‘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.
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.
Dick Reiss (Henry) and Dede Klein
(Eleanor) share a scene in Weathervane Community Playhouse’s
production of “The Lion in Winter.” Photo
courtesy of Weathervane Community Playhouse
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