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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Lion in Winter Also see Gil's review of Cash on Delivery
Set at Christmas in 1183, The Lion in Winter unfolds as King Henry II and his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine engage in a battle of wits and wills over the succession of their throne. With their three sons–brave and proud Richard, brooding and shrewd Geoffrey, and immature and sulking John–vying for power, and the presence of King Philip of France adding political tension, this is a riveting exploration of family dynamics, betrayal, and ambition. With sharp dialogue and biting humor, Goldman's play is excellent. The dialogue crackles with intelligence in a razor-sharp battle of wits between Henry and Eleanor as they manipulate all around them. Goldman expertly paints these familial relationships as being fraught with disloyalty and resentment, but also deep-seated love, while also beautifully revealing the characters' vulnerabilities and ambitions. While it's a historical drama, it is clear, witty, and keeps the audience focused throughout as the shifting alliances underscore the deeply personal stakes in the political games that Henry and Eleanor play. The cast is outstanding. As Henry II, Tyler Brignone commands the stage with a mix of regal authority and world-weary cynicism, effortlessly conveying both the character's charisma and his relentless desperation to secure his legacy, even if he isn't quite sure if any of his sons is up to carrying on his legacy. Virginia Olivieri, who plays Eleanor, is also excellent, with clearly delivered scenes that show the manipulation and calculating nature of the character along with several poignant moments that reveal Eleanor's vulnerability. Brignone and Olivieri's nuanced performances infuse their battles, scheming, and their non-stop games of cat and mouse with deception and the relentless fight for control. I know they both did extensive research on these factual characters; their hard work clearly shows with crisp and clear portrayals. The actors playing their sons are equally compelling. Chasen Zeiner brings a lovely amount of intensity and pride to the role of Richard that underlines his military achievements and deep-seated emotional wounds, while Tyler Sines is superb in bringing to life Geoffrey's calculating nature along with his cunning and dangerous intelligence as the often-overlooked middle son. John, the youngest and least capable of the sons to become King, is played with just the right amount of petulance and insecurity by Leonidas Karandreas, which elicits both laughter and sympathy. All three young men play off each other exactly as you'd think conspiring brothers would and also realistically look like they could be the offspring of Brignone and Olivieri. Kristen Chua is warm and bright as Alais Capet, Henry's current and vulnerable lover who feels like she is a pawn in the family squabbles, and Owen Rapkoch exudes a quiet menace as her brother, King Philip, who attempts to subtly assert his influence into this tense family drama. Janis Webb's direction is razor sharp, ensuring that every dramatic beat resonates, every emotional moment rings true, and every moment of humor lands precisely. The production's creative elements, though simple, are still effective. Jean-Paoul C. Clemente's set and the period-appropriate costumes evoke the era without pulling focus from Goldman's excellent wordplay, which allows the focus to remain squarely on the characters and their complex relationships. With its exceptional cast and skillful direction, Order Chaos Theater Company's production of The Lion in Winter captures the wit, tension, and poignancy of Goldman's play and the timeless themes of power, loyalty, and the fragility of family ties. Anyone who has any experience with dysfunctional family relationships will find a lot in Goldman's script and this production in particular that resonates, while everyone else can sit back and watch as the fireworks of these family battles crackle and pop. The Lion in Winter, an Order Chaos Theater Company production, runs through January 26, 2025, at Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe Street, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.orderchaostheater.org Director Director - Janis Webb
Set Design: Jean-Paoul C. Clemente Cast: |
