LANSING, Mich. — The Lion in Winter is set during Christmas 1183, at King Henry II's château and primary residence in Chinon, Touraine, in the medieval Angevin Empire. Henry wants his youngest son, the future King John, to inherit his throne, while his estranged and imprisoned wife, Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine, favors their oldest surviving son, the future King Richard the Lionheart. Meanwhile, King Philip II of France, the son and successor of Louis VII of France, has given his half-sister Alais, who is currently Henry's mistress, to the future heir.
Henry temporarily releases Eleanor from prison for the holidays and throws a Christmas feast for the newly crowned King Philip who demands either a wedding or the return of Alais’ dowry. Henry’s three plotting sons, Richard, the soldier genius; Geoffrey reserved and quiet, and John, Henry’s favorite, a sniveling, slack-jaw, are each eager to take the throne. Even though they need to appear a happy family for King Philip, this doesn’t stop each of them from secretly plotting to take the others down. While the three sons backstab and squabble to take their place in history, Eleanor and Henry use their offspring as pawns against each other in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
This story of betrayal and treachery is directed by Richard Redman, with Ruth Tepin as Assistant Director and Jan Ross as Stage Manager. King Henry is played by Kevin Burnham; Duchess Eleanor, Tanya Burnham; Richard, Bobby McCleery; Geoffrey, Brian Farnham; John, Malachi Cates; Alais, Taylor Haslett and King Philip, Ethan Miller. “Marvelously articulate language, with humor that bristles and burns.” — Los Angeles Times
Starlight’s 15th anniversary season is a tribute to two women who enthusiastically supported community theater and especially Starlight in their later years: Winifred Olds and Judie Town. “These two women left a great void in the local theater community and in my life. I dearly miss them, and am so pleased that we can dedicate this season to them” stated Linda Granger, Founder and Artistic Director.
Details
Show dates: March 6-7, 13-15*, 2020. (*Sunday matinee performance offers dessert only) Reservations: phone 517-599-2779; email starlight.reservations@gmail.com or visit starlightdinnertheatre.com
Menu: Lasagna, steamed broccoli, salad, garlic bread, cheesecake, coffee and lemonade. Cheese and crackers hors devours. Vegetarian option available and must be requested when making your reservation.
Performance location: Waverly East Intermediate School; 3131 W. Michigan Avenue in Lansing.
Times: Friday and Saturday shows: Box office opens at 6:00; dining room opens at 6:30; show begins at 7:30. Buffet closes at 7 pm.
Sunday matinée: Box office opens at 1:00; dessert and beverages served at 1:30; show begins at 2:00.
Ticket prices:
Show + Dinner: $36 regular adult price; $33 seniors (62+) and students (age 13–22)
Show Only: $15 adult; $14 seniors and students
Sunday Dessert Matinée: $25 adults, seniors and students
HEARING ASSISTED DEVICES are available and must be requested when making your reservation
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