that I am glad my last on stage theatrical experience was only a three night affair (no pun intended). I returned “home” tonight to a marvelously hilarious yet intriguing tour de force. The Lion in Winter is a brilliant play that has everything: comedy, drama, comedy, backstabbing, COMEDY, a steller set, did I mention comedy. There were at most 30 people in the small audience but everyone of those thirty were in stitches (maybe it was the three in the third or fourth row… but it was really that funny and not at all what I expected.
First, I MUST commend the hard work that went into the scenery constructed that turned the small stage of the WCCT into the castle of King Henry 2nd at Chinon, France at Christmas circa 1183. Tapestries, stone walls, a throne and such depth and perspective that you would have thought that you were actually inside the castle. BRAVO Karen for another magnificent set!
The cast is totally phenomenal. I must commend the newcomer to the stage who gave simpering, whining life to Prince John. The newspaper review did not do his performance its due credit.
Nor did it do justice to the performance of Prince Geoffrey. The audience could see the brilliant machinations going on in his head. What little he said in words while the others bickered and plotted aloud, he more than made up for in his presence and movement. Brilliant portrayal, my friend!
I must give huge praise to the King and Queen themselves. When King Henry was on stage, he OWNED the stage. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine was Katherine Hepburn personified… maybe even a bit better. Their scenes together were magic.
The entire cast, crew (the scene changes were very necessary to the effect and done well), direction (brava Shirley and Alice). King Philip was portrayed by an actor who is a huge fan of the show and rightfully so. His onstage time may have been limited but what he did with that time was masterful. Richard the Lionhearted was portrayed with fiery passion for battle and blood yet had a tender side. Alais, mistress of Henry II, was also well cast.
As the trailer says: It will make you laugh, cry, and go HUHN? Definitely check out the final performancces of Lion in Winter this weekend. And I did see a bit of typecasting as my friend so fleetingly commented upon.
Tags: The Lion in Winter, WCCT
Ok, I’m not going to read this until tomorrow or later tonight at least – I don’t want anything spoiled!
Jamster…..what color is your coat?
Hi dAD… if you mean Joseph’s Coat. It was…. red & yellow & green & brown & scarlet & black & ochre & peach & ruby & olive & violet & fawn lilac & gold & chocolate & mauve; cream & crimson & silver & rose & azure & lemon & russet & grey & purple & white & pink & orange & blue
The coat that Jamster wears most often at this time Is white, red, and blue… GO YANKEES!
And I named to colors in Joseph’s Coat without cheating. Does that mean I would make a good “brother” or at least a narrator (ok… so i REALLY don’t want to be the narrator).
what is the true meaning of the color of your coat….the redcoats are coming the redcoats are coming…
Red means full of passion. Apparently the passion of the redcoats was not enough, or our society would not be such as it is today.
I have worn many coats in my life…my new favorite coat is the one I wear when watching my new and wonderful friends on and off the stage!
awww, Dad… that is sooooo cool. When do we get to see you on stage?
TO BE….OR NOT TO BE…THAT IS THE QUESTION!
aaaahhh…
“to sleep, perchance to dream, ay, there’s the rub
for in that sleep of death what dreams may come”
no cheating there, either
hope I quoted correctly
blue is trustworthy, dependable, and committed. hopefully, people see that. Red and blue are good colors.
white is purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Not so good as red and blue. Just don’t ask about the rest of Joe’s colors
….perchance to dream…very nice quote!
ok, dad… don’t forget to read other posts… while I appreciate your insight into this one, there are a year’s worth, plus to read
Ok, I’m confused… this big al, is he really your dad? Or is it the big al I know or someone else?
I’m assuming it is the Big Al who was at your house last night for game night. My real dad would not know how to turn a computer on.
That’s what I thought… Welcome Big Al!
So why do you call him Dad?
The same reason I call Sharon, Mom. They all have the same first name.
Another Al and Sharon pairing who are fun and kinda goofy.
I do believe you now hold the record for most comments on a tangents blog post…
22? Must be close at least.
Is anyone out there?? Jamster….Lisa??
I’m here… but you could read and comment on other posts and blogs…. hahahaha!