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<DIV align=center><FONT size=3>Ovations Greet Performances of The Lion In
Winter</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> The cast of The Lion in Winter was greeted with extended
ovations on all three nights this past weekend at the Canal Fulton Players’
theatre at the United Methodist Church of Canal Fulton, 363 West Cherry Street,
Canal Fulton, Ohio. The story of King Henry II and his queen, Eleanor of
Aquitaine, during the Christmas Court of 1183 revolves around the statement made
by Eleanor after another fight with Henry, “What family doesn’t have its ups and
downs.” Treachery, greed, revenge, anger, and all of those other good bad
things are examined as Henry II decides who will succeed him as King of England
and how he will be able to hold unto the successor’s fiance, Alais, who just
happens to be his mistress. This is kind of a medieval reality show in
which “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf” meets “Robin Hood.”<BR> Giving a
kingly performance is Ken Hehmeyer, who still shows that he is able to fight
long hard fights with his stage sons who are more than half his age. Ken,
who brags that he is sixty four years of age, brings a nasty twinge to a part
that requires the actor to be lovable but not likable. That means that you
hate the character but cannot wait for him or her to return to the stage.
Ken does not play Henry II. He is Henry II.<BR> As Eleanor, Cindy
Bagocius gives a rather sinister performance to a woman who on the surface
exudes warmth and concern but below is a boiling pot of rage and intrigue.
Cindy, who normally is the one who is cast as the person who brings milk and
cookies, plays the part as a master chess player. Nothing will get in her
way to make her favorite son, Richard, King of England. Yet, she has an
Achilles heel which is her love for Henry no matter how many mistresses he
has.<BR> The three sons are played by Matt King (Richard), Tyler Brewer
(Geoffrey), and Josh Rowe (John). Matt is perfectly cast as Richard, the
purveyor of slaughter and war. He hates Eleanor but loves her also since
she was the one who raised him during the time of four civil wars which she
started against Henry. This complex man who can be a poet while killing
comes to life with an expert twist from Matt, who is not afraid to push around
anyone who gets in his way. Women are not a major factor in his life, just
ask Phillip of France.<BR> Tyler has the difficult part of playing
Geoffrey, a man who is brilliant in his estimations of high office and
diplomacy, but who is hated and neglected by his parents. As he states,
“Why is it when someone offers something to someone, no one mentions
Geoffrey.” Tyler gives a performance in which his character is resigned to
the idea that his parents do not like him even though he is probably the best to
assume the crown.<BR> Josh is a revelation as John, the sixteen year old
boy who is being pushed into the role of king by Henry and is thoroughly ill
prepared for the job. Alais hates him since he not only schemes behind
Henry’s back but he also has a horrible habit of poor hygiene. Josh, who
has to make several leaps over furniture in this play, shows a dexterity of an
Olympic high jumper and does not seem to be bothered if for some reason he
knocks the bar down.<BR> Alais is played by Amiee Jarzenski, a young
actress who stole everyone’s heart as Annelle in Steel Magnolias. Amiee
came on the scene one week before opening night when the original actress came
down with a bad case of bronchitis and could not continue. Amiee not only
memorized the lines but came up with a different perspective of Alais. The
cast quickly changed its perception of Alais, who was far more than a sweet
girl. She proved to be an adept fighter for what she wanted.<BR> The
sinister King of France, Phillip, is played by Craig May, who plays the
Plantagenet family like a violin. Craig is thirty four and had to play a
character who is half that age. Yet, Craig shows an incredible range in
making his portrayal very believable. As he states to Henry that he will
hear Henry squeal like a trussed up live pig being cooked, he reveals the
treachery of the Princes of England as they attempt to take over the throne of
England.<BR> The play will continue on October 29-31 at 7:30 pm at the
United Methodist Church of Canal Fulton, 363 West Cherry Street, Canal Fulton,
Ohio. The cost of admission is $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors and
children under the age of twelve. Some children under the age of fourteen
have seen the play and liked it.<BR> For further information, reservations,
or directions call David Van Gaasbeek at 330-494-1022 or
330-854-4387.</FONT></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>