The Rogers State University Theatre Program will be presenting the renowned work, “The Lion in Winter,” during its run in Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-23 at the Will Rogers Auditorium on the Claremore campus.
The 1966 James Goldman play, which was later adapted to an Academy Award-winning film of the same name, depicts the interpersonal relationships among members of the English royal family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of the year 1183.
Set in the castle of King Henry II of England, the play centers on the dynamics and political wrangling of King Henry II; his wife Eleanor, whom he has kept imprisoned in a tower for the past 10 years; and their three sons, who are vying for the privilege of being named heir to the English throne. The New York Times has called the story “a work of intelligence, astringent wit, and much theatrical skill.”
The cast includes:
- Henry II: Tanner Roberts of Claremore as Henry II
- Alais: Rachel Smith, a freshman from Jenks
- John: Jeremy Gilmore, a freshman from Mannford
- Geoffrey: Zach Amon, a freshman from Cushing
- Richard the Lionheart: Andrew Grimes, a senior from Claremore
- Eleanor: Charlotte Stoots, a freshman from Jay
- Phillip of France: Jericho Billings, a sophomore from Yukon
The play is directed by David Blakely, RSU Associate Professor of Communications and director of the RSU Theatre Program. Mary Mackie, Professor of English and Humanities, is serving as the assistant director, and Elizabeth Bowen from Yukon is serving as the stage manager.
Admission for regular performances is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and $2 for RSU faculty, staff and students who present university ID. All proceeds will benefit student participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival regional competition.
Reservations with the theatre department box office are recommended for all performances. The play contains adult themes.
Other productions scheduled this season are: “Love Locked, Two One-Act Plays About Love,” February 12-13, 2014 at the Baird Hall Performance Studio and February 14-15, 2014 at the Bartlesville Community Center, 300 SE Adams Blvd.; and “Speech and Debate,” April 10-12 and 17-19, 2014 at the Will Rogers .Auditorium.
For more information, call the RSU Theatre box office at 918-343-6882 or visit the RSU Theatre website