Play Suggestions: Lion in Winter

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Lion in Winter

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3674
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 3:30am
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Topic: Lion in Winter

Posted By: wrenmarston
Subject: Lion in Winter
Date Posted: 12/20/08 at 12:53pm

I'm interested in hearing from community theatres about their experiences in producing "The Lion in Winter." It is a show that I may direct in 2009 and I would like to know how the show has done in other areas. My thoughts are to stage it in November. Though it is set at Christmas, most local patrons seem to want the more festive holiday-themed shows in December.

Is it a show you recommend? Thanks for any feedback.

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Guyz4SteelMagnolias

Replies:

Posted By: clelia
Date Posted: 12/21/08 at 12:27pm

If it's acted well it's terrific....but your audience will find a mediocre production dry and boring. I've seen two productions and one was enthralling and one was grueling.

If you have the cast go for it. Two wonderful parts for older actors.

Posted By: SweeneyBob
Date Posted: 12/23/08 at 4:03am

I was a fantastic production of Lion this fall. I agree with clelia. I feel like a lot of the energy of the show is dependent on YOU, the director. And, of course, the actors. Also, the production of it that I menetioned was in a very small, intimate theatre, which I think helped to make it as impactful.

Posted By: Helena
Date Posted: 12/27/08 at 3:08pm

I LOVE this play. I have never been in it, but would agree that the actors can make of break this play. If you have two super actors for the leads and some good supports as the sons... then go for it. The best production I ever saw was also in an intimate setting.... actually a very gothic looking church..... really added to the atmosphere.

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"..that's farce, that's theater, that's life"

Posted By: Pamw
Date Posted: 12/31/08 at 4:25pm

I was in a production of it many years ago. Truly you need a strong cast. We also raked the stage and had a small ensemble in period costume singing appropriate Christmas songs that moved about and sang during scene changes. That really helped set the mood.

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Pam

Posted By: Nikki Adams
Date Posted: 1/05/09 at 10:55pm

I directed this play for BC Footlighters a few years ago, and was gratified to have the show win Best Play - voted by the AUDIENCE! It was unexpected, believe me.

The show is fabulous - truly fabulous - and you'll likely find that you have good actors showing up to audition, because the play isn't done enough and the acting challenge is amazing. (Playing Eleanor is on my list of roles to play before I get too old to remember my lines!)

Here's the thing to remember: it's a COMEDY - it's NOT a moribund drama, it's not a tragedy. Comedy -- says it right there on the cover. So, the trick is to direct it as a comedy, and let the drama in the play happen as a natural outcome of the development of the ensemble.

I'd be happy to answer any direct questions you may have - I might even have my rehearsal notes, cast breakdowns, and rehearsal scheduling matrix laying round. My email is president@bcfootlighters.com - don't hesitate to drop me a line if you want!

Posted By: gelcat
Date Posted: 6/17/09 at 3:58pm

Originally posted by clelia

If it's acted well it's terrific....but your audience will find a mediocre production dry and boring. I've seen two productions and one was enthralling and one was grueling.

If you have the cast go for it. Two wonderful parts for older actors.

I second this- those 200 people that saw our production really enjoyed the show, but considering we have a 240 seat theatre and that was over 7 shows, let the box office speak for itself. Promote it to the hilt, our promotion did not do well for this show, and since it seemed to be more of a history, people didn't even bother checking that it was a comedy. It just never took off for us.

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Actors Guild of Parkersburg
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