Review: THE LION IN WINTER at Iowa Stage: Holiday Family Issues at Their Best

Every family has issues, and for some reason those issues always appear during the holidays. In the Iowa Stage production of "The Lion in Winter", by James Goldman family issues are prevalent as King Henry, Queen Eleanor and their three sons argue over who should take over the throne after King Henry. "The Lion in Winter", which opened this last weekend and continues through March 3, was a true master class of what makes a great show.

As I came into the theatre I was greeted by the beautiful set, designed by Jay Jagim. The set was grand, yet simplistic at the same time. The way the levels of the set were layered, brought a beautiful dimension to the show. The set was also beautifully lit by Jay Jagim. His choices in lighting colors heightened the colors in the set, as well as the costumes designed by Susanna Douthit.

The technical element that truly set the time period for the show was the sound design by Josh Jepson. The Christmas carols that played between scenes set the period, and also played into the comedy of the show. I found myself smiling each time the music started playing between scenes, as I knew I was in for a treat once I heard what the song was. The sound truly elevated what was already a beautiful show.

No production can succeed without a strong vision from the director. This show was expertly directed by Shawn Wilson. I appreciated that he staged it in a way that people on both sides of the audience could see an amazing show and feel like they didn't miss anything. I also appreciated that there were moments that were closer to each sides of the audience, which helped pull me as an audience member into the show. His blocking also used all levels of the set and was done in a way that felt natural.

A show can have an amazing director, as well as amazing technical elements, but it can't excel without an amazing group of actors to deliver the dialogue. The cast of 7 does an amazing job of bringing each of the characters in the show to life. My favorite moments in the play, were when the brothers Richard, Geoffrey, and John, played by Mason Ferguson, Michael Clinkscales, and Michael Tallman respectively, came out on stage. Each of them brought something unique to their characters, while being able to play the sibling rivalry that was in the show.

There were two performances from the night that I felt were spectacular and made the show the master class that it was. This is Kerry Skram's portrayal of Eleanor and James Serpento's performance as Henry. Both of them deliver their larger than life characters so beautifully. Both of them eloquently deliver every line of dialogue while commanding the stage. The balance they both have in delivering the comedy and drama in the show is truly remarkable, and became a performance that I will always remember.

The way everything is molded together makes this show a treat for audiences. I enjoyed every minute of the show, and I know the audience did as well from the laughing and other responses I could see. "The Lion in Winter" runs through March 3 with performances at 7:30 PM February 27 though March 2, as well as matinee performances at 2:00 PM March 2 and 3. For information or by tickets to this show, visit https://www.iowastage.org/2019-the-lion-in-winter

Photo 1: from left to right
Michael Clinkscales as Geoffrey
Michael Tallman as John
Kerry Skram as Eleanor
Mason Ferguson as Richard

Photo 2
Kerry Skram as Eleanor
James Serpento as Henry

Photo 3
James Serpento as Henry

Photos by Joe Crimmings

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