THE LION IN WINTER Comes to the Heritage Center Theatre

James Goldman's modern classic comic drama, The Lion in Winter, takes to the stage of the Heritage Center Theatre in Morrisville, Pennsylvania for the holiday season.

First staged by the company in 2002, the play takes place in the Chinon Castle in France in 1183. King Henry II releases his estranged wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, from prison to join him for Christmas with their three princely sons, Richard the Lionhearted, John, and Geoffrey. Also invited are Richard's fiancée, Princess Alais and her brother, King Philip II of France. Complicating matters, King Henry is having an affair with Richard's fiancée while all three princes are plotting to be named heir to the throne.

George Hartpence and Carol Thompson of New Hope star as Henry and Eleanor. This real life married couple have frequently appeared opposite each other at ActorsNET and elsewhere. Directed by Cat Miller of Bristol, Pennsylvania, the production also costars Matthew Duchnowski of Newtown, Pennsylvania as Richard the Lionhearted, Jack Bathke of Robbinsville, New Jersey as Prince Geoffrey, Griffin Kemp of Morrisville as Prince John, Michael Krahel of Hillsborough, New Jersey as King Philip II and Lauren Suchenski of Yardley, Pennsylvania as Princess Alais.

"Audiences will adore the fireworks between Henry and Eleanor," Artistic Director Cheryl Doyle said. "When this royal couple argued, it wasn't only verbal - she raised armies against him! Hence, her imprisonment. When the king's sons misbehaved, they weren't sent to their rooms - they were put into dungeons!"

"I'm thrilled Cat agreed to direct this show," Ms. Doyle continued. "She brilliantly portrayed Princess Alais for us back in 2002 and has previously worked with most, if not all, of the cast. Together they're mounting a sumptuous production -- painstakingly balancing the drama with the comedy."

"Doing double duty," she added, "George Hartpence designed and the set which he has painted meticulously in 12th-century style. It was constructed by Jamie Bradley of Quakertown, Pennsylvania and James Cordingley of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, transforming our stage into the interior of Chinon Castle. Andrena Wishnie of Morrisville is our production's brilliant lighting designer and Deb DerDerian of Burlington, New Jersey is our astounding costumer."

Performing weekends November 30 through December 16, show times for The Lion in Winter are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Avenue (Route 32), Morrisville, PA. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (62+), $15 for WHYY members and students (high school or college) and $10 for children age 12 and younger. For reservations and information, phone 215-295-3694 or email actorsnet@aol.com.

The Lion in Winter is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

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