“The Lion in Winter”: Winning Script, Wonderful Cast
Words by Kristen Fogle
For someone who sees quite a bit of theater, “The Lion in Winter” is a welcome commencement to a new year full of what are sure to be amazing productions at San Diego’s plethora of great theaters. Playing at Solana Beach’s North Coast Rep, this legendary play has an abundance of rich, quotable lines, articulate, award winning actors and actresses, and all the fun, folly, and drama one could hope for.
For someone who sees quite a bit of theater, “The Lion in Winter” is a welcome commencement to a new year full of what are sure to be amazing productions at San Diego’s plethora of great theaters. Playing at Solana Beach’s North Coast Rep, this legendary play has an abundance of rich, quotable lines, articulate, award winning actors and actresses, and all the fun, folly, and drama one could hope for.
The 1966 Broadway play by James Goldman originally starred Robert Preston as Henry, Rosemary Harris as Eleanor (who won a Tony in this role), James Rado as Richard, and Christopher Walken as Philip. The play was revived in March 1999 starring Laurence Fishburne as Henry, Stockard Channing as Eleanor (another Tony—though just a nom this time—for an Eleanor!), and directed by Michael Mayer. The play also has a special history for North Coast Rep—founder Olive Blakistone chose “Lion” for its first season, way back in 1982.
Bless Andrew Barnicle, who in his Director’s Notes provides great insight into compiling a synopsis. “Lion” is a fictional representation, revolving around a Christmas Court Henry II calls (in 1183) in order to resolve some issues involving 1) who will inherit the crown (sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John are in line for the job), 2) marrying off young Princess Alais (who Henry is in love with) in exchange for the Vexin (property) from her brother, Phillip, King of France, and 3) securing the Aquitaine (property, again) from his estranged wife Eleanor. With Henry’s empire at stake, and taking place all in one day, each member of the court craftily connives the other and alliances (too many to name) are formed and vanquished in record speed.
What results is excellent acting, aided by careful blocking by Barnicle, with brilliant interpretation of the script…resulting in hilarious line delivery. Because description is not enough (though perhaps not customary in a review), what follows is (just a few) of the many, many lines that made me laugh repetitively:
· What shall we hang first? The holly or each other? –Henry
· If you’re a prince, there’s hope for every ape in Africa. –Prince Geoffrey to Prince John
· I’m vilifying you for God’s safe—pay attention!—Henry to Eleanor
· Hush dear, mother’s fighting. –Eleanor to John
· Of course he has a knife! I have a knife. We all have knives. It’s 1183 and we’re all barbarians! –Eleanor to John
· I am locked up with my sons. What mother does not dream of that? –Eleanor
· I stole the candles from the chapel. Jesus won’t begrudge them, and the chaplain works for me. –Henry
As said prior, the acting is spot on, and credit must be given. Mark Pinter (Henry) and Kandis Chappell (Eleanor) make the perfect pair. Particularly, one feels for Henry (maybe it’s just that he is so consistently entertaining). Chappell makes a convincing transformation from icy and deceiving to a cheerless woman who has been scorned and neglected. Jason Maddy, in his always palatable performances, once again succeeds as witty, intellectually crafty Geoffrey. Richard Baird gives us a commanding presence as Richard, and Kyle Roche rounds out the sons, making use of good timing as dim, immature John. Kyle Sorrell (as Phillip) is enjoyable, particularly when verbally destroying Henry in Phillip’s chamber scene. Alais’ character I understood the least—verging on bratty and unlikable, it is a bit odd why Henry finds her so sweet and wonderful, though the beautiful Alexandra Grossi played her quite competently.
Though “Lion” will only be around until the 29th of January, “Visiting Mister Green” by Jeff Baron will take over next at the Rep. The production runs February 18-March 11, is directed by Christopher M. Williams, and features Robert Grossman and Craig De Lorenzo.
The Lion in Winter
1/7/12-1/29/12
North Coast Rep
987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-481-1055
http://www.northcoastrep.org/
What results is excellent acting, aided by careful blocking by Barnicle, with brilliant interpretation of the script…resulting in hilarious line delivery. Because description is not enough (though perhaps not customary in a review), what follows is (just a few) of the many, many lines that made me laugh repetitively:
· What shall we hang first? The holly or each other? –Henry
· If you’re a prince, there’s hope for every ape in Africa. –Prince Geoffrey to Prince John
· I’m vilifying you for God’s safe—pay attention!—Henry to Eleanor
· Hush dear, mother’s fighting. –Eleanor to John
· Of course he has a knife! I have a knife. We all have knives. It’s 1183 and we’re all barbarians! –Eleanor to John
· I am locked up with my sons. What mother does not dream of that? –Eleanor
· I stole the candles from the chapel. Jesus won’t begrudge them, and the chaplain works for me. –Henry
As said prior, the acting is spot on, and credit must be given. Mark Pinter (Henry) and Kandis Chappell (Eleanor) make the perfect pair. Particularly, one feels for Henry (maybe it’s just that he is so consistently entertaining). Chappell makes a convincing transformation from icy and deceiving to a cheerless woman who has been scorned and neglected. Jason Maddy, in his always palatable performances, once again succeeds as witty, intellectually crafty Geoffrey. Richard Baird gives us a commanding presence as Richard, and Kyle Roche rounds out the sons, making use of good timing as dim, immature John. Kyle Sorrell (as Phillip) is enjoyable, particularly when verbally destroying Henry in Phillip’s chamber scene. Alais’ character I understood the least—verging on bratty and unlikable, it is a bit odd why Henry finds her so sweet and wonderful, though the beautiful Alexandra Grossi played her quite competently.
Though “Lion” will only be around until the 29th of January, “Visiting Mister Green” by Jeff Baron will take over next at the Rep. The production runs February 18-March 11, is directed by Christopher M. Williams, and features Robert Grossman and Craig De Lorenzo.
The Lion in Winter
1/7/12-1/29/12
North Coast Rep
987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-481-1055
http://www.northcoastrep.org/
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