Theatrical Review: The Lion in Winter

Theatrical Review: The Lion in Winter
Written by: James Goldman
Directed by: Juliet K. Dunham and Sue Butler
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Lion in Winter” written by James Goldman in 1966. The play premiered at the Ambassador Theatre in the New York City Theatrical district known as Broadway and featured Robert Preston as Henry II, King of England and Rosemary Harris who won The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre (aka Tony) Award for her portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine. The play was later adapted into a film in 1968 featuring Peter O'Toole as Henry and Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine who won the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (aka OSCAR) Award for the role.

The play is set during the Christmas of 1183 at the Royal Estate in Chinon in which Henry II (as portrayed by Richard Rose) and his mistress Alais (as portrayed by Maria Sole) await the arrival of Henry’s imprisoned wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, (as portrayed by Katherine Neville who designed the production’s program and serves The Center Stage Players as its Treasurer), their three surviving sons Richard I (as portrayed by Patrick Turner who also serves The Center Stage Players as its President), Geoffrey (as portrayed by Robin Kessler), and John (as portrayed by Marshall Haskell). The also await the arrival of King Philip II of France (as portrayed by Ryan Moore) who is Alais’ half brother to join them for their family gathering.

This particular Holiday Gathering is set against a back drop of some past family squabbles that got completely out of hand. Being of Royal personages, their exploits are well documented as history and include The Revolt of 1173–1174 which began when Henry II’s eldest son, Henry, wanted to control more of his inheritance and was joined by his brothers Richard, Geoffrey, and John with support of their mother Eleanor of Aquitaine and ended with a great deal of death and destruction. It also includes an additional revolt in 1183 which lead to young Henry’s death. At this, Henry II sought to quell his sons’ desire to take the throne by force and this is where the audience who came to see “The Lion in Winter” comes in. Although the events and dialogue presented throughout the play never actually occurred, the historical events which precedes this fictionalized historical drama makes it plausible.

Regardless of whether or not the characters depicted would do what as they are portrayed doing, the play stands on its own as an exploration of family rivalries amplified by an uneasy rite to royal succession. There are betrayals, connivances, paternal manipulations, threats, and desires to dethrone the tyrannical head of the house so the individual who does so can replace this tyranny with their own. It has all the markings of a family get together for the holidays and reminds us why it’s often in our best interests to avoid them. But, we never do, do we?

The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Lion in Winter” is very well done and manages to keep true to the zeitgeist of the era and the emotions presented in the work. As with many previous Center Stage Players’ productions, a love for the theater shines through each actor’s performance that compliments the character in which he or she plays. One can often tell when an actor has researched their character and their own psyche in order to portray it honorably and the comprehensive results this esoteric exploration can be easily seen upon The Shawnee Playhouse stage.

All of the actors provided stellar performances in a work that requires nothing less of them. The emotions it conjures up in an audience who experiences them is almost inconsequential to those drawn upon by the actor. However, Katherine Neville’s powerfully subtle portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine shown with a slight more illumination than those who shared the stage with her. This observation does not intend to diminish the considerable talent of her fellow actors but it is something that is quite noticeable and it elevated the power of the production. This is indeed a production that intrigues its audience on an academically historical level and a visceral one as well. This reviewer wholeheartedly recommends seeing it.

The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Lion in Winter” is written by James Goldman and directed by Sue Butler who (with Jack Butler)  also served the production as its set designer and (with David Schappert) as a member of its lighting crew and Juliet K. Dunham who also serves on The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors. The production was Stage Managed by Lillian Ramirez-Gonzalez who also serves as The Center Stage Players’ Secretary. Jessica Santos served the production as a member of its crew. This presentation of The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Lion in Winter” will conclude its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA on May 13th.

The Center Stage Players is a non-profit community theater group which was formed in April of 1990 and led by a board of directors. Membership is open to everyone regardless of experience. All auditions to their productions are open to the public as they strive to provide an environment in which persons with an interest in theater can grow and develop in all aspects of theater. Besides those listed in leadership positions earlier in this review, Dan Eash and Pat Van Varick serves on The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors. Please feel free to Explore The Center Stage Players Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Center-Stage-Players/119909224794468 to learn more information about them.

The Shawnee Playhouse provides professional quality year-round entertainment in a historic yet comfortable setting while bringing their guests a variety of theatrical experiences to the residents and vacationers of the area. They also serve as a training ground for young theatre performers and technicians. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Their Group Sales Manager is Mary Horn with Becky Haskell serving in Marketing and Sales. The Box Office Staff consists of Stacey Mattern.

The next production presented by The Center Stage Players will be Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap” scheduled to run September 21st to October 21st.  In the meantime, presentations at The Shawnee Playhouse will include The SCOMC production of “Trying” running May 18th to the 27th, “They’re Playing Our Song” running May 30th to September 1st, “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” running June 15th to September 2nd, and “Cats” running June 29th to August 25th. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse at 570-421-5093 or Explore their Website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $3.00 discount off the admission fee for all productions of The Shawnee Playhouse designated as Feature or Headline Shows.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse.