[NEohioPAL] West Side Leader review: "The Lion in Winter" (Weathervane Playhouse)

[Keith Campbell]

Reprinted below with permission from Leader Publications is David Ritchey's REVIEW of the show from the Oct. 18 edition of "The West Side Leader":

'Dynamite" cast featured in Weathervane production
By David Ritchey 

MERRIMAN VALLEY - Weathervane Community Playhouse is staging "The Lion in Winter" through Oct. 28. 

The play is based on King Henry II (1133-1189), who is only 50 years old in 1183 when "The Lion in Winter" takes place. Henry has three adult sons who are disappointments. He imprisons his wife to protect himself and his throne, and he worries about maintaining the kingdom after his death. 

Yes, this family has difficulties. With therapy and counseling, most families get beyond their problems and live almost happily ever after. But the family in "The Lion in Winter" has more problems than most contemporary dysfunctional families have to overcome.  


In 1966, playwright James Goldman (1929-98) received an Academy Award for the film script for "The Lion in Winter." Katharine Hepburn received an Academy Award for the film. And Peter O'Toole lost, again. 

"The Lion in Winter" is the fictional account of King Henry's family celebration at Christmas in 1183 in his palace in Chinon, France. This is a Christmas celebration like no other. 

Henry (Dick Reiss) has permitted his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Dede Klein), out of imprisonment to attend the family gathering. Their sons - Richard "the Lion Hearted" (Derrick Winger), John (Andrew Morton) and Geoffrey (Scott Shriner) - are in attendance. He also has his lady friend Alais (Amanda Davis) at the celebration. Their guest is King Philip of France (Jason Davis). 

Chess seems the metaphor for this production. Several of Goldman's lines have chess-like references. For example, Alais refers to herself as a pawn. And at the end of several scenes, characters make comments about having won or lost. 

The actors play this script like a tight, fast, well-fought chess match.  


A large crown, based on the crown on Henry II's death mask, is suspended above the playing area. This crown never lets the audience forget what is at stake. 

In addition to the crown, Alan Scott Ferrall (scenic design/technical director) and his crew of volunteers created a set of six trellis-like arches that the cast members move about to reconfigure the playing area. This transparent set provides plenty of room for furniture and for the movement.  


Jenna Bates (costume design) and her crew brought fairly authentic costumes to the stage. However, Alais plays some scenes without shoes and in a short-sleeve gown in an airy, stone castle. In 12th century England and France, people would have worn plenty of layers of clothing to fight off the cold, damp winters. 

But let no one doubt what this production is about - the script. Director Rohn Thomas keeps the focus on the story and permits the story to unfold in chess-like moves. As one character makes a move, another counters it. Thomas helped each performer develop a distinct, functional character. Henry and Eleanor have three adult sons and each is as different as can be. Thomas would be an excellent addition to Weathervane's roster of directors. 

Watching Reiss and Klein work together is exciting. These two excellent performers take the stage and pull out all of the emotional stops. Reiss makes Henry, at 50, still desperate to hold onto the crown and make sure the heir to the throne will keep England united and, perhaps, add to the size of the kingdom. As a lion who has reached the winter of his life, he wants to take the young Alais as his wife or his mistress. But to stabilize the royal power, he threatens to force Richard to marry her. 

Klein is in her top acting form in this production. She has excellent comedic acting skills and can toss off a line and earn the laugh. She is regal and controlled and in the next moment desperate and emotional. Don't go to this production expecting to see Hepburn. Klein has made Eleanor her own. Klein has the intelligence and wit to make this one of the best performances of her career.  


However, Reiss and Klein could not have achieved this superior level of work without their on-stage chemistry and the support of the dynamite supporting cast. The cast creates an ensemble production. They share the stage and each in his and her turn dazzles the audience. 

This is what good theater is about.  


Local audiences will want to see this production to watch some special acting, directing, set design and construction. "The Lion in Winter" is on stage through Oct. 28, a short run for such an outstanding production. For tickets, call (330) 836-2626 [or connect to weathervaneplayhouse.com].


David Ritchey has a Ph.D. in communications and is a professor of communications at The University of Akron. He is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association. 




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