Cherry Hill Actor Stars in The Lion in Winter, Sept. 12-28

Cherry Hill’s Mike Monroe will star as King Henry the Second in The Lion in Winter at East Falls historic Old Academy Players, Sept. 12-28.

The show is directed by Carla Childs and consists of a cast and crew from throughout the Philadelphia region.

The Lion in Winter, written by James Goldman, invites the audience into the Plantagenet court at Christmas. But where is the Christmas cheer?

Laced with wry, mordant humor, anachronistic dialogue heightens the story of sibling rivalry, adultery and the quest for power.

This is the tale of a truly dysfunctional family, but one of the most powerful in Europe.

King Henry the Second, played by Monroe, and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Germantown’s Loretta Lucy Miller), host the gathering of their three sons, the young king of France and Henry’s beautiful young ward.

Henry has imprisoned his wife for 10 years for her part in a rebellion, but lets out for a brief Christmas reprieve.

Be transported to the castle in Chinon, France in the year 1183. What transpires is a thrilling war of wits and venomous dialogue as the entire family maneuvers for power!

Supporting cast includes: the Plantagenent sons—Nick Groch (Center City) as Richard Lionheart, Danny Donnelly (West Chester) as Geoffrey, Evan McClelland (Northeast Philadelphia), with Cory Meccariello (South Philadelphia) as Philip Capet, the King of France, and Laura Seeley (Mt. Airy) as Alais Capet, his half-sister.

Helga Krauss (Chestnut Hill) is Producer. Set Design is by Sarah Swearer (Old City), Set Construction is by Bill Cozzens (Mt. Airy), Set Decoration is by Jane Jennings (Narberth), Costumes are by Ginny Kaufmann (Roxborough), and Production is by Gerson Alexander (Haverford). The Lion in Winter is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, Old Academy Players, a non-profit community theater, featured the acting debuts of both Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky. The Old Academy building was constructed in 1819 and has been the OAP home since 1932.

Parking for all performances is free. Tickets are $15 per person. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm and Sunday performances are at 2 pm. For reservations, call (215) 843-1109 or visit the theater’s website at www.oldacademyplayers.org for more information.

The attached photo was provided by Old Academy Players.