It’s been years since I tuned into The Lion in Winter from the 1960s. After relishing the movie with Katharine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole (the greats, if you’re not familiar with the names) and seeing a couple of productions over the years, I thought I had my fill. Little did I know that a smallish theater company in Maryland would have its way with the material and smack it back into relevance. James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter is set during Christmas in 1183 and is based on the life of King Henry II, who ruled over England and Ireland during the 12th century. The story includes fictional events in a ruling monarchy, royal families involving land feuds, power grabs, and father-son meltdowns. All that in preparation for a Christmas feast that King Henry throws for the new King of France. And you thought your holiday gathering was challenging. LEFTL Erin Klarner (Alais) and Joe Mariano (Henry); RIGHT: Joe Mariano (Henry) and Vanessa Markowitz (Eleanor), in ‘The Lion in Winter.’ Publicity photos by Samantha Fogle. Casting is crucial for this show, and Joe Mariano and Vanessa Markowitz are as good as it gets as King Henry and Queen Eleanor. The jostling, the sparring, the wordplay — everything is delivered with impeccable timing as each goes for the jugular to hoist a favorite son to assume the throne. Mariano’s Henry, attired in an early English fur-trimmed royal robe (fab costumes by Elizabeth Weiss), has the look and stance down pat. Whether snuggling with a love interest (either his wife or his paramour), negotiating for power, or berating his sons as worthless, Henry carries his royal persona with a swagger and a twinkle in his eye, loveable one minute, explosive the next, and desperate to pass along his legacy to a worthy heir. Mariano has met his match with Vanessa Markowitz as Eleanor, his wife of over 30 years, who he has imprisoned for attempted treason. He releases her over holidays to appear on his arm as a show of strength and solidarity, and she puts on a good one. Markowitz’s Eleanor strides along the set with purpose and laser-like intensity, shakes off betrayal like nuisance gnats, and goes for the jugular as needed. This dynamic duo careen through emotional terrain like Land Rovers, screech into devasting memories, seep into each other’s veneer, speak the unspeakable, then proceed forward without missing a beat — they are incredibly fun to watch. Erin Klarner plays Alais, the family’s childhood friend, a French princess and now the King’s mistress, who the Queen tries to maneuver like a chess piece to protect the crown. Each of the gaggle of brothers vying for the throne has a distinct character portrayal as they blunder and trip along their various schemes. Patrick Cochran plays younger brother John as a goofy wannabe King without backbone or verve. Cor Estoll’s Richard is the Queen’s favorite, wears the family crest on his tunic, and presents himself as a warrior but buckles under pressure. Nicholas Henle, as Geoffrey, is the most conniving but more vicious than strong. Noah Steurer is the visiting French King with his own secrets up his beautifully crafted blouson sleeves. The cast of ‘The Lion in Winter’: Cor Estoll (Richard), Patrick Chochran (John), Nik Henle (Geoffrey), Erin Klarner (Alais), Noah Steurer (Philip), Vanessa Markowitz (Eleanor), and Joe Mariano (Henry). Publicity photo by Samantha Fogle. Director Chuck McCarter has a clear handle on the script’s onslaught of emotions and intrigue, allowing the characters to function beautifully as a well-oiled ensemble. His clean pacing assures their brisk interactions, with several of Henry’s scenes steamy enough to require an intimacy coach. Set design is not his particular strong suit, however, and the extensive use of a backstage crew changing every scene goes way too long. Sam Kuhr’s terrific sound design eases the transitions with soothing early English music, and the unfolding energetic scenes are well worth the wait. Described by some as a 12th-century Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Lion in Winter has stayed in play for so long for a reason — it’s a delightful mix of drama, fascinating characters with competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom and downright comedic fun with lines that have lingered in the theatrical ethos over a generation. I still remember Hepburn’s smoldering description of her first sight of Henry — “with a mind like Aristotle’s and the form of mortal sin.” At one point, daggers are raised in thrusting position and suddenly resolve without bloodshed when the Queen laments in “oh, well” fashion: “Every family has its ups and downs.” This production of The Lion in Winter does justice to a classic that touches on perseverance, legacy, and all kinds of family dynamics. It’s well worth the trip to catch its final weekend, including a Thursday show. Running Time: Approximately two hours and 20 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission. The Lion in Winter plays through January 26, 2025 (Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 & 8 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM; additional performance on Thursday, January 23, at 7:30 PM), presented by The Gaithersburg Arts Barn in partnership with Kentlands Community Players performing at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. For tickets ($23; $21, students 15–21; $16, youth 14 and under), buy them at the door or purchase them online. Online ticket sales end two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Arts Barn box office or by calling 301-258-6394. The Lion in Winter Written by James Goldman CAST Henry: Joe Mariano Alais: Erin Klarner John: Patrick Cochran Geoffrey: Nikolas Henle Richard: Cor Estoll Eleanor: Vanessa Markowitz Philip: Noah Steurer PRODUCTION DESIGN Director: Chuck McCarter Producer: Meredith Fogle Assistant Director: Sam Kuhr Stage Manager: Dianne Koval Costumer: Elizabeth Weiss Lighting Designer: Andrew Harasty Sound Designer: Sam Kuhr Intimacy Coach: Christine (“V”) Hurst Set Designer: Chuck McCarter