Renaissance Theatre Marches Out "Lion in Winter"

As I've said before: drama is not my favorite form of theatre. However, I found James Goldman's The Lion in Winter very entertaining. There were enough clever lines and witty conversations to satisfy me and, really, there's nothing more lively than adversaries exchanging quick and pointed barbs. The ensemble cast is quite adapt at delivering their lines with speed and ease. Jim Zielinski directs Renaissance Theatre Production of The Lion in Winter with Matt Growden as Assistant Director. This is the fifth time this popular classic has been produced on a Huntsville stage. Other versions over the years were at Lee High School, Huntsville Little Theatre, Theatre Round the Corner and Twickenham Repertory Theatre.

The Lion in Winter takes place during Christmas in 1183 as an aging (why he's in his 50's!) and conniving King Henry II (Gary Lee Knight) plans a reunion where he hopes to name his successor to the throne. He summons the following for the holiday: his scheming but imprisoned wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine (brilliantly portrayed by Robbie Shafer); his mistress, Princess Alais (Kim Parker), whom he wishes to marry; his three sons: Richard (Gary Warren Gee, Jr.), Geoffrey (Brandon Zeller), and John (Caleb Brown), all of whom desire the throne; and the young but crafty King Philip (Clay Hedden) of France (who is also Alais' brother).

With the fate of Henry's empire at stake, everybody engages in their own brand of deception and treachery to stake their claim. Everyone present, except perhaps Alais, are masters of double-dealing and betrayal. So sit back and watch as this group of devious people clash and try to outsmart each other.

Perhaps you remember 1968 movie version of The Lion in Winter starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. The role of Eleanor of Aquitaine brought Hepburn her third of four Oscars. Hepburn was immediately attracted to the role and once said,"I think Eleanor had something I've always held up as important: love of life but without sentimentality. She was something I've always tried to be --completely authentic..."

The Renaissance Theatre's cast is an all-star cast, too. I was especially taken with Robbie Shafer's ability to expertly display the many sides to Eleanor: bitter, lonely, strong, harsh, proud, distant, and heartless. Gary Lee Knight makes a great King. He not only looked the part (thanks to the costumes by Jay Meeks and the Society for Creative Anachronism, Shire of An Dun Theine) but he also portrays the power and despair of his position. The three sons each hold their own on stage.

The second act moved a little slow for me--not because of the actors, but because of the writing, I think. There were not as many clever and witty sarcasms and insults. This is a well-acted and entertaining show. If you enjoy medieval times and dysfunctional families, then this is the show for you!

Evening shows include March 25, 26, 27at 8:00 PM; April 1, 2, 3 at 8:00 PM; One matinee on: March 28at 2:30 PM; and performances on April 2 & 3 at 6:45 PM. For tickets call 256-536-3117, Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 to 6.

Lion in Winter Photo Gallery