Epic, Funny, And Moving, “The Lion In Winter” Opens Thursday!

King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine are gathering their throne-hungry sons for a family reunion, in the Fringe Theater’s production of “The Lion in Winter” by Academy Award winning playwright James Goldman. Set in the majestic Sanctuary of St. Paul’s Church on Duval St, the battle over the throne opens tonight, February 18. Ticket-holders will be treated to a free reception following the production.

The Fringe, according to director Rebecca Tomlinson, is producing “immersion theater” that “focuses on relationships” within a “medieval setting” provided by “the beautiful sanctuary at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with its stained glass windows, white-washed walls and majestic wooden beams. This is a very funny drama that is sharper and wittier than your average period play. Its characters charge, retreat, reload, and renegotiate, all to gain what they each want most: love.”

The cast features Peter King as the aging King Henry II and Annie Miners as his spirited Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose plotting has led to years of imprisonment

Richard (later to be known as Richard Lionheart) is played by Michael McCabe as a warring hothead, willing to fight anybody about anything. Geoffrey (John Reynolds), the middle child, is generally ignored and as Henry puts it: “He isn’t flesh; he’s a device; he’s wheels and gears.” Geoffrey has become a schemer, plotting to make himself indispensable to John when he takes the throne.

John (Jeremy Hyatt ) is Henry’s favorite, though he’s young, excitable, and seemingly incompetent. Yet Henry has chosen John to succeed him, when it seems Richard, Queen Eleanor’s choice, would be more likely to maintain Henry’s empire.

Philip, the visiting King of France, sits more like an alert spider on its web than a king on his throne. His sister Alais is Henry’s young mistress, and the French are looking to cement their alliance with a royal marriage. Goldman puts us right in the middle of the treacherous plotting and counter-plotting, where nobody means what they say and shouldn’t be trusted.

“Well, what family doesn’t have its ups and downs?” quips the Queen.

The audience will be transported to the year 1183 and King Henry’s castle in France, to witness a free-for-all battle for the throne of England. Featuring sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons as well as a verbal battle of the sexes, this modern-day classic is dramatic in action and comedic in tone.

It’s Christmas time in Chinon, and the yuletide is anything but peaceful.  King Henry is aging and in a royal knockout over his legacy with his estranged queen. Their three sons turn to verbal backstabbing to win the crown. Personal and political gears grind, plots are plotted, and the fight for the throne rages on, fueled by treachery and repartee.

Says Producing Artistic Director Monnie King,” We are thrilled to present this epic play, set in a castle, in the majestic and beautiful sanctuary of St Paul’s Church. We’re planning an intimate audience experience. This production truly exceeds our motto: Expect the Un-Expected!”

The battle over the throne opens tonight, February 18, and continues to run February 19 – 27 and March 2 – 5, at 401 Duval St.  Curtain is 8 pm.

Tickets are available at or at www.fringetheater.org or (305) 707-4053 or keystix.com or 305-296-7676

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