It’s 1183 at King Henry II of England’s palace in Chinon, France. You don’t really need to know the history, just that Eleanor has been brought out of prison for the Christmas holiday and everyone is plotting over which of the couple’s three sons will be heir to the throne of England. Ethics and alliances are challenged and re-challenged, and it is fascinating to watch.
Taylor Haslett is both winsome and feisty as Alais, the pawn/weapon ingenue girlfriend of the king. Ethan Miller is her brother, Philip, the young King of France, another ally/enemy as the family grapples for power, land and Alais. Malachi Cates is the bumbling but beloved son John, favorite of his father. Robert McCreary is the eldest, “lionheart” son, favorite of his mother. Brian Farnham steps boldly away from his better-known musical comedy charm to sink his teeth into the role of the slighted, scheming son, Jeffrey.
Darryl Schmitz’s music casts a medieval mood onto the many, well choreographed scene changes of the versatile castle set designed by Tom Ferris, with four spinning panels that create the various rooms required, compete with the classic “hide-behind-able” curtain panels. Lee Helder’s costumes are magnificent period creations, royal, elegant, and helpfully differentiating the French characters in blue.
Lion in Winter continues through March 15
Dinner 6:30; show 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays. ($36/$33 senior)
Dessert-only matinee Sunday March 15; Dessert at 1:30; show at 2 ($20)
Reservations required for dinner (the lasagna was delicious)
Show only tickets $15/$14 senior
http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com
Waverly East Intermediate School cafetorium, 3131 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, 48917. Waverly East is is approximately ½ mile EAST of Waverly Road, park in the far east parking lot. Enter through the double doors on the east side of the building and go to the right to the cafetorium.