, K.O. DelMarcelle, Nathan Foley, J Hernandez, Dave Johnson, Joanna Liao, Ahren Potratz, Matt Tallman, and Bradley K. Wrenn.

To coincide with this production, the Lantern will also present Scholars in Conversation: Desire, Dance & Dynamic Women in The Taming of the Shrew on April 6, 13, and 20. This three-part series draws on the themes of Shakespeare's play to catalyze discussions about today's social, cultural, and scientific issues. The conversations will examine the science of sexual attraction, explore the power of dance to break down barriers and transform cultures, and tackle Kate's "taming" head on.

Growing up in her father's house, Katherine has always ruled the roost but now finds herself eclipsed as her seemingly sweet younger sister Bianca comes of age. Kate is trapped, unable to endure the silly suitors of Padua and unwilling to let her little sister outshine her. Enter cunning (but possibly mad) Petruchio, the first man to ever keep up with her quick wits and sharp turns. As Kate and Petruchio must face the music and dance, literally and figuratively, their courtship is both captivating and combative, but the question remains: who is going to lead?

"Petruchio and Kate are the quintessential battling couple and certainly the most unusual love story in the classical canon," said McMahon. "Brilliant and combative, almost to the point of madness, they are at once attracted and exasperated by one another. At some level we sense that they must end up as a couple or they will both be destined for a life of loneliness, as each is the only person that might possibly be able to bear-up to the force of the other."

The Taming of the Shrew runs March 19 -May 3, 2015 (press opening: Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $22 - $39 and are available online at lanterntheater.org or by calling the Lantern Box Office at (215) 829-0395. Discounts are available for seniors 65 and up, groups of 10 or more and U.S. military personnel. $10 student rush tickets are available 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID; cash only. $10 industry tickets are available online, by phone or at the box office.

The Cast and the Production Team:

David Bardeen (Gremio) is a favorite face at Lantern Theater Company, having appeared in Henry V, New Jerusalem, and Long Day's Journey Into Night. The recipient of a Barrymore Award for his work in It's All True at InterAct Theatre Company, he has also appeared locally at Walnut Street Theatre Studio 3, Arden Theatre Company, and The Wilma Theater, as well as regionally at South Coast Repertory Theatre and Yale Repertory Theatre.

K.O. DelMarcelle (Bianca) has appeared at Lantern Theater Company in Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and Private Lives. Other local productions include Philadelphia Theatre Company in Detroit, The Wilma Theater in Hysteria, People's Light & Theatre Company in Gossamer, and Bristol Riverside Theatre in Laughter on the 23rd Floor. She will also serve as choreographer for this production, having received a Barrymore Award nomination for her choreography of the Lantern's production of Emma.

Nathan Foley (Baptista) was seen at Lantern Theater Company earlier this year in Arcadia and previously in Emma. He has also appeared at Arden Theatre Company, Walnut Street Theatre and BRAT Productions.

J Hernandez (Petruchio) has been a frequent presence at Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre in leading roles in Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing. He has appeared in multiple productions at New City Stage, North Carolina Shakespeare, and Texas Shakespeare.

Ahren Potratz (Lucentio) previously appeared at the Lantern in appeared in Master Harold and the Boys, The Tempest, and Lovers. He has also been a frequent presence at People's Light & Theatre Company, McCarter Theatre, and Enchantment Theatre.

Matt Tallman (Hortensio) returns to the Lantern where he has appeared in Julius Caesar and The Liar. Other local credits include Quintessence Theatre Group, Mauckingbird Theatre Company, Act II Playhouse and 1812 Productions. Regionally he has appeared in several productions at Utah Shakespeare Festival, American Players Theatre, and Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company, as well as at Dallas Theatre Center and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.

Bradley K. Wrenn (Tranio) was previously seen at the Lantern in Arcadia, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Scapin. He has appeared in several productions locally at BRAT Productions, Shakespeare in Clark Park, Mum Puppettheater, as well as at Azuka Theatre Company and Mauckingbird Theatre Company. The co-Artistic Director of The Berserker Residents, he has also been a frequent guest at George Street Playhouse.

The Taming of the Shrew brings together a creative team of Lantern Theater Company veterans including Charles J. McMahon (director) Lance Kniskern (set designer), Shon Causer (lighting designer), Mark Mariani (costume designer), Mark Valenzuela (sound designer), Dale Nadel (properties master) and K.O. DelMarcelle (choreographer).

About Lantern Theater Company

Founded in 1994, Lantern Theater Company is committed to an authentic and intimate exploration of the human spirit in its choice of classics, modern, and original works. The Lantern seeks to be a vibrant, contributing member of its community, exposing audiences to great theater, inviting participation in dialogue and discussion, educating audience members about artistic and social issues, and employing theatrical language and techniques to enrich learning in the classroom. The Lantern has received 82 Barrymore Award nominations, winning 15 times including the 2009 Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service for its innovative education program, Illumination. Lantern Theater Company has been in residence at St. Stephen's Theater at 10th & Ludlow Streets in Center City Philadelphia since 1996, managing the performance space and developing it into an affordable multi-purpose performing arts venue. For more information, please visit lanterntheater.org.

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