Wimberley Players present ‘The Lion in Winter’

James Goldman’s "The Lion in Winter" blasts onto the Wimberley Players stage Nov. 9 and runs through Dec. 2. 

It’s Christmas 1183 and there is a major squall brewing in the Plantagenet family. The question on everybody’s mind is who will succeed King Henry II. Henry has declared that his youngest son John will occupy the throne while his imprisoned wife, Eleanor, wants their oldest son, Richard, to climb on. Henry has magnanimously paroled Eleanor for the day and she has plenty to say about the situation. Meanwhile, Henry has promised Prince Philip of France that his sister Alais will marry Richard, even though she is his own mistress. It’s one hot mess.

Henry continues to manipulate each son with the throne – even middle son Geoffrey, who has no promise of the crown, is not exempt. Queen Eleanor does the same, dangling twin carrots of fame and fortune in front of each one, pitting them against themselves. Does family loyalty have a chance? 

Comedic for its outrageous machinations and tone, "The Lion in Winter" quickly became a classic. Written in 1966 by Goldman, it was adapted into a movie in 1968. Since then, it has seen many revivals, including a Broadway revival in 1999. Rosemary Harris won a Tony for her performance in the original stage show.

Sons of King Henry II and contenders for the throne Prince Richard Lionheart played by Blake Latz, Prince John played byJustin Duggan and (seated) Prince Geoffrey played by Lucas McCutchen.

King Henry II is played by Danny Mosier and Queen Eleanor is played by Mary Jane Windle, both veterans of the Wimberley Players stage. Prince John is played by Justin Duggan, Prince Geoffrey is played by Lucas McCutchen and Richard Lionheart is played by Blake Latz. Alais is played by Elisabeth Raine and Prince Philip is played by James Lindsley. 

The Wimberley Players production of "The Lion in Winter" is directed by Milton Zoth, Rodger Marion is assistant director and executive producer is Adam Witko. Teh production is produced by Karen Rudy and produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 

"The Lion in Winter" will run from Nov. 9 through Dec. 2, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Reserved seating $22, student tickets are $18 with ID. Tickets are available on Wimberley Players' website or by calling 512-847-0575. The Wimberley Players is located at 450 Old Kyle Road.