Dressed set, A, costumes, A+, props, A seating, 'it's like a tennis court'... just three actors but a vivid story which turns out to be true...look it up... clever, and you get Frank X in person!! He is Frank X after all... Acting, A++ read more

Small theater with excellent productions and cast. Choose plays that interest you and support this l9cal hidden gem. read more

Last night we came to see Lantern Theater Company's "A Christmas Carol." It was nothing we expected to see--the traditional play but with a different cast and a different interpretation of the setting. In fact, my son who had bought the tickets, was dismayed to find that this was going to be "an original adaptation" with one actor playing all the parts. He thought we'd be disappointed to say the least, but within 10 minutes of Anthony Lawton taking the stage, we were all pretty intrigued and eventually became captivated. This commentary is primarily an expression of our appreciation of his deep and varied talents. As should happen with all exceptional theater, we talked about the production all the way home and all through our late night supper, it was that affecting. AL (as I shall refer to him henceforth) was so very, very good at portraying distinct characters, that we were under the illusion at various points that another actor had taken the stage to join him in dramatizing the story. And it wasn't just the body language and the voice and facial expressions that helped that happen--he also seemed to be able to "throw his voice" much as a ventriloquist does, certainly an unexpected talent. Speaking of body language, that was another thing we admired: He demonstrated a dancer's grace and the suppleness of a gymnast, which considering he must also act old enough to portray the aging Scrooge, was marvelous in itself. Generally we tend to be critical of the conceit of "breaking the fourth wall," but it was a particular pleasure when applied to the celebration of all those Philadelphia landmarks, some of which we had just been to that very day in preparation for our on Christmas celebration. It brought a bit of levity to lighten the heavy tale just when needed. And alright, let's give some other credit where it is also due. Staging is always a particular interest of mine, and although I adore elaborate and cleverly constructed sets, to do more with less is something I always applaud. To make a lectern double as a bed, a bench, a stage, a table, a desk, and just anything else the story might need in terms of structure, was comparable to having AL serve as Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts, and everybody else. We realized, especially in the later minutes, how important the lighting had been in setting the scene, but also in changing the appearance of the characters. We originally thought the clown makeup might be distracting, but somehow the lighting seemed to diminish or emphasize it as affects were needed. There just wasn't a weak feature of the whole production. Bravo all around! This surprise presentation of Dicken's "Christmas Carol" has helped to make this a memorable holiday for all time in our family. Thank you so very much. read more

My whole experience here was great. The theater is an intimate hidden gem. The action was so close. The actors were superb. The play was fantastic. An altogether amazing experience. Never knew it was here before, but I'll definitely be back now that I do know. read more

The Lantern Theater company could probably use a lantern to illuminate the sketchy alleyway it is situated on. But this tiny little theater was the recent site of an impromptu coworker friend date night courtesy of free tickets from work, and we had a lovely time! The show was Emma, based on the Jane Austen novel. I expected it to be slow, a bit hard to follow, kinda for old people. Instead, the actors had us cracking up, gasping, and loving every second of it! It actually took me until the almost last scene to realize one of the actresses was playing two characters! It was a long show (almost three hours, with an intermission), so better to eat dinner first. The costumes were great (despite some historically inaccurate shimmery flats that looked more like they were from Aldo than the 1800's), sets were simple but perfect for the show. The theater is very small, creating an intimate audience experience, I could probably have reached out and touched the actors if I was in the first row (the stage is not elevated or anything). So yea, this show will likely be the closest I come to being in Downton Abbey, which is pretty awesome. Recommend if you're looking for something interesting to break up your week, kids might not appreciate it but we did! read more

Not happy at all. I went to see Christmas Carol, it wasn't anything like it was advertised. I wasn't into the show at all and left 30 minutes in, I even tried to get my money back and I simply got an email saying "no". Don't waste your time or money. I was watching people fall asleep during the play lol read more

The Lantern Theater company has been around since 1996 and is actually housed inside the St. Stephen's Theater at 10th and Ludlow. The space also gets rented out as a multi-purpose performance space so you may see other theater groups perform here from time to time. Check their website for the production schedule. From their website it says they've been nominated for many awards and have won quite a few too in just over a decade of existence. And from the quality of their performance, they probably deserved every one. Recently I went to see "School for Wives" by Moliere. It was excellent. The cast was magnificent and gave wonderful performances. They hit the style of Moliere right on the head with this show. The set and costuming were both well done. There is not much that I can say except that this being my first Lantern production it definitely made a positive impact and I will return to see another. The theater space itself if very interesting. It actually has two seating areas that form a right angle with the stage as the meeting point of the two sections. In addition, there is a proscenium arch against one of the back walls. Although, depending on the show, the space is used in many different ways. Lighting instruments are exposed from the grid above the stage and the stage is level with the first row of seats in each section. Some times the actors may even interact with the front rows. (For example, in the performance I went to, a patron got up and returned from the bathroom just as one of the actors came around the corner of the stage. The actor briefly danced with him (in character).) Seating is general admission and you will have to climb two flights of stairs to get up to the theater. The auditorium has two sections of raked seating. The sight lines are excellent no matter where you sit. The space is highly intimate with just over 100 seats. One draw back: Expect a line for the men's room. It's in the basement and there is only one stall and one urinal. It was like role reversal with the ladies room. read more

I like the Lantern. Their productions are challenging. The venue is convenient downtown. Seating is excellent. read more

I had a great experience with this theater last week when visiting Philadelphia. I ordered a ticket easily online the night before and was able to walk there in 10 minutes from my hotel. It's a small theater but all seats have a good view of the stage. The best part was the play. The acting was phenomenal and I laughed all night. read more

Lantern Theater is one of my favorites. It's located behind St. Stephen's church so you won't miss it. With a small and intimate setting between the stage and the audience, there is not a bad seat in the house. I have not had a bad experience here at the theater. The casts are truly talented!! I will certainly be back for more. They offer a discount price for students, $15 with student ID: Even better!! read more

So adding to yesterdays one start review for not honoring an expired gift certificate, I would like to add an even bigger Do Not Buy a gift certificate yet again. Sure my fault for not seeing a show I did not want to see just because I have the certificated seems like the smart thing to do, Right? No it does not. Good money was used to buy this gift certificate so why see a show We were not interested in. I will never try to see a show here and will always be sure to tell people in conversations about different Theaters in town about the poor customer service here. read more

Center City, Philly PA A very nice live small theatre experience. Back in the day, in addition to doing a skit from our choice of play (I picked Juliet's poison theme), I had to do an assignment for Acting class and I reviewed a shakespearian play here (Twelfth Night). Totally enjoyed it! Good experience! Actors were great! read more

Lantern Theater Company puts on wonderful plays every season. I've attended for 2 years and am happy with them each time. They are located in the back of St. Stephen's Church. The theater space is very small and intimate, so there isn't a "bad" seat in the house. This season I found a FunSaver deal for season tickets. I am thrilled to be able to see all their productions this season. read more

Wonderful little theater! I am so happy that Philadelphia continues to support the Lantern. They choose wonderful plays, and many of the actors are local. Tonight I saw "Photograph 51" and it was outstanding. There is something so special about small theaters and being so close to the actors, in the action. The Lantern is not at all fancy, so do not expect that. Do however, expect hard working actors and workers that put on A+ productions. read more

This is a small theater that does great plays. I've been subscribing for a few seasons and have NEVER seen a bad--or even mediocre--production. I am particularly impressed wit the sets--how they make the very best of a small space to do imaginative sets. The actors are wonderful, and the plays are beautifully produced. read more

A Philly Gem, A National Treasure. There is no greater theater in the entire Philadelphia Metropolitan area (although People's Light and Theater Co. in Malvern is also good but a distant second.) They do one Shakespeare a year and it is the best Shakespeare this side of the Atlantic and as good as the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company in London,) and you can't get any better than that! The Artistic Director, Charles McMahon, is a genius of international quality. He has an understanding of Shakespeare par excellence. Furthermore, he has outstanding taste and an ability to pick exactly the right shows for each season, how to choose precisely the best actors to play the various roles, how to stage and, if necessary, edit the play to the point of perfection. I have been a patron of the arts for over 30 years and seen performing arts events all over the world and continue to do so. The Lantern is absolutely among the top there is. You will have absolutely no regrets subscribing to this outstanding theater company. read more

I love the Lantern. The intimate space is perfect to observe acting close up and it frequently gets the top local actors for its shows. Almost all tickets for the regular run are a little under $40 while previews are $15 less. It presents a nice mix of classic plays (at least one Shakespeare a year) and modern shows. The first play this year was by Shaw while earlier ones have involved Lorca, Euripedes, Ibsen, O'Neill, Coward, Chekov, Thomas, and Synge while modern playwrights produced in recent seasons include Durang, Pinter, Fugard, Stoppard, Ives, Frayn, Beckett, Friel, and McDonagh. While not every play is a smash (and they have a few too many one-actor "plays" for my taste), the productions are ambitious and worth seeing; the Lantern is also to be applauded for initiating a "fair pay" program for the artists who act in, direct, design and manage its shows, increasing their pay by 50% over four years--a choice which will increase their budget by an estimated $375,000 over that period. The one major downside: Since the plays are performed in a church hall on the upper floor, the theater is NOT accessible to anyone who is unable to navigate stairs. They have improved the facilities by putting a ladies' room on the box office (middle level) but the only mens' room is two floors below the performing space. read more

I went to the Lantern last week for Romeo & Juliet with my wife and kids (13, 13, 11)... it was their first Shakespeare play. The theater is small and cozy.. it seats only about 140 (for this production) so all seats are close to the performers and stage. Its a very convenient downtown location, with parking very close. Prices are reasonable compared to more upscale venues, which is good for a family of 5. The audience was a mix of people in their 20's to much older. All seats are good but still some are better than others - get there 30 mins before the show if you want your pick of seats as it is general admission. read more