The Lion In Winter was one of the most powerful dramas to hit the stage and screen, as well as television, in the last half of the twentieth century. The film won three Oscars plus another 11 awards. A revival of the play opened this weekend at Scripps Ranch Theater. And what an opening it was!
Jill Drexler's portrayal of Eleanor is brilliant. The role, an extremely complex one, is built upon deceit and false emotions. Charlie Riendeau's King Henry is equally deceitful and highly controlling; however, as king with absolute power, he is even more dangerous. Drexler and Riendeau provide San Diego audiences with two of the best performances of the season. Under the excellent direction of David Kelso, The Lion In Winter is guaranteed to garner nightly applause and win awards.
King Henry has imprisoned Queen Eleanor, in one of his castles, while bedding his current paramour, Alais (Danielle Rhoads). Even Alais is a master at getting her way by any means at her disposal. Henry and Eleanor have three sons: John (Michael Oravec), Geoffrey (John Antonov), and Richard (John DeCarlo), who have learned well from their parents the art of deceit, manipulation and evil. Much of this delightful guile is pointed toward France's young King Phillip (Nick Sampson). One could say that this highly manipulative family is the ultimate prototype for dysfunctionalism.
The Lion In Winter, set at the 1183 Christmas court in his chateau in Chinon, Normandy, brings the whole family together. Visiting King Philip, incidentally, is the son of Eleanor's ex-husband. While there was no Christmas court there in 1183, the outcomes of the characters and the background of playwright James Goldman's story are historically accurate.
The cast, under Kelso's able direction, provides the audience with a quality production. They are very good at constantly making us wonder what new alliances are being made or destroyed. The supporting cast brings a nice counterpoint to the leads.
The chateau set, designed by Jim Caputo, with its multiple pillars and half arches, gives the production's seven locations excellent individuality by the movement of the arches and minor set dressing. Even the execution of the set changes runs smoothly as the large crew transforms one room into another. Leslie Fitzpatrick and Rosemary King accent the design with their set dressing. Scott Padrick's lighting design works extremely well, even including a fireplace effect.
Gordon Bergholtz's music selection accents the mood; Gretel Smith's costumes were perfect in every detail.
The Lion In Winter is definitely a must-see production. The talented cast, drawn from an extended pool of San Diego talent, provides insight in the machinations of Henry's family and the tenor of the period.R164
