"The Lion In Winter" Roars Into Charm City at Everyman Theatre

(L to R) Deborah Hazlett as Eleanor and Jefferson A. Russell as Henry II in THE LION IN WINTER at Everyman Theatre. Photo credit: Teresa Castracane Photography

By Frankie Kujawa
As the saying goes, ‘All is fair in love and war.’  This rings true at Everyman Theatre this month as James Goldman’s modern-day classic, THE LION IN WINTER takes the stage.  Running through Sunday, November 13th, the wickedly amusing tale of family dysfunction set during Christmas 1183 follows King Henry II, his imprisoned queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine [played by Resident Company Member Deborah Hazlett]; and their three entitled, double-dealing sons all vying for the throne.  Resident Company Member Jefferson A. Russell, who plays King Henry II, recently chatted about the dynamic performance, his role and why audiences are so fascinated by royal intrigue. 

Jefferson A. Russell as Henry II in THE LION IN WINTER at Everyman Theatre. Photo credit: Teresa Castracane Photography

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“[Audiences] will see lots of verbal fireworks,” Russell began. “There will be lots of family infighting and drama. Audiences will witness the high-stakes intensity of a royal family of that era. You will see the underlying love that exists specifically between Henry and Eleanor, Henry and Alais [Henry II's mistress, played by Resident Company Member Hannah Kelly], and the complex love between Henry, Eleanor and their three sons who are all vying for the crown.”  Jefferson then added with a laugh, “It’s a good soap opera dish.”

For someone of such astonishing talent, Russell is definitely up to the challenge of playing Henry II. Born and raised in Baltimore, Russell originally was a Sociology and Criminal Justice major at Hampton University in Virginia.  While attending college, he took part in many shows in the theater department. Upon returning to Baltimore, he worked as a Baltimore City Police Officer while also performing in community theater at The Arena Players.  “I gained all kinds of incredible experience working with veteran actors over there. It was nothing for me to play a role like Henry II, or see others play a role of Henry II over at Arena Players.” Throughout the years, Russell had performed with Everyman Theatre, but has been a recent addition to their Resident Company.

Regarding his character, Russell went on to describe his approach to Henry II.  “Henry is very smart.  He’s very politically astute. He is very much a player of ‘live-action’ chess – in the world of politics and strategy. He’s both very shrewd and witty in how he rules both his kingdom and his court. The intellectual jousting that goes back and forth, which is what the play and the movie are both known for, and it showcases how sharp-witted the characters are, as well as the writing of this play.”

(L to R) Deborah Hazlett as Eleanor, Ha nnah Kelly as Alais, and Jefferson A. Russell as Henry II in THE LION IN WINTER at Everyman Theatre. Photo credit: Teresa Castracane Photography

As the discussion turned towards why audiences are attracted to a plot such as this, Russell explained, “Generally speaking, many people have this sort-of intrigue about royalty." Russell added, "Not just regarding British royalty, though that’s the one that many people think of most often; especially recently with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles. [People] have this fascination with royal lineage and bloodline, as well as the history that comes with it.  [This play] is very much part of that. It’s a dramatization because the characters are based on historical accuracy, but the happenings within the play are very much fictionalized.  I want audiences to enjoy the behind-the-scenes political intrigue that we don’t get an opportunity to see, or have the advantage of taking in.  [Audiences] will get to see beyond the image within the court of Henry and his family.”

(L to R) Ben Ribler as John and Zack Powell as Geoffrey in THE LION IN WINTER at Everyman Theatre. Photo credit: Teresa Castracane Photography

Russell continued, “As far as the hierarchy goes, many of these 'institutions' have been with us since man has been around. However, there’s this fascination with it. Of course, in recent years, television shows and movies are just starting to pull the shroud, or the veil, aside. Audiences are then seeing the humanity within these institutions, as well as these iconic names and figures.  It’s really humanizing a lot of these folks. "

"I think that’s the main attraction of a lot of these dramas like HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and GAME OF THRONES," Russell added, "The intrigue of trying to attain that crown and the power.  [Audiences] love that sort of thing. Even if it’s  some behind-the-scenes intrigue in Baltimore City Hall or in the State House in Annapolis.  We have a natural inclination to know what these people in power are up to and the decisions they make – especially how they come to these decisions."

The cast of THE LION IN WINTER at Everyman Theatre. (L to R) Grant Emerson Harvey as Richard , Hannah Kelly as Alais , Deborah Hazlett as Eleanor , Jefferson A. Russell as Henry II , Ben Ribler as John , Ryan Dalusung as Philip , and Zack Powell as Geoffrey . Photo credit: Teresa Castracane Photography

​Russell concluded by discussing why audiences from Baltimore would appreciate this telling of THE LION IN WINTER with this Everyman cast. "Our audiences in Baltimore are quite diverse, and they will have plenty of opportunities to relate to what they're seeing. For example, I am a black man from Baltimore and I’m playing Henry II who, historically speaking, is not a black man.  To have someone who looks like me portraying this historical character, in my view, makes it very interesting. We have quite an ethnically diverse cast.  Therefore, we are able to just tell the story and not go through a major translation because all the players performing aren’t exclusively white. [The story focuses] on just human beings dealing with the problems that they need to deal with; and to me it just makes it the performance all that more interesting. "

For more information, visit: everymantheatre.org/

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Everyman has traditionally held one Sunday evening performance prior to previews as a Pay-What-You-Choose performance. Now, they are expanding this program to make Pay-What-You-Choose seats available to EVERY performance.

Now, introducing the 'Eight in A' seats, Everyman Theatre offers eight Pay-What- You-Choose tickets for every single performance! Located in row A, these 'Eight in A' seats are just another way Everyman welcomes all of Baltimore into their theatre. This program now means Everyman offers PWYC options for every community program we offer onsite!


This Pay-What-You-Choose expansion compliments the many accessibility initiatives Everyman champions, including:

• Childcare Matinee, providing an on-site arts class for 3 to 12-year olds while caretakers enjoy a matinee performance, with Pay-What-You-Choose options.
•  TNT: Theatre Night for Teens, with $10 event tickets including a meal and conversation with artists before the show.
• $10 student tickets for all shows with valid student ID • Scholarship and Pay-What-You-Choose options available for all Everyman classes
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The 'Eight in A' seats are available for purchase at everymantheatre.org/ and at the box office.

See a show for as little as $1 when you purchase in-person or over the phone. Those purchasing online will find designated price levels from $3 to $25 for these seats.