Directed by:

Stephen Hensel

Audition Dates:

Sunday, November 14, and Monday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Performances:

January 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 2022 | 8:00 PM
January 23, 30 2022 |  2:30 PM Matinee

Synopsis:

Sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons – The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, is a modern-day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action – the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. Let out only for holidays, the play centers around the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception.

Characters:

Henry II – 50+. King of England, husband of Eleanor, father of Richard, Geoffrey, and John, and has taken Alais as his mistress. At an age where most men are old or dead, he is enjoying a final rush of vigor and wit that sometimes comes before decline. Desires to keep the kingdom he has built together and not split it between his sons. Favors John for the throne.

Alais – Sister of Phillip, raised by Eleanor, and mistress of Henry. Contracted to marry Richard to secure an alliance between England and France. In love with Henry, though she knows she is a pawn in his and Eleanor’s schemes.

John – The youngest son, pimply and immature. Knows he is Henry’s favorite for the throne and enjoys taunting his brothers with that, even as he is aware he is not their equal in skill.

Geoffrey – The middle son, charming and intelligent. Is not being considered for the throne and is both resentful and accepting of that fact. As a result, has put schemes of his own into motion so that whoever ends up on the throne, he is the power behind them.

Richard Lionheart – The oldest son, powerful and confident. A proven leader and warrior, and Eleanor’s choice for the throne. Led a failed rebellion again Henry with Eleanor years before.

Eleanor – 50+. Queen of England, Duchess of Aquitaine, formerly Queen of France, mother of Richard, Geoffrey, and John, and imprisoned by Henry. The most powerful European woman of her time and has been a queen for nearly fifty years. Possessed of great temperament, authority, and presence. Favors Richard for the throne and helped him lead a rebellion against Henry years before which resulted in her imprisonment.

Phillip – King of France, brother of Alais. A young king and new to the throne but has already proven himself a capable leader. Wants to see Alais married to Richard to solidify an alliance between England and France.

Details:

LTM’s Audition Form.pdf

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.