Williamston Theatre Presents THE LION IN WINTER, Now thru 2/23

Mid-Michigan's award winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston, is collaborating this season with the MSU Department of Theatre on The Lion in Winter by James Goldman. Performances begin tonight, January 23 and run through Sunday, February 23. Tickets for this epic tale of palace intrigue are now on sale.

The Lion in Winter begins with five Preview performances starting Thursday, January 23 at 8PM. During the first four Previews audience members will have the opportunity to take part in the process of creating a show by participating in a talkback session with the director following each performance. The Official Opening Night is Friday, January 31 with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, February 23. Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at eight o'clock and Sunday matinees at two o'clock with additional three o'clock matinees on Saturdays starting February 1.

Uneasy is the head on which the crown lies, and uneasy the truce between a matchless king and queen. This is the legendary story of King Henry II of England, and the battle between his fiercely competitive sons to be chosen next in line for the throne. Add in his banished Queen, the notorious Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of said sons and equally competitive, and King Louis of France, and two countries find themselves on the brink of bloody war at the whim of a temperamental and power hungry family. This classic tale of deception, manipulation and world dominance will draw you into its irresistible web, and might not let you go without a fight.

The cast of The Lion in Winter consists of Sandra Birch (10:53, Oedipus), John Manfredi (End Days, Oedipus) and MSU students Michael Barbour, Andrew Buck, Andrew Head (End Days), Katie Maggart and Blaine Mizer. The Director is Williamston Theatre's Executive Director and MSU Alumni, John Lepard. The production team includes Scenic Design by MSU Visiting Professor Megan Wilkerson, Lighting Design by MSU Graduate Student Daniel Huston, Costume Design by MSU Alumni Amber Marisa Cook (boom), Sound Design by Michelle Raymond (End Days) and Prop Design by Bruce Bennett (Over the River and Through the Woods, Shirley Valentine). The Stage Manager is Stefanie Din.

Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can for Thursday, January 23. Remaining Preview tickets are $15.00! Starting Opening Night, tickets prices are $25.00 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $22.00 for Saturday and Sunday matinees and $20.00 for Thursday evenings. Discounted rates are available for senior citizens (65 and older), members of the Military, students (with a valid student ID) and groups of 10 or more (booked at least 1 week in advance). Tickets can be ordered on-line up until 24 hours prior to the performance by visiting www.williamstontheatre.org, by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469), Tuesday - Friday from 12 - 6pm or in person at the theatre, Tuesday - Friday from 12-6pm. Please be aware that due to changes in our ticketing system, payment is required at the time the reservation is made.

The Williamston Theatre and the Michigan State University Department of Theatre have entered into a partnership that will ensure collaborative projects between the two producing units like this production of The Lion in Winter. The purpose of this alliance is to continue the successful mingling of academic and professional theatre artists.

The Williamston Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional Live Theatre company, dedicated to producing plays that excite, engage and entertain our audiences. The theatre opened its doors in 2006 and has received a number of local awards including the 2008 Robert Busby Award for extraordinary overall contribution to theatre in the Greater Lansing Area.

Williamston Theatre patrons will find ample parking on the street and in several municipal lots throughout the city. The theatre is located in downtown Williamston (exit 117 off of I-96) just south of Grand River Avenue. Additional information about the company and the 2013-2014 Season is available online at www.williamstontheatre.org or by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469).