The Lion in Winter takes place in the winter of 1183, as King Henry II and his family prepare for a Christmas holiday reunion full of joy and politics, including scheming, conniving, and deceiving. Henry and his queen, Eleanor, engage in a battle of royal wits that pits son against son and against father and mother. Playwright James Goldman’s gift for repartee creates a wickedly intriguing theater experience.

Adding to the fun, the two leads are related in real life, with Tom Holowach playing Henry II, King of England, and Holly Holowach playing his wife, Eleanor of Aquitane, the most powerful woman on the European continent.

Other cast members include Gene DeFrancis as Geoffrey, the middle son; James Locke as Richard Lionheart, Henry’s oldest son; and Derek Elder as Prince John, Henry’s youngest son, well known to Robin Hood fans and to history for his forced sharing of power with England’s nobility when, as King John, he signed the Magna Carta.

Kyle Goff plays Philip, King of France, and Myra Beth Morrison plays Alais, Philip’s sister and Henry’s mistress.

HPU’s Paul and Vi Loo Theatre is located on the windward Hawai‘i Loa campus at 45-045 Kamehameha Hwy, Kane‘ohe, directly across from the Pali Golf Course entrance. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Box Office at (808) 375-1282.

Top right: Standing L to R: James Locke as Richard, Myra Beth Morrison as Alais, Holly Holowach as Eleanor and Kyle Goff (HPU sophomore) as King Philip of France. Seated L to R: Gene DeFrancis as Geoffrey, Tom Holowach as Henry and Derek Elder as John.

Courtesy HPU Theatre