'Lion in Winter' Roars at Stage 3

There are moments in history when the world is up for grabs. Christmas Eve, 1183, was one of those moments. In a small French castle, an almost-forgotten royal summit took place that would decide the fate of Europe and much of the world as we know it today. "I've got to know before I die," says Henry. "I am the greatest power in a thousand years and after me comes…" Who? Who gets the throne? Who is catapulted into legend and who is condemned to obscurity? "The Lion in Winter" opening November 22 at Stage 3 Theater Company in Sonora, is a potent brew of passion, power and punchlines that answers these questions in a dazzling behind-the-scenes look at what might have happened on that Christmas Eve.

The premise and the characters in "The Lion in Winter" are not fiction. Henry II ruled a state as great as Charlemagne's for thirty years. He was married to the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine. His son Richard we know today as Richard the Lionhearted. His son John became the evil King John of Robin Hood legend. There was no law of primogeniture where the eldest son automatically succeeded to the throne. This family actually went to war with each other. Author James Goldman has compressed this history into a dramatic rollercoaster of shifting alliances, treachery and trickery. Then he does something extraordinary. He also makes it funny. This mix is what made "The Lion in Winter" a smash on Broadway starring Rosemary Harris and Robert Preston, and won Goldman an Oscar for Best Screenplay for the film starring Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn.

Artistic Director Don Bilotti says, "I've been itching to get my hands on this play for years. It is one of the best plays of our time. The dialog is contemporary and crackling and a whirlpool of wit. We get to be a fly on the wall while these delicious characters plot and scheme and make history. Like Eleanor says, 'Well, what family doesn't have its ups and downs?’ It is such fun." The powerhouse role of Henry is played by Central Valley favorite, David London. He has appeared at Stage 3 in the hit "Inspecting Carol" and the World Premiere of "Crows Landing, Gently, Gently". "My year isn't complete until David has turned me down at least once because he is so busy," says Bilotti. "But lucky for us, this time he said 'yes'. This role asks for everything that an actor has to give".

The reviews are in.... "An exciting romp that keeps the audience on its toes with rapid fire dialogue. London commands the stage as the charismatic king (Henry II) and Newstetter is a worthy opponent (Eleanor)." Sonora Union Democrat "... masterful acting." Modesto Bee

Sally Newstetter takes the stage as Eleanor of Aquitaine, the role that won a Tony for Rosemary Harris and an Oscar for Katherine Hepburn. The role of Eleanor requires an actress that can range from ferocity to tenderness and be a skilled comedienne as well. Newstetter, one of the region's most accomplished actresses and a Stage 3 veteran, fills the bill.

Ambitious sons Geoffrey, Richard and John are played by Jason Kell, Davey Wagner and Jordan Horn. Rocky Herron plays the crafty King Phillip of France. His sister Alais, the beautiful young pawn in this political chessgame, is played by Taylor Swaty.

"The Lion in Winter" will run at Stage 3 from November 22 through December 22. Performances are on an expanding schedule. First week: Fri. and Sat., November 22 & 23. Second week: Fri., Sat. and Sun., November 29, 30 and December 1. Beginning December 5 the show will run Thurs. through Sun. Curtain times are 7 pm, Thursday, 8 pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Ticket prices are $10 Thursday, $14 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Senior Sundays are $10. Students are always $8. Call 209 536 1778 for reservations and information.

The theatre is located in the Arts Center in Downtown Sonora at 208 South Green Street, one block southwest of the Highway 49 stoplight at Washington and Stockton streets.