Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, is delighted to open its 2023/24 season with The Lion in Winter directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. This thrillingly clever family epic will run November 3 - December 3, 2023 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. The press opening is Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 7:30pm.
The cast of The Lion in Winter includes John Hoogenakker (Henry II, King of England); Rebecca Spence (Eleanor of Aquitaine); Kenneth La’Ron Hamilton (John); Shane Kenyon (Richard); Brandon Miller (Geoffrey); Netta Walker (Alais Capet); and Anthony Baldasare (Philip Capet, King of France).
The creative team includes Linda Buchanan (scenic design); Christine Pascual (costume design); Jared Gooding (lighting design); Christopher Kriz (sound design and composition); Martine Kei Green-Rogers (production dramaturg); Becca McCracken (casting director); Celeste M. Cooper (associate casting director); Jaclynn Joslin (production stage manager); and Katrina Herrmann (assistant stage manager).
It is Christmas in the 12th century, and Henry II’s family is in tatters. His once-loving wife and now sworn enemy, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been released from prison and is seeking vengeance at any cost; his three sons – John, Richard, and Geoffrey – are profoundly incompetent, consumed by petty sibling squabbles and gridlocked in duplicitous scheming; and his mistress (who just happens to be betrothed to his son) is running out of patience, demanding either a wedding or the return of her much-needed dowry. And you thought your holidays were complicated!
The Lion in Winter depicts – with acerbic wit – a family’s attempt to persevere in the face of staggering egos, ruthless ambition, and deceit at every turn as the fate of their country hangs in the balance. Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson directs the Tony Award-winning play that inspired the Oscar-winning film, staging this thrillingly clever epic with humor, heart, and renewed relevance.
Individual tickets, and subscription packages including this production, are on sale now. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (773) 753-4472 or online at CourtTheatre.org.
The Lion in Winter is sponsored by The Allstate Foundation and Ron OJ Parson’s residency is made possible by the Joyce Foundation. The Lion in Winter is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Fact Sheet / The Lion in Winter
Title: The Lion in Winter
By: James Goldman
Directed by: Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson
Featuring: John Hoogenakker (Henry II, King of England); Rebecca Spence (Eleanor of Aquitaine); Kenneth
La’Ron Hamilton (John); Shane Kenyon (Richard); Brandon Miller (Geoffrey); Netta Walker (Alais Capet); and Anthony Baldasare (Philip Capet, King of France).
Creatives: Linda Buchanan (scenic design); Christine Pascual (costume design); Jared Gooding (lighting design); Christopher Kriz (sound design and composition); Martine Kei Green-Rogers (production dramaturg); Becca McCracken (casting director); Celeste M. Cooper (associate casting director); Jaclynn Joslin (production stage manager); and Katrina Herrmann (assistant stage manager).
Dates:
Previews: November 3 – 10, 2023
Press Opening: November 11, 2023 at 7:30pm
Regular Run: November 12 – December 3 , 2023
Schedule:
Wed/Thurs/Fri: 7:30p.m.
Sat/Sun: 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Accessible Performances
Touch Tour on December 2, 2023 at 12:30pm
Audio Description and ASL Interpretation on December 2, 2023 at 2:00pm
Open Captioning on December 3, 2023 at 2:00pm
Location:
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Tickets:
$40.00 – $70.00 Previews
$56.00 – $88.00 Regular Run
Student, group, and military discounts available
BoxOffice:
Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org.
Court Theatre is the Tony Award-winning classic theatre of the University of Chicago.