Chit-Chat: Royal treat — ‘Lion in Winter’ ready to roar

Best known as artistic director of The Midsummer Theatre Troupe and its joyfully accessible Shakespearean comedies, Toni Hix of Batavia, a casting director and acting teacher for more than 20 years, turns her directorial talents to The Albright Theatre Company production of “The Lion in Winter.” In this tale of royal intrigue set in 1183, England’s King Henry II matches wits with his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, about which of their sons will inherit the throne.
 

Toni Hix will direct “Lion in Winter,” her first production at The Albright Theatre Company in Batavia. STAFF PHOTO BY STEVE BITTINGER

What’s it like not directing Shakespeare this time around?
I love Shakespeare more than anything, but for non-Shakespeare, this is my favorite. The dialogue is so perfect. I first directed this play in college. It was my senior project at Northern Illinois University. I loved it then and I will direct it anywhere somebody wants to do it.

Given the murderous machinations of the plot, how would you describe its tone?
It’s called a comedy right on the script. After Eleanor has this huge argument with Henry ... there’s a line in the play that she says: ‘No matter what the battles, every family has its ups and downs.’ John Dryden, history teacher at Batavia High School, is playing Henry. Kristen Duerdoth of Geneva (plays) Eleanor.

Tell us why Eleanor appeals to you so much.
I was a history major at NIU. Not much is taught about Eleanor. She was queen of France at a very young age. She went on crusades with Louis, her husband. She was much more of a warrior than he was. They divorced. She met Henry (10 years her junior), when he was 19 and ready to become king of England. They had eight children. She was an amazing woman, and the queen of two countries.

Who should see this show?
People who enjoy clever dialogue and interesting characters. I have a great cast.

Talk about the famous sons.
It’s daddy loves me best ... The three sons are so totally different. Richard, who becomes Richard the Lionhearted, is Eleanor’s favorite, because he’s a warrior and she is as well. Geoffrey, the middle son, is the smartest of the three. John the youngest, only 17, is not kingly at all and that’s whom Henry favors. He thinks he can teach John everything. John (much later) becomes big bad King John, whom everyone knows from the Robin Hood stories.

WATCH THE PLAY

WHAT The Albright Theatre Company will present “The Lion in Winter”
WHERE 100 N. Island Ave. on third floor of Batavia Government Center; (630) 406-8838; www.albrighttheatre.com
WHEN 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 6 to 8, 13 to 15, 20 and 21
HOW MUCH $13, $10 for students and seniors, with discounts for groups of 10 or more; contains adult themes