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Batavia Players ready for spring

By Billie Owens

Batavia Players will produce "The Lion in Winter" this spring.

The critically acclaimed play by James Goldman centers around Christmas in the castle of Henry II of England.

The cast includes: Kevin Partridge as Henry II; Lynda Hodgins as Queen Eleanor of Aquitane; Jesse Conklin as Richard the Lionhearted; Anthony Giambrone as Prince Geoffrey; James Earl as Prince John; Rachel Oshlag as Princess Alais; and Jared Morgan as the young King Philip of France.

The director is E. Jane Burk. This will be the second time she has directed Batavia Players, Inc.

"The Lion in Winter" has long been a staple of Broadway. Though historical in nature, Goldman took artistic license in writing the script, which evokes tension as well as humor. It also was adapted into a movie in the late 1960's starring Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn. She won the best actress Oscar for her protrayal of Eleanor of Aquitane.

Shows are Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Batavia Middle School, located at 96 Ross St. in Batavia. Tickets go on sale April 27 and cost $10. Seniors and students pay $8.

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