Imagine the results if Neil Simon had written MacBeth.
Take the savage streak the best of families reserve for their most heated battles and place it into a witty, historical, romantic comedy.
That is the effect sought by Georgetown Little Theatre Productions Inc.’s opening show, The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, directed by Andrew Humeniuk and produced by Patricia Ball.
It is Christmas in 1183. Henry II (Ken Smith) has released his wily wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Anthea Hoare), and has summoned his rebellious sons: the warring, eldest, Richard the Lionhearted (Ian O’Brien); the overlooked, scheming, middle son, Geoffrey (Stuart Bell); and the whiney, spoiled youngest, John (Jeremy Lunn) to his castle for the alleged purpose of cementing the succession in order that his kingdom not be torn apart by his three sons after his death.
Place into the mix, Richard’s betrothed, Henry’s mistress of many years, the French Princess Alais (Hannah Manierka) and her brother, the French King, Philip Capet (Nevin Ameli) and fireworks follow.
Watch this royal family duke it out.
The Lion in Winter opens at 8pm on Oct. 28 at the Acton Town Hall Centre, 19 Willow St. N. It will run for three weekends with Sunday matinees at 2pm, on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.
Seating is limited to 120.
Thursday and Sunday general seating tickets are $16.75 and Friday and Saturday are $19.75.
People may still buy the three show subscription tickets for under $50. For tickets, call the John Elliott box office at 905-877-3700 or pick-up at Acton Home Hardware and Halton Hills Furniture and Appliances. Or visit http://www.haltonhills.ca/theatre/.
