JONESBOROUGH REPERTORY THEATRE

A comedy in two acts

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre closed its 2009 season with James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter, Nov. 12-22.

 The classic comedy/drama tells the story of King Henry II of England who is holding Christmas court in Chinon.  Invited to the holiday are his wife Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine who Henry has imprisoned for the last 10 years; their three sons – Richard, Geoffrey, and John; King Philip of France, and Philip’s sister Alais who is also Henry’s mistress.  The dysfunctional family has gathered to learn who will succeed Henry as king.  Everyone wants a share of the power.  Betrayal, alliances, and treachery are the tools used to gain it. 

 The Lion in Winter brings JRT veterans back to the stage including director Joe Smith, John Beard as King Henry, Debbie Shoun as Queen Eleanor, and Colleen Dunne as Alais, along with new faces including Aaron Bradley as Philip in his acting debut.

 “Acting is something I have always wanted to do,” Bradley said. “In the early summer I started looking for something to do that would be an enrichment to my life and be satisfying.  I was aware of JRT, so I did some research and found this show was the best opportunity.  I researched the play and the characters, and I am very grateful to be a part of this production.”

 Also new to the JRT stage is Richard Nave who plays Richard the Lionheart, one of the show’s many complicated characters.

 “Richard is a warrior, a prince, and a son,” Nave said.  “He has always favored Eleanor, who has a way of controlling him, but he has never been Henry’s favorite son, even though he is the most like Henry.”

The play’s characters are complicated and layered.  Their motivations and schemes shift throughout the play.  Queen Eleanor is a prime example.

 “Eleanor is a mass of contradictions, she loves and hates passionately,” says Stacey Bracey, who will be performing as Eleanor Nov. 19 and 22.  “Her mind is always working.  She is one of the most complex women ever, and I include Shakespeare’s characters in that.”

 Like its characters, The Lion in Winter is a complex mixture of drama and hilarity.  The show has moments of intensity as well as laughter.

             “This was, by far, the most challenging show I’ve ever directed, but despite the hard work and occasional rehearsals that went past 11 p.m., we’ve had an absolute blast,” Smith said.  “When we began, many of the cast members were strangers to one another, but by the end of our first read-through, they were laughing and acting like brothers and sisters.”

            “I like how they have supported each other during this process, particularly in understanding the complexities of the characters.  They have a great chemistry on stage, which has made my job so much easier.”

 The rest of the cast included Josh Ison as Prince John, Shannon Skinner as Prince Geoffrey, and attendants played by Heather HagenBurger, Anna Heim, Chris Murray, Brandy Oerly, Shelby Edwards, Aaron Brown, and Dylan Yacks. 

The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is located at 125½ West Main Street, Jonesborough, across from Jonesborough Presbyterian Church, next door to the Historic Eureka Inn. We hope to see you there!