Keith Buterbaugh, Shira Gregory Lead The Hive's The Lion in Winter 11/21

The Hive Theatre announces complete casting for the inaugural free staged reading in its Chamber Reader Series, THE LION IN WINTER, by James Goldman, which will be performed one night only on Monday, November 21 at 8pm at The Cell in Chelsea. It will star Keith Buterbaugh (Broadway: Company - 2007 Tony Award® & Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Phantom of the Opera) as Henry II, Shira Gregory (Broadway: Frost/Nixon) as Alais, and Michael Raver (The Persians, with National Actor's Theatre) as Philip. Tickets are free, and advanced reservations are encouraged at www.thehivetheatre.com.

THE LION IN WINTER is not only a classic, but a perfect play for the holidays. Christmas in any dysfunctional family is tough, but Christmas in 1183 in the Royal Court of King Henry II is especially taxing on the reigning monarch. A brilliant but dangerous Queen, a tender young mistress, a disgruntled prince and three sons competing to be the next king of England all make for one very memorable holiday. Written by James Goldman, whose signature wit mixes politics and emotion with deftness and intelligence.

THE LION IN WINTER has won three Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Actress, and was last revived for Broadway in 1999 with Laurence Fishburne and Stockard Channing (who was nominated for a Tony for her performance) playing the infamous royal couple.

The Hive's new Chamber Reading Series celebrates classic and modern plays that are standouts in the theatrical canon. Audiences will gather together to relive these great works through elegant and intimate presentations. Upcoming installments of the Chamber Reading Series will be announced soon.

CAST INCLUDES:
Keith Buterbaugh - HENRY II
Andy English - RICHARD
Shira Gregory - ALAIS
Emily Jon Mitchel - ELEANOR
Michael Raver - PHILIP
Michael Swartz - JOHN
Alan Winner - GEOFFREY
Stacy Rock - STAGE DIRECTIONS

All performers appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association

THE LION IN WINTER
By James Goldman
Directed by Kelly Johnston
Produced by The Hive Theatre (Matthew A.J. Gregory, Artistic Director)
Stage Management by Lauren Williams

the cell (www.thecelltheatre.org)
338 West 23rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Monday, November 21st at 8pm

TICKET INFORMATION

Free tickets can be reserved by going to www.thehivetheatre.com or thelioninwinter.eventbrite.com. Please call 917. 586.3658 with any questions. Advanced reservations are encouraged, but not required - walk-ups welcome.

For more information, please visit www.thehivetheatre.com.