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REVIEW: “Lion in Winter,” Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, through Oct. 11
As we know from William Shakespeare’s many history plays, it’s no easy task to follow the tangled trail of the British monarchy.
In kicking off its 16th season, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has mounted “The Lion in Winter,” a contemporary play about a power play that took place in 1183 between King Henry II and his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine over which of their three sons will take the throne.
Eleanor’s pick is her son Richard, the noble warrior. Henry prefers the youngest son, John, though his reasons are not clear. That leaves the middle son, Geoffrey, in the lurch, even though he may be the most suitable future king. James Goldman’s script focuses on the battle of wills and wits that keep the plot twisting like an Agatha Christie whodunit, complicated by Henry’s liaison with the young Alais, the sister to Philip the king of France. According to a previous treaty with France, Alais would be married to Henry’s successor, that is, one of his sons, and so Philip becomes involved in plots with various sons at various times as he tries to influence the outcome.
It’s all very complicated and sneaky, and in the hands of the capable talent at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, becomes a fascinating study in character and the lust for power.
The cast is led by guest artist Bruce Cromer as King Henry and company member Sherman Fracher as Eleanor. Even though this is the first time these two regional veterans have performed together, there’s a palpable energy between them that echoes the complicated relationship between Henry and Eleanor.
Cromer, who teaches acting at Wright State University, is a frequent guest artists at CSC and other professional groups in the region (including his on-going Scrooge at the Playhouse in the Park’s annual “A Christmas Carol”). Indeed, the biggest laugh of the night came when Henry compared himself to King Lear, who had three daughters and simply divided his kingdom among them, a Shakespearian role that Cromer performed for CSC in 2008. It’s always a treat to watch him work. He hits the right notes and always brings up the level of performance of the cast members around him, which is no small feat at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company because they already have a solid acting company. Most of the actors have been there for several seasons each now and have a solid grasp on the methods and manners of working in an ensemble company, and their performances always seem effortless and natural.
The problem with “The Lion in Winter,” however, is that while it’s good to watch the performances, there’s really no character to root for. All of them have their agendas and all willing to do whatever it takes — be it rebellion or murder — to see their plans through.
PHOTOS: Top, Sherman Fracher and Bruce Cromer as Eleanor and Henry; above, Christopher Guthrie as Richard; Josh Stamoolis as Geoffrey; Billy Chace as John; Hayley Clark as Alais and Bruce Cromer as Henry.
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