Fictional drama has historical basis
July 27, 2010 by PATRICK HOOPER
Filed under Featured, Theater, Variety
The members of the English royal family are slated to cause each other royal pains in Town & Gown Productions’ upcoming “The Lion in Winter.”
A semi-historical drama, “Lion” focuses on King Henry II and his divisive inner circle, populated by sons, wives and rivals aiming to get one over on each other.
“It’s a very intense show with a lot of witty repartee, lots of sniping,” said Matt Noller, a recent University graduate from Fayetteville.
Noller will take the stage as Philip, the young king of France, who appeals to King Henry in an effort to make him honor a treaty made with Philip’s father, King Louis.
▲ While ‘The Lion in Winter’ draws characters from historical figures, it infuses the plot with fictional family drama. The Town and Gown Players’ ‘family’ of actors brings the tale of intrigue and dysfunction to life.
But, nothing is ever that simple on stage.
“There may be a little more to Philip than trying to get Henry to honor the treaty,” Noller said.
Just as Philip and Henry really lived, all the characters are formerly living, breathing historical figures. The play takes its name from Richard the Lionheart, Henry’s eldest son, who vies for the crown with his younger brothers, John and Geoffrey.
Things are further complicated by Henry’s wife, Eleanor, and the youthful beauty, Alais.
Though the play is semi-historical, diehard history buffs may want to avert their eyes. The show plays more to drama than historical fact.
Playwright James Goldman didn’t let facts stand in the way of his vision and a good show.
“Seeing this incredibly gifted cast of actors — many of whom are good friends in real life — bring this dynamic, embittered and ofttimes hate-filled dysfunctional family to the stage, has been a great — if somewhat sadistic — pleasure,” wrote Steven Carroll, business manager of the University’s Department of Theatre & Film Studies, in an e-mail interview.
Carroll is also the show’s director, having been with Town & Gown for more than 10 years.
In fact, the entire cast is littered with Town & Gown heavyweights who have been show-stopping and scene-stealing for years.
“[W]hat I love most about T&G, and what’s kept me coming back over the years, are the people you meet and work with,” Carroll said. “You get the chance to forge creative partnerships with all sorts of people — with different skill sets and life experiences — and produce some truly amazing things on this very humble little stage.”
Joanna Eldredge, a newly minted University graduate from Marietta, has been in about 10 Town & Gown shows by her own estimation.
She will appear in “Lion” as Alais.
“She is the princess from France,” Eldredge said. “She is essentially promised — betrothed — to Henry’s son, Richard.”
That fact is something of a sore point for the family. By the time Alais has reached adulthood, Henry has taken her as his mistress, stretching taut an already strained family.
“This is a show about people,” Eldredge said.
Eldredge promises “Lion” will give the audience a chance to see “dysfunctional families at their best — or rather, at their worst.”
