Mt. Airy theater owners creating Philly’s ‘Ave. of the Arts Northwest

Lantern Theater Company is expanding to Mount Airy, Philadelphia, with a new 180-seat venue located in the former Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church. According to company leader Stacy Maria Dutton, the theater is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2027 following a $4 million capital campaign.

Dutton stated that just under half of the capital campaign funds are earmarked for the Mount Airy location. The project includes the construction of new bathrooms, dressing rooms, and a green room for actors. The theater will open with a Philadelphia premiere of a well-known play, according to Dutton.

The venue was previously owned by the Mt. Airy Presbyterian congregation, which sold the church and its education wings to developer Ken Weinstein. Weinstein has since converted the education buildings into condominiums.

Why is Lantern Theater Company moving to Mount Airy?

Dutton cited several factors for the move, including a proven theater audience in the neighborhood and the proximity of Quintessence Theatre Group. She also noted the convenience of parking on Germantown Avenue and nearby supermarket lots, as well as access to two train lines and two bus routes.

The physical attributes of the former church also influenced the decision. Dutton described the building as having soaring stained-glass windows and a clear-span height that prevents pillars from blocking the stage view.

Personal ties to the area played a role, as Dutton and Lantern co-founder Charles McMahon live in Mount Airy. The company’s offices are located across the street from the venue, next to the Mount Airy Art Garage nonprofit arts incubator.

How will this affect the local arts community?

Alexander Burns, artistic director and founder of Quintessence, believes the addition of a second professional theater could create an “Avenue of the Arts Northwest.” Burns stated that having multiple theaters within walking distance helps residents develop a habit of attending theater.

Quintessence is also pursuing growth, having raised most of a $5 million capital campaign. Burns announced that work to clean the building’s terra cotta molding begins in June, with the restoration of the historic movie marquee starting in September.

Local business owners are already seeing a connection between theater and commerce. P.J. McMenamin, owner of McMenamin’s Tavern, said his establishment serves as a “theater bar” during the five weeks a show is running, providing meals for patrons before the opening act.

What other growth is occurring in Mount Airy?

Philip Dawson, executive director of the nonprofit Mt. Airy Community Development Corp, reported new growth in the neighborhood’s second business district on Germantown Avenue. This area is separated from the theater district by a library branch, an Acme supermarket, a fire station, and a senior citizen complex.

New businesses in the area include Downtime Bakery, The Frosted Fox Cake Shop owned by “Sugar Rush” winner Jennifer Low, and Adelie Coffee House. Other additions include Zsa’s Ice Cream, Pax Flora Goods, Mt. Airy Biergarten, and Bella Mosaic.

Dawson stated that the district is strengthened by a strong resident ethic of supporting small businesses. He described the neighborhood as “welcoming, resilient and vibrant.”

What happens next for these theaters?

Lantern Theater Company may continue its capital campaign to finalize the funding for the 180-seat space. If the timeline holds, the company is likely to debut its first production at the site in the fall of 2027.

Quintessence is likely to complete its exterior facade restoration by the end of the year, which Burns believes will transfer energy to the surrounding block. The theater will mount a seven-play season starting in September.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Lantern Theater venue open?
According to Stacy Maria Dutton, the theater is promised to launch in the fall of 2027.

How is the Mount Airy theater being funded?
Lantern is in the middle of a $4 million capital campaign, with just under half of those funds earmarked for the Mount Airy location.

What is the “Avenue of the Arts Northwest”?
It is a vision described by Alexander Burns to create a concentration of professional theaters within walking distance in Mount Airy, similar to the Avenue of the Arts in Center City.

Do you think clustering theaters in one neighborhood makes you more likely to attend shows?