Emma

Ensemble at a Ball

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting Jane Austin’s Emma through October 27. The performance is a pure delight.  Audience members are transported to early 19th Century England’s high society where only an impeccable match can be deemed appropriate by Emma, self-proclaimed matchmaker.  Lantern theater-goers will appreciate the return of veteran actors Jake Blough and Peter Delaurier, playing Frank Churchill and Mr. Woodhouse respectively.  The determined and headstrong Emma is flawlessly portrayed by Lauren Sowa. Frequent scene changes and furniture movements are done seamlessly so that audience members sitting on all three sides of Lantern’s stage can revel in the actors’ fine performances.  Alisa Sickora Kleckner has done outstanding work as the costume designer for this production. You'll find yourself immersed in 19^th Century’s haute couture  and will have a difficult time keeping up with all the costume changes. These young actors are fleet of foot!  In conjunction with the theater performances, Lantern will also present a Jane Austin Festival from October 11-15 featuring performances, lectures, readings, demonstrations, and hands-on events. The Festival Pass is $75 for subscribers, seniors and students and $90 for all others.  It includes all festival events and $10 discount to all Emma performances.  Events may also be purchased individually.  On Friday, October 11 at 6:00 PM there will be a Festival Welcome and Food and Wine Matching.  Following the 8:00 PM performance of Emma, there will be post-show Artists in Conversation with the Emma cast. On Saturday October 12, at 2:00 PM there is a lecture and Q&A  with Margaret C. Sullivan, celebrated author of The Jane Austin Handbook.  At 3:30 PM there will be Demonstration & Lesson: Regency Dance Forms and Afternoon Ball. This is a participatory event and will put into immediate use the information gleaned from the preceding lecture. Participants will be led through dances such as the cotillion, the quadrille and the early waltz, accompanied by live music. The evening performance is at 8:00 PM.  On Sunday October 13, following the 2:00 PM matinée performance of Emma, there will be a 5:00 PM Demonstration & Refreshments: Regency Tea Rituals.  At 7:00 PM there will be a Concert Performance & Discussion of Austentatious by 11^th Hour Theatre Company- a script in hand  adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Submerge yourself into Jane Austin's world.  For more information about festival events or ticket information for the show, call 215,829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.