THE LION IN WINTER

THE LION IN WINTER

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

May 16 – June 13, 2026

By James Goldman

Directed by James Rice

This medieval drama is a modern day classic that tells the story of the Plantagenet royal family, locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army with her sons against her husband, King Henry II. Let out for the holidays, the family descends into sibling rivalry, adultery, and desperate maneuvering for the throne. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” in this intelligent show that bursts with astringent wit and a humor that bristles and burns.

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THIS PRODUCTION CLOSED ON JUNE 13, 2026

AGE LIMIT

As a courtesy to our patrons, it is the policy of the theatre not to admit children under the age of 5. This policy may be altered from time to time based on shows and show content.

This Show Contains:

• Adult Themes and Content

Act One is Approx. 55 mins.

There will be a 15 Minute Intermission

Act Two is Approx. 1 hr. 10 mins

A Big THANK YOU to The Port of Long Beach for sponsoring our Opening Night Gala!

PREVIEW CLIP:

PERFORMANCE  PHOTOS:

CAST:

• Noah Wagner (HENRY II)
• Amanda Karr (ELEANOR)
• Giovanni Navarro (RICHARD)
• Trevor Hart (GEOFFREY)
• CJ Switzer (JOHN)
• Lauren Velasco (ALAIS)
• J. Henrik Nielsen (PHILIP)