Pierre Players Presents - Lion in Winter

And so it goes. The rivalries, hostilities, emotional manipulation, bargaining, maneuvering, and petty bickering within a royal family which surrounded the politics of succession some 800 odd years ago still, alas, have a contemporary ring. For then as now, with a kingdom at stake and three heirs, and one of whom could claim the throne, what enterprising young prince would not make just a little extra effort to assure personal success? The story in The Lion in Winter is that of Henry II (Barry LeBeau), King of England, championing his youngest son John (Matt Stulken), against his oldest son Richard (Roger Hartley), who is controlled by the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, (Diane Jackson), for the English crown. And there is also Geoffrey (Thomas Butler), the middle son, Phillip (Evan Livermore), the French King, and Alais (Kit Hartley), a French princess to deal with; each in their own way and for their own reasons ready to join in the endless machinations which heat the air at this bitterly cold Christmas Court. The original Broadway production of Lion in 1966 was considered to be sophisticated comedy/drama with its blending of historical fact and anachronistic and witty dialogue. The 1968 film version starring Peter O?Toole and Katherine Hepburn is still thought to be a minor classic chronicling and glorifying one-upmanship, infighting and familial politics. Dressing it all up in 13th century costume doesn?t hide the fact that these predatory games are still played today, albeit without perhaps quite as much relish. Lion in Winter is directed by Michael Pangburn with assistance from Rayne Dosch. Technical Directory is Larry Johnson, costumer is Laura Waack and Greg Peters is Lighting Director. The excellent production full of powerful, complicated and enthralling performances opens March 27, 2009. Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Sponsored in part by Delta Dental of South Dakota