Auditions for THE LION IN WINTER by James Goldman

Auditions for Cité des Arts’ Fall production, The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, and directed by Joe Riehl, will be held on April 6 and 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Cité des Arts, 109 Vine Street in downtown Lafayette.  The play’s performance dates are October 31 to November 10, 2024. If interested, contact: Joe Riehl (337) 322-7988, or come to the audition. Prepare a reading, or we will furnish cuttings from the play for you. The Lion in Winter by James Goldman is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons – The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, is a modern-day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action – the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. Let out only for holidays, the play centers around the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception.

We are looking to cast the following roles:

(Ages are the characters' actual historical ages, but there is a wide variability. Actor may be younger or older.)

Richard, age ~ 26 Heroic, conqueror, oldest son, strong and masculine but hiding the fact that he is secretly gay (or bi).

Alais, age ~ 23 innocent, dominated by Henry and events, but also knowing, and attempting persuasion in her the situation. She is King Philip's sister, the pivot point of the play. Richard and Henry also vying for her because of her strategically important province of Vexin.

John, age ~ 16 Young, callow, gullible, almost a mama's boy. Henry's choice for king.

Geoffrey, age ~ 25 Schemer, always looking for his advantage in any situation, but never really vying for kingship.

Philip, age ~ 18 Smart, kingly. An equal match for Henry despite his young age. Also secretly gay.