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Written by Andra Coberly
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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
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 Family dysfunction is a universal theme. It seldom becomes passé or cliché or irrelevant—because human relationships are imperfect and human emotion is only protective by thin, penetrable skin.
Often fights between brothers or between mother and son feel like cannon balls are being hurdled or cavalries are being ordered to charge. Most likely, they are just words fueled by jealousy, anger and guilt. Rarely does the average person have the military power, the arsenal, the armored troops toting heavy swords, to put the bite into their bark.
But in the royal home of King Henry II, one would never say, “Oh yeah, you and what army?” Because—set in 1183 in the Chinon castle of the English ruler—Henry, his wife and his sons all have armies, and they’re not afraid to use them.
In Bas Bleu Theatre Company’s production of “The Lion in Winter,” dysfunction takes on a whole new meaning. The feuding between Henry, his three boys and his estranged wife Eleanor—as well as Philip, the King of France, and the French princess, Alais—is a power struggle where war, attempted murder, treason and political conspiring are daily occurrences. Spats and skirmishes are backed up by troops and twisted treaties, and ne’er is a pact or union to be trusted. They could all “tangle spiders in the webs (they) weave,” as one character puts it.
It’s a soap opera of the 12th century: homosexual trysts behind tapestries, incestuous kisses, an extra-marital affair between a king and his son’s future wife, a queen locked away, and all of Henry’s sons fighting to be the favorite, a role that will win them the crown, the princess and the power.
And that’s just Christmas Eve.
In Bas Bleu’s production of “The Lion in Winter,” which is also an Academy Award-winning film, director Laura Jones heightens the universality in the relationships—while adding a bit of melodrama to make the story and the characters wonderfully fun to follow. It’s historical (though, fiction) without being old hat, and it’s funny without being slap stick. The production is sharp and enticing and easy to enjoy.
Bas Bleu’s newest production, the first of the 2007-08 season, is wonderfully acted, done on a simple, effective and beautiful set. It’s produced with humor and heart and direction that allows the audience to enjoy the anachronistic sensibilities and familial sarcasm.
Within Henry’s castle, set on Christmas Eve and day, there is a proverbial pile of dry leaves waiting for a spark. Henry is looking to find his successor, one who will carry on his legacy. But his three remaining sons—John, Richard and Geoffery—are proving to be as conspiring as they are greedy. While the king wants his youngest, John, to replace him, Queen Eleanor wants her Richard to become king. Scene after scene, the boys and their parents make backhanded deals and partake in political conspiring to influence who reigns when Henry passes on.
The challenge of tackling these characters is making them likable and funny but quite evil. The cast of Bas Bleu’s The Lion in Winter is successful in this: though the audience dislikes the qualities and actions of the characters, they love watching their mischief and misdoings.
Jonathan Farwell makes Henry powerful but wavering—with dry humor and his deep, captivating voice. Farwell plays a passionate, complex Henry, who shows chemistry with both Alais and Eleanor. As Eleanor, Sandra Forman is wickedly enjoyable; Forman creates a manipulative, proud queen who has been hurt and heartbroken—but who remains regal and strong despite her captivity. Both Forman and Farwell show an incredible amount of depth and passion in their performances.
Sean Cummings, Eric Corneliuson and Dan Tschirhart—playing John, Richard and Geoffrey respectively—create unique, strong characters with powerful motivations.
Along with a strong performance from Molly McGuire as Alais, the cast does well with Jones’ penchant for highlighting the anachronisms and universality within “The Lion in Winter.”
There is something rich and royal about how the relationships and emotions are so relatable—but it’s also comforting to know that this Jerry Springer for the Middle Ages is just theater.
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TO GO
“The Lion in Winter”
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, showing through Oct. 14.
Bas Bleu Theater, 216 Pine St. Fort Collins.
Call the theater at 498.8949 or purchase tickets online at basbleu.org. | Only registered users can write comments.
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