The Lion in Winter

This October, step into the candlelit halls of 1183, where kings and queens wage wars not only on battlefields but at the dinner table. The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, invites you into the turbulent world of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine—two legendary figures whose marriage is as fierce as their fight for the future of the crown.

It is Christmas at Chinon Castle, and Henry summons his estranged queen, his three unruly sons, and a scheming young king of France for a holiday “family gathering” unlike any other. Behind the laughter and biting wit lies a dangerous game of alliances and betrayals, as each player maneuvers for power in a realm where love is tangled with ambition.

With its razor-sharp dialogue, wry humor, and unflinching look at the human heart, The Lion in Winter has captivated audiences for decades. This revival by The Matthews Opera House Community Theater honors its first appearance on our stage in 1999, breathing fresh life into a timeless battle of wills.

Expect sumptuous period costumes, a richly talented local cast, and an evening that proves history’s grandest dramas are often played out within the walls of a family home.

Directed by Joe Saracco & Charlotte Fladmoe

Performances: October 24, 25, 26, 28, 31 & November 1, 2
Fridays & Saturdays • 7:00 pm
Sundays • 2:00 pm | Tuesday • 7:00 pm

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Host or Publisher The Matthews