Philadelphia's Lantern Theater Company Presents 'Between Heaven and Hell: The Anthony Lawton Festival'

Anthony Lawton

Lantern Theater Company will present Between Heaven and Hell: The Anthony Lawton Festival from Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 19, offering an alternative to traditional holiday theater with works about spiritual life intended for all audiences – secular or religious.

The three-week festival marks the first time Philadelphia-based actor and playwright Anthony Lawton’s C.S. Lewis and Shel Silverstein adaptations and his original play have been presented in repertory.

The festival will showcase Lawton in solo performances of three plays, opening with the critically acclaimed The Great Divorce (Dec. 3-19), C.S. Lewis' own favorite among his works. The festival continues with The Devil and Billy Markham* (Dec. 8, 11, and 15), written entirely in rhyming couplets by Shel Silverstein, and Lawton’s autobiographical play, Heresy** (Dec. 14, 15, and 18).

The Festival will be held at Lantern Theater Company, located at St. Stephen's Theater at 10th and Ludlow streets in Philadelphia. Tickets are $25-$35; $10 student rush tickets are available 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID; cash only; additional discounts are available for subscribers, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available online at http://www.lanterntheater.org/ or by calling the Lantern Box Office at (215) 829-0395. [A full schedule of festival performances and play descriptions follows below.]

“I first worked with Tony in 1997 on a production of Shakespeare's All's Well the Ends Well, and since that time he has been one of the most important artistic partners for Lantern Theater Company and for me personally,” says the Lantern’s Artistic Director, Charles McMahon. “A big part of what makes theater worthwhile is that we get to discuss very interesting ideas with very interesting people, and then find creative and compelling ways to put those ideas on stage. Tony's whole approach to theater and storytelling is to enliven the mind and heart. The work is sometimes funny and sometimes challenging and it always makes you leave the theater feeling more expansive and alive than you felt when you came in. The Lantern is dedicated to an authentic and intimate exploration of mysteries of the human spirit, and Tony's work is right in line with that.”

Lawton has acted professionally since 1992 and has appeared on many stages throughout the Philadelphia region, including at the Lantern in productions such as The Lonesome West, Othello, and The Screwtape Letters, among others.

In 1998, Lawton founded the Mirror Theatre Company, which performs solo and small-cast plays. The mission of the Mirror is “Spiritual Theatre for a Secular Audience.” Lawton says he sees his plays as “part of an ongoing dialogue with the audience – a dialogue in which we discuss and consider that which is (or isn't!) Eternal in us.”

In discussing his inspiration for this mission, Lawton says, “When I first started studying acting, I realized that the impulse was an entirely selfish one. I was interested in attention and accolades. I wanted to offer something to audiences – to address spiritual concerns, and to foster a dialogue between orthodox and unorthodox audience members.”

Information: (215) 829-0395 or visit http://www.lanterntheater.org/. Running Time: All plays are approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Festival Performance Schedule
Friday, Dec. 3 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce, Opening
Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce
Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 pm – The Great Divorce, Post-Show Discussion*
Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7 pm – The Devil and Billy Markham, Post-Show Discussion*
Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm – The Great Divorce
Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce
Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce
Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 pm – The Devil and Billy Markham
Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 pm – The Great Divorce
Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 pm – Heresy, Post-Show Discussion++
Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7 pm – Heresy
Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 pm – The Devil and Billy Markham
Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm – The Great Divorce
Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce
Saturday, Dec. 18 at 8 pm – The Great Divorce
Saturday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 pm – Heresy
Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 pm – The Great Divorce, Closing

++Post-Show Discussion with Anthony Lawton, moderated by Lantern Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan

2010/11 Season
Lantern Theater Company will continue its 2010/11 season with A Skull in Connemara by Martin McDonagh (January 13 – February 6, 2011), A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (March 10 – April 10, 2011), and Vigil by Morris Panych (May 19 – June 12, 2011).

Lantern Theater Company thanks its 2010/11 season corporate partners at Marathon Grill, La Fourno Ristorante Trattoria, and Dunkin’ Donuts, and its community partners at St. Stephen’s Church.

* This play includes themes of sacrifice and redemption and is unapologetically and joyously profane. Parental guidance advised for audience members under 17.
**This play contains profanity, frank discussions of sex, and ideas that some may consider to be blasphemous. Children under 17 not admitted.

Project Dance World Tour Celebrates 10 Years

We received this information from Cheryl Cutlip, founder of Project Dance and recipient of the 2009 "The Lights Are Bright on Broadway" Award from Masterwork Productions:

Dear Dancers,
More than 10 years ago I felt a call deep in my heart to do something with dance that would change the world. Truthfully, I never imagined that Project Dance would go beyond its first year in New York City. Shortly after the events of 911 we mounted a stage in Times Square and danced for more than 10 hours in the pouring down rain. A few friends joined us and together we believed that hope and healing would refresh those who passed by our stage.

As I look at the calendar of events for 2011 I realize that many of us around the world share the same heartfelt call to impact culture through the language of dance. I'm honored to continue this important work and look forward to meeting you along the way. Our event coordinators in each city will welcome you with open arms and seek to encourage you in your own dance journey.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Cutlip

WHAT IS PROJECT DANCE?
Dance is visual. The best way to learn about the heart and soul of Project Dance is to watch our promo video.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT DANCE?
Project Dance has a vision to unite dancers who desire to “PERFORM WITH INTEGRITY TO INSPIRE”. Whether you are a professional dancer, student, teacher or choreographer, a company of dancers, a studio, or college ensemble, Project Dance has a place for you.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND PROJECT DANCE?
Dancers who attend Project Dance believe that their dance makes a difference. Dance has purpose beyond the steps and is an ever growing and changing form of expression within them. They also desire to network with other dancers who are like-minded and seek to build community among dancers worldwide. These dancers have a strong desire to train their bodies to their fullest potential. One of the other defining characteristics of dancers who attend Project Dance is the hunger to positively impact culture through artistic integrity. This movement of dancers seeks to bring hope and healing to others through the universal language of dance.

If this speaks to your heart…COME TO PROJECT DANCE!!!

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Project Dance will provide a registration form through our website in January. Registrations are due 1 month prior to the event date.

(For example if you are attending the event in London on June 3-5-the registration is due on May 3. If you are attending Penang on Nov. 25-27-the registration is due on Oct. 25.)

While you may register any time before the deadline we do require you to postmark your registration form by the deadline.

You may submit your registration materials via email at info@projectdance.com or mail them to:

PROJECT DANCE, 520 Eighth Ave., Suite 329, New York, NY 10018

WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
Houston $199
Orlando $199
New York $209
London $199US
Washington DC $179
Penang, Malaysia $109US
Brisbane, Australia $179US

Registration fee does not include transportation, food, or accommodation. Payment method for London, Penang and Brisbane is credit card only.

WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Our desire is to assist you with any and all questions regarding a Project Dance event. The best way to reach Project Dance is by email at info@projectdance.com

We will be updating event details on our website as they become available. www.projectdance.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
HOUSTON MARCH 4-6
ORLANDO APRIL 1-3
NEW YORK CITY APRIL 15-17
LONDON JUNE 3-5
WASHINGTON DC AUGUST 19-21
PENANG NOVEMBER 25-27
BRISBANE TBA

Erica Lane Rings in the Holidays

Masterworks' Erica Lane has kicke doff her 2010 holiday tour with a new, dazzling Christmas Concert and Laser Light Show

A combination of holiday pop tunes, traditional Christmas songs, multi-media, laser lights, and snow will set the stage for a fun and memorable family-friendly experience.

"This is more than an event or performance. Erica sings from her heart, and her voice takes it to a heavenly level," said Eric Wilson, New York Times best-selling author of "Fireproof." "You'll laugh; you'll get misty-eyed."

Lane has taken her Christmas Tour across the US for the last four holiday seasons. The 2010 tour will include 12 cities in three states: Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. For more information about the tour, or to book Erica, visit http://www.masterworkproductions.org/.

View 'Working with Pinter'

Join The Episcopal Actors' Guild and VOICETheatre for a special screening of "Working with Pinter" 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 18 at the Guild Hall, 1 East 29th St., NYC.

The film is an intimate glimpse of Harold Pinter directing actors, talking about his work, his life in and out of the theatre, and his seminal influences. A talk-back session with Anthony De La Tour and Susan Woolridge will follow.

LaTour is a writer/director whose plays have been performed throughout the UK and elsewhere. He is also an actor and worked closely with Pinter on several occasions. He appeared in the world premiere of Pinter's final play Celebration in London and in the US premiere at the Lincoln Center. He also appeared in No Man's Land at the National Theatre in London in 2002, the last play of his own that Pinter directed.

Wooldridge is best known for her award-winning performance as Daphne Manners in "The Jewel In the Crown." She has worked extensively on stage and screen, garnering critical acclaim including the BAFTA for her role in John Boorman's film "Hope and Glory." She was last seen in New York in Harold Pinter's Celebration at Lincoln Center. Her debut novel "The Hidden Dance" has just come out in paperback.

Only a few seats remain. RSVP to 212-201-9337. A $10 suggested donation will benefit Actors in Need. Wine and refreshments will be served.

Andy Crouch Speaks at Redeemer's Gospel & Culture Series

Andy Crouch will speak Sunday, Nov.21 at 1 pm as part of Redeemer Presbyterian Church's Gospel & Cluture series.

The event will be held at 1 pm at Hunter College Auditorium
695 Park Ave, (entrance on 69th Street. between Park & Lexington, NYC.

Crouch is the author of "Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling," winner of Christianity Today's 2009 Book Award for Christianity and Culture and named one of the best books of 2008 by Publishers Weekly, Relevant, Outreach and Leadership.

A senior editor at Christianity Today International, he has served as executive producer of several documentary films. His writing has appeared in various editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing. He lives with his family in Swarthmore, PA.

The free lecture will be followed by Q&A. The Gospel & Cluture lectures are part of Redeemer's Gospel & the World focus for the 2010-2011 year.

Visit Jordan, Israel with CITA

An informational webinar about the upcoming Christians in Theatre arts (CITA) tour to Jordan and israel will be held Thursday at 9 pm Eastern. To attend, visit http://attendthisevent.com/?eventID=15762378.

The tour is planned for May 16-25, 2011 (10 days/9 nights. The cost is $1,690 per person, including ground transportation in Jordan and Israel, some meals, accommodations, and entry fees to all sightseeing and performance arrangements. The fee does not include air fare. For more details visit www.HarmonyInternational.com/activetour-Jordan-CITA.htm.

Trip highlights:

Work side-by-side with Jordanian students who share your passion for drama in an effort to share(teaching drama workshops, partnering with local churches, and helping to organize the drama facilities of the Amman Baptist Schools)

Performances (teaching performances in and around Amman, Jordan; possible combined teaching performances with Jordanian students; possible ministry with students from Bethlehem Baptist College)

Planned: Baptismal site of Christ, Mount Nebo, the western wailing Wall, communion at the Garden Tomb.

Click http://cita.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HolyLandPoster.pdf to download a poster, and put it up at your church and school.

The tour leaders are Rich Swingle and Kim Messer. Swingle has performed and taught on five continents and 21 nations, including two previous trips to Israel. Messer worked as a product line manager for Lillenas Publishing Company for nine years before becoming a freelance consultant and writer.

Cirque du Soleil Names New Show to Play at Radio City

Cirque du Soleil announced today that its major new acrobatic spectacle, Zarkana, will begin performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 9, 2011 for a limited engagement through Sept. 4, 2011. Presented by iShares, Zarkana is written and directed by acclaimed film and theatre director François Girard ("The Red Violin," "Silk").

Zarkana is a fantastically bizarre world where we follow the adventures of Zark, a magician who has lost his love and, with her, his powers. As he cries and begs for her return he is plunged into a world inhabited by surreal creatures. The diverse cast of 71 international artists transports the audience into a fantastical and suspenseful world, blurring the boundaries between the real and imaginary.

About The Show Title:
The name Zarkana is a fusion of the words “bizarre” and “arcana” (arcana means “mystery” or “secret”). The twisted fictional world of Zarkana is an elusive destination that is fantastic yet bizarre. The name refers to the irresistibly odd and delightfully strange aura of this place and its inhabitants.

Ticket Information:
Starting today, Zarkana tickets are available exclusively to Cirque Club Members. Tickets range from $47 to $130 with a limited number of premium tickets available for all performances.

Cirque Club membership is free and benefits include access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to http://www.cirqueclub.com/.

Starting Nov. 22, tickets will be available to the general public at 1- 866-858-0008 or http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/zarkana.aspx.

Chuck Colson Will Speak at Socrates in the City's Christmas Gala

Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, will be the speaker for the third annual Gala to benfit Socrates in the City, celebrating 10 years in New York City on Friday, Dec. 3.

The VIP Reception will be held at at 6:30 pm followed by a recpetion at 7 and dinner at 7:30 at the Roosevelt Hotel Grand Ballroom, 45 East 45th St. and Madison Avenue. The evening will be hosted by SITC founder and best selling author Eric Metaxas, who used to work for Colson at Prison Fellowship.

Colson will speak who will speak on the topic of his new DVD series: "Doing the Right Thing: A Six-Part Exploration of Ethics."

Admission prices vary. For more information, visit http://www.socratesinthecity.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11.

Anita Renfroe Seeks Laughers

If you live in the NYC area (NY, NJ, PA, CT, DC) comedian Anita Renfroe is looking for audience members for an ad shoot Nov. 15, 16, 17, 30 and Dec.1.

The venue can seat 35 each day and they want some good-lookin', fun, superlaffers in the audience. If you wanna be a part contact Anita's people via email at tapingtickets@gmail.com (include name, date(s) you want to attend and number in your party) to get on the list.

Join Erica Lane on Tour in Nairobi

For information on booking Erica Lane, visit http://masterworkproductions.org/.

Swiss Soul Singer, Vlada, Phoebe Lyng Shake the Stoop Nov. 20

The Stoop, a distinctive music venue in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, presents a scorching night of soul, rock, and funk featuring international touring artist and Swiss funkmeister Vlada and his band along with Phoebe Lyng and Nik Rael & Headsoup.

The event will be emceed by Chris MacIntosh (aka. Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio. Doors open at 7:30 pm, and showtime is at 8. While the concert is free, The Stoop will be accepting suggested donations of $12. Receive a free gift with the full suggested cover. All drinks and concessions are priced under $4.

The Stoop venue and concert series is presented by Music Forum of Church For All Nations, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Music Forum of Church for All Nations is sponsoring the series and providing the landmark venue as a contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of Hell's Kitchen.

Where: The Stoop; 417 West 57th St. between 9th and10th avenues
Subway: 1 A B C D to 59th Street/Columbus Circle

For more information call 212-333-5583 or visit http://www.thestoopny.com.