For Immediate Release: February 23, 2006
Media Contact: Sara Pauley, Lantern Theater Company, 215.829.9002

On March 27, 2006, Lantern Theater Company will present, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, the trial of the millennium. In conjunction with the Lantern's production of Richard III, a distinguished team of lawyers will put the title character on trial for the murder of two princes. Presided over by Federal District Judge Stewart Dalzell, this mock trial will also feature James D. Pagliaro, Esquire, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Brockius LLP as counsel for the defense and D. Scott Perrine, Esquire, Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia, as counsel for the prosecution. Cast members Pete Pryor and Sally Mercer will take the stand as their respective characters, Richard III and Queen Elizabeth.

Charles McMahon, Lantern Theater Company Artistic Director and Production Director of Richard III, looks forward to this mock trial "as an interesting way to examine the historical character of Richard III from a different perspective. Using professional lawyers to debate his guilt or innocence is not only a fun way to investigate his motives and rationale, it's also educational."

Dana Brajer, Esquire, Associate Director and Director of Legal Services at Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, helped shape the design of this continuing legal education program. She comments, "Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is very excited to present this collaborative effort to the arts, cultural and legal communities. What better way to learn about the evidentiary principles and techniques of litigation than to watch the trial of the millennium evolve right before your very eyes!"

The Trial of Richard III will take place on March 27, 2006 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at St. Stephen's Theater, home of Lantern Theater Company, located at 10th and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. The Trial of Richard III offers three continuing legal education credits for attorneys (registration cost: $199) and is open to the public. To register for continuing legal education, please contact Dana Brajer at 215-545-3385 ext. 2 or email info@pvla.org. For more information on The Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, please visit www.pvla.org.

Performances of Richard III begin on Friday, March 24, 2006 and run through Sunday, April 30, 2006 at St. Stephen's Theater, located at 10th and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. Tickets range in price from $14-$28 and are available now by visiting or calling the box office at (215) 829-9002, or online at www.lanterntheater.org.

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