Red Velvet

Ensemble cast of  Red Velvet 

The Philadelphia Premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti’s  Red Velvet will be presented by the Lantern Theater Company, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, through October 8, 2017. It is based on a true story of 19^th century actor Ira Aldridge, who made history playing the first African American actor  to portray Othello in 1833 London. Riots on the streets protesting the Slavery Abolition Act mirrored the critic’s reviews of Ira Aldridge’s performance. The show closed after two nights. Although he went on to become a very successful actor throughout Europe and Russia, Ira Aldridge never again acted on the London stage  Red Velvet begins with a young Polish reporter asking an aging Aldridge why he never returned to Covent Gardens. The play is so skillfully written and the production so skillfully staged that the audience almost forgets that they are watching a flashback. Scene changes are  done  in an instant with a flick of a curtain. The sound and lighting effects are first-rate. Although the subject matter is serious, there are many humorous moments. The ensemble cast is outstanding and Forrest McClendon lets us feel every ounce of Ira Aldridge’s rage upon learning that the show is closing after two performances. Lantern Theater Company is well known for producing good theater. This production is not only good; it is exceptional. For more information or tickets, call (215) 829-0395 or visit www.lanterntheater.org.