The Lion in Winter
Firehouse Theater Company:
4/4 – 5/2
“The Lion in Winter,” James Goldman’s
melodramatic medieval soap opera, is one of my favorite plays. The playwright’s
wordplay is delightful to the ear and often devastating to the funny bone. Beyond
that it all boils down to Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine duking it out over
which of their three sons will be the eventual successor to the throne of
England. Henry wants John and Eleanor wants Richard. Geoffrey, the middle son,
tries with all his calculating heart to get noticed and fails miserably.
Director Rick Bernstein gives us a
production that’s a real theatrical treat.
Emma Messenger’s Eleanor commands the
stage with a fiery passion and sparkling wit. This actor, who took the Henry
for her portrayal of Mag in “The Beauty Queen of Linnane” last season, is Emma-nently
watchable.
Andrew Uhlenhopp’s Henry is brash and
bullish and bellows from curtain to curtain. Mr. Uhlenhopp is one of the local
actors who is not afraid of the grandeur of his voice onstage. That’s a good
thing. One does, however, wish that the volume be modulated a bit at first.
Otherwise there’s nowhere to go when the amperage needs to be turned up as subsequent
scenes require it.
L-R foreground: Andrew Uhlenhopp and Jeff Jesmer.
L-R background: Danielle Vivarttas and Emma Messenger with Photo Credit to Ed Berry
Besides his strong and memorable acting in
the role of Richard, Jeffrey Jesmer also created the very fine set describing
the castle at Chinon in which this leonine pride is celebrating Christmas. Jonathan
Hallowell does well appearing intentionally pathetic as John. Thomas Jennings’
Geoffrey is appropriately cool and conniving.
His Nordic good looks aside, Drew Hirschboeck’s
portrayal of the French Prince Philip as consummate strategist is delicious. Danielle
Vivarttas pouts beautifully as Henry’s mistress, Alais.
The costumes by Lisa DeVeux are some of
the best to have been seen so far this season.
Firehouse Theater
Company presents
“The Lion in Winter”
King Henry II goes
head-to-head with wife Eleanor in a battle to secure England’s next King.
Apr. 4 - May 2
Fri./Sat. @ 7:30
p.m.; Sun., @ 6:30 p.m.
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