Henry V

Ben Dibble as Henry V

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting Henry V starring Ben Dibble through April 14.  Shakespeare’s opening chorus lines explain that there is little money available to make a big production, which helps the Lantern Theater Company present this work because this story is told as Shakespeare has written it, with the audience’s imagination in mind.  Shakespeare’s contemporaries knew the Elizabethan history; the plays were not written to inform but to entertain.  Two priests, trying to avoid the heavy taxes levied upon the church, hatch a scheme to reduce their taxes by making a contribution to the young King and convincing him to go to war with France. The  play was written as a series of humorous vignettes, with little detail given to the actual war itself. Listening to Ben Dribbel expound encouragement to his beleaguered troops is mesmerizing. The French dialogue between Krista Appe-Hodge and K.O. DelMarcelle is enchanting. The lighting and sound during the war scenes is electrifying. The sparse Elizabethan /cum French set is masterful and every member of the ensemble cast, whether in a comic role or one of a brave heart, gives forth an excellent performance.  This is a show not to be missed. Even if you don’t love Shakespeare, you will love this production. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.