MadKap Productions Stages THE LION IN WINTER at the Skokie Theatre This Month

MadKap Productions will present THE LION IN WINTER by Highland Park native James Goldman, for ten performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie, running now through November 22, 2015.

The show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with a matinee on Wednesday November 11 at 1:30 pm. Tickets are $34 general admission, $29 for seniors, $24 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761.

THE LION IN WINTER is a sophisticated, witty comedy/drama about sibling rivalry, adultery, and a royal family's fight over who should inherit the kingdom. Set in England during Christmas in 1183, aging King Henry II must choose an heir to the throne from among his three sons. He favors his youngest while his strong-willed wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, favors their eldest. Sparks fly as they try to out-maneuver each other in this wickedly clever examination of a dysfunctional family. Rosemary Harris won a Tony Award for originating the role of Eleanor on Broadway, while the movie version earned Academy Awards for Goldman's adaptation of his script, and for Katherine Hepburn in the role of Eleanor.

MadKap Artistic Director Wayne Mell stars as Henry II, with his real-life wife Debra Criche Mell starring as Eleanor. The Deerfield couple met when they performed on stage together 30 years ago, but have rarely appeared together on stage since. Wayne most recently directed MadKap's productions of Oleanna and Crimes of the Heart. Debra's most recent roles were as Marmie in the musical Little Women, Miss Tweed in Something's Afoot, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at CenterStage in Lake Forest, a theatre company started by her parents Jay and Marilyn Criche in the early 70's. Jay Criche was the head of the English Department at Lake Forest High School and Director of their theatre program from the late 60's through the late 80's. The Mells are joined by David Towne, Michael Dahlberg, and Ben Isabel as their sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John. Shawn Hansen plays the role of Phillip II, King of France, with Kelley Holcomb playing his half-sister Alais.

THE LION IN WINTER is produced by MadKap founder Wendy Kaplan, with set design by David Geinosky, lighting design by Andrew Vanderbye, and costume design by Janice Gemp. Noah Drewke is the stage manager.

THE LION IN WINTER is the second production of MadKap's 2015-16 subscription season at Skokie Theatre. It follows their production of the musical Next To Normal, which closed in September, and will be followed by productions of Beau Jest by James Sherman from February 5 - 21, 2016; and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Jay Presson Allen from April 22 - May 8, 2016.

For tickets, or more information about THE LION IN WINTER or the MadKap 2015-2016 season, visit the Skokie Theatre website at www.SkokieTheatre.org or call 847-677-7761.

Wendy Kaplan and Wayne Mell formed MadKap Productions in 2012 and have premiered ground-breaking new plays like Clutter: The True Story of the Collier Brothers Who Never Threw Anything Out and Mr. Shaw Goes To Hollywood, written by Emmy-winning playwright Mark Saltzman. They also premiered Side Effects May Include, the semi-autobiographical account of Seinfeld writer Marc Jaffe's experiences with Parkinson's Disease. MadKap Productions was formerly a resident production company at the Greenhouse Theater Center in Chicago. In February of 2014, MadKap Productions took over management of the Skokie Theatre with the goal of establishing a full-time performing arts center. Their season last year included Sweet Charity, Crimes of the Heart, Same Time Next Year, and Oleanna About Skokie Theatre The Skokie Theatre was originally built in 1912 and served as the local movie theatre for the people who lived in the Skokie area. The building fell into disrepair, until 2006 when the Skokie Valley Music Foundation spent over 1.2 million dollars to refurbish it and create a music hall that is unlike any other in the area. Its 140 comfortable seats, perfect acoustics, and elegant art deco architecture makes it a Skokie landmark. MadKap Productions took over management of the building in February, 2014 with the goal of establishing a full-time performing arts center. When not presenting plays, audiences can experience cabaret and concerts, dance, and comedy acts.