Collaborative Theatre Project stages play loosely based on Eleanor of Aquitaine & Henry II relationship.
By Lucie K. Scheuer for the Rogue Valley Times
When the historical drama and film, “The Lion in Winter” starring Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole, opened in 1968, it was a huge success — showcasing two of the stars greatest performances and winning three Oscars.
This story of a reunited fiery and ferocious husband and wife (king and queen) caught up in a family crisis, with potentially dire consequences, captured critics attention and resonated with audiences alike. What is not widely known is the story, loosely based on fact, which was originally a dynamic play by James Goldman, before it was a movie.
It is also a powerful story, with an energy as palatable as any Shakespeare drama; a story that is familiar, that tears at the heart of dysfunctional family relationships and sometimes can be funny. It’s about betrayal, desperation and allegiances. It was the thing most on the mind of medieval rulers designating heirs. Who would carry on the family legacy? “The Lion in Winter” is playing on the Collaborative Theatre Project stage now through Feb. 16. It is an intense play worth experiencing.
The story is loosely based on the relationship and marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, and although there’s a lot at stake here, the story doesn’t necessarily provide the answers. This production certainly shows off Susan Aversa’s skill as a director.
As the play opens, Queen Eleanor, who has been imprisoned for 10 years for plotting against Henry, has been temporarily released to spend Christmas with Henry and their three sons. Kelly Ryan Vincent plays Eleanor with restraint that builds to a frenzied desperation that feels real. The reunion becomes a life and death struggle when Henry decides it is time for him to will his lands (and Eleanor’s) to one of his sons and to marry off this mistress Alais (the sister of Philip the King of France) to another of his sons. Tessa Alleman plays an alluring and attentive Alais.
Eleanor favors her older son Richard, who seems to mirror her desire for power. Henry favors their young son, John, who is emotionally stunted and not ready for overseeing lands. The resentful middle son, Geoffrey, forms an allegiance with his younger brother and the clashes begin. All three sons — Nick Walker as Richard, Shayne LeQuieu as Geoffrey and Allan P. Jones II as John — seem to have developed the same rivalry and lack of respect for one another that their parents feel for each other. Sort of a “sins of the father” being passed down situation. Cole Song as King Philip of France jumps into the mix, and we’re off to the races.
A battle of wits ensues between Henry and Eleanor as they vie for the favor of their sons. Their sons form alliances with each other and Philip, with the dynamics changing throughout the play. Henry’s and Eleanor’s verbal jousting increases as they use their sons as pawns to try and get what they want. There are some “Games of Thrones” moments for sure with daggers figuratively and literally being drawn.
Russell Lloyd has stepped right into the role of King Henry, and this may be his finest performance for CTP to date. The role fits him like a pair of comfortable sheepskin boots. He is witty, compromised, cunning, tortured, nonplussed and thoroughly engaged with this role.
It is obvious a great deal of work by CJ Reid, Siana Keishon and Diana Rasmusson went into creating the intricate period costumes.
There’s two captivating hours worth of dialog here. The verbal sparring gets a bit tiring, but the playwright obviously felt it to be important. We are reminded one more time, families are complicated. They are not always born out of love, yet love seems necessary for bonding. It reminds us also that the holidays could be a real pain when families got together back then, too.
“The Lion in Winter” is playing at the Collaborative Theatre Project, 555 Medford Center, Medford. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Feb. 16. Tickets are $40, $35 for seniors and students. Tickets and information are available at ctpmedford.org, on Facebook, or by calling the box office at 541-779-1055. Group rates are available.
Reach Ashland-based writer Lucie K. Scheuer at [email protected]. This review first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
