Theatre Review: 'The Lion in Winter' at TBTA

Dedicated to the memory of John Swasey, a fine musician and gentleman

Brookfield, CT - ‘The Lion in Winter’ running at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts is aptly timed; the recent major snowstorm helped to set the mood on opening night for this story that is set in a dark castle during the Christmas holiday of 1183 AD. The work by James Goldman centers around the unceasing inner conflicts of a dysfunctional royal family fighting over both a kingdom and a paramour. There is the battle for power laced with sibling rivalry, plenty of betrayal, shiny knives, beautiful medieval costumes and even a dank dungeon in this modern-day classic, brought to life by a strong cast of area community theatre actors.

Somewhat comedic in tone while being dramatic in action, the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family who are locked in a fight to inherit a kingdom. The wealthiest and most powerful woman in the world is Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine who has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. She is let out only for holidays and comes to the castle in full royal garb to engage in the inheritance battle with her three remaining sons, her cheating husband the king and the King of France and his half sister.

“I've snapped and plotted all my life. There's no other way to be alive, king, and fifty all at once.” - King Henry II

The intelligent verbal battles are done in modern English and there is some biting wit, but I found it hard to laugh aloud when the drama was so thick. However, other audience members had no problem with appreciating the humor in this somewhat long piece. While the set changes were nicely choreographed with costumed crew members, they were not quick. For me, the machinations of the royal family members took much effort to follow, leading to a final scene that was well executed but only brought us back to same point that began the play.

This is not to say that the actors did not do fine work with the meaty roles of these royals. Bob Lussier was in his element as King Henry II and he commanded the stage throughout his performance. I had been reminded of Shakespeare’s King Lear before King Henry referenced him in the first act. Mr. Lussier dedicated this show to the memory of an old friend and mentor, Mr. Gary McMahon with whom he shared the stage in 1985 in another production of this work. Equally as effective was the lovely Vicki Sosbe (Amanda in ‘Private Lives’) as the powerful Queen Eleanor. She writes in her bio that she “has been rehearsing this role for years and she has the tiara to prove it.” Kudos to her on a masterful performance.

It was a treat to see WCSU student Erin Shaughnessey making her TBTA debut in the role of Alais (pronounced “Alice”) Capet, the French princess who is the mistress of the English king, but betrothed to his son since childhood. This young actress simply shines on the stage and she was a fine choice for this period piece.

John Zanowiak made his debut with this company to play the eldest son Prince Richard Lionheart, Emerson College graduate Ryan Wenke was the classic middle child Prince Geoffrey and Nico Apicella, who credits his acting teacher Mother Dolores Hart at the Abbey of Regina Laudis, was the youngest son Prince John. Patrick Kelly (‘Now or Later’ at Square One Theatre Company in Stratford) took on the role of Philip Capet, King of France and half brother of Alais.

Ron Malyszka (Selsdon in TBTA’s ‘Noises Off’)and David Jurman (vocal coach on ‘Damn Yankees’) played set changing squires with no lines and TBTA president Lou Okell got to appear onstage as a lady-in-waiting.

“...I feel very fortunate indeed to be part of such a wonderful place that is open to all who want to contribute to the arts and the community, a theatre that is dedicated to being a brave space where all voices can be heard and that seeks to offer audiences shows that are entertaining, fun, challenging, and thought provoking.” - Lou Okell

The direction of Jane Farnol was strong. Ms. Farnol was born in England and at the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre in my hometown of Stratford CT, her roles ranged from Titania to Lady Macbeth. Since then she has directed 31 plays in 15 years. Bob Lane and Andrew Okell served as both show producers and set designers. King Henry’s castle in Chinon, France was lit with fake flickering candles with overall lighting design by Nick Kaye (John Birt in ‘Frost/Nixon’.) Madrigal music added a nice touch with sound design by Ms. Okell.

Costumes designed by TBTA vice-president Rebecca Pokorski (Meg in ‘Damn Yankees,’ ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’) were very beautiful. Ms. Pokorski has a degree in costume design and a special interest in the construction of costumes from the medieval period. The royal ladies had several changes of gowns featuring rich brocades and very big sleeves, although I would quibble with the inclusion of what appeared to be zippers instead of visible lacing. The ensembles for each of the men were equally fitting to their status. Vermilion Novak (‘Noises Off,’ ‘Damn Yankees’) served as costumer.

"The Lion In Winter" by James Goldman is directed by Jane Farnol and produced by Andrew Okell & Bob Lane. ‘The Lion in Winter’ runs at TBTA through Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for students.Through the month of March, the Brookfield Theatre Gallery will show the work of Kathleen L'Hommedieu and Jeanne Steers. The gallery is open through the run of The Lion In Winter and on evenings and weekends by appointment. There will be an artist's reception on Sat., March 17 at 6pm.

Coming up in April is ‘Murder at the Banquet An Interactive Murder Mystery Fundraising Gala’
to benefit Brookfield Theatre on Friday the 13th, April 13, 2018 from 7pm to 11pm at Amber Room Colonnade Featuring: Appetizers & Silent Auction, passed hors d'oeuvres and dinner. Door prizes will be awarded to the best mystery solvers. International Association of Mystery Solvers Ceremony (a comedy/mystery performance directed by Nicole Veach) Tickets: http://brookfieldtheatre.org/banquet.html

Pictured above: the cast of 'The Lion in Winter' Photo by Stephen Cihanek

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417