The Plainsman Press - South Plains College

Jennifer Moore, staff writer

South Plains College theater gets ready for “The Lion in Winter”

The South Plains College Theater Department will bring laughter and entertainment to center stage once again when it puts on the James Goldman play "The Lion in Winter" in October.

The play tells the story of King Henry II as he chooses an heir to the throne. Playing the part of the King will be sophomore Jerred Tochterman, and sophomore Mariel Ramirez will take the role of Henry's wife Eleanor. Besides the King and Queen, other characters will offer their own performances: Alais, a French princess played by Faith Lowrey; John, the youngest son, played by Josh Samsel; Geoffrey, the middle son, played by Brett Aiken, Richard the Lionhearted, the oldest son, played by Robert Sullivan; and Philip, the king of France played by Josh Watson.

Director and assistant theater professor Gene Cole has put together a cast that will perform well.

"Most of the people have been in plays...Judging from past experience I think we have a very outstanding and strong cast,” said Cole. “I think they'll do the show extremely well," he said.

Behind the curtain, Easton Day will serve as the assistant director and light board operator, Michal Blackburn will serve as the stage manager, Ramirez in charge of wardrobe, Angel Williams will serve as prop manager, Audra Methvin will serve as the sound engineer and Ruth Cunningham will serve as the box office manager.

According to Cole, the presentation will be done using costumes from the time of the play. The director said Henry's wardrobe will match the type of clothing he preferred to wear.

"The costumes are not that elaborate,” Cole said. “They're very period. Henry wore very drab clothing." He went on to say that the ladies, by contrast, will be decked out in winter finery.

Construction on the set is underway, and the cast is rehearsing for opening night, which will be on Oct. 6. The play will run for four days, with 7:30 p.m. show times on Oct 6-8 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 9.

Cole explained that he likes to have a small cast for the first play of the semester. With a desire to also entertain the audience, he thought "The Lion in Winter" fit the bill.

"It's a very good play,” he added. “It's always been one of my favorite plays, and it's a really good movie also."

Cole said he believes that the play will offer a draw to theater-goers.

"It's a comedy,” Cole said. “It's very entertaining, very funny, it's a period piece, but it's not one of those dark gothic comedies. Why do you go to the movies? It's entertaining, it's at the moment."

Tickets for the play are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for staff and faculty. For more information, contact Gene Cole at 894-9611 ext. 2266.