Write a commentFor some husbands and wives, the drama of life is enough to keep things interesting, but for actors Nelson and Sherri Metz, the real drama is on stage.
The pair have been cast as Henry II and Queen Eleanor in the upcoming Oswego Players’ production of “The Lion in Winter.” The play is being directed by Richard Mosher.
This is the second go-around for the play and for Sherri Metz as Eleanor. The play was first staged by the Players in 1996 under the direction of the late Ron Medici. In the performance, the late Larry Rose played King Henry.
So what is it like to repeat a role nearly 20 years later? According to Sherri Metz it’s very different.
“The first time around I was terrified of the challenge," she said. "There were all the layers of the character and then having Ron as director. It was hard. Now I relate to her better. I’m almost 20 years older, I’ve read more about Eleanor and the history of the times. I know more and I know more about her.”
As for working with her husband, Sherri Metz said there's nothing but fun on stage.
“We’ve only done comedies together before," she said. "It was very daunting at the beginning, but we have explored our characters together and now we are having fun with it. It helps to have your husband playing opposite you because you can study your lines together off stage.”
Other members of the cast besides Nelson and Sherri Metz are Tim O’Connor as Richard the Lionheart, Erik Mosher as Geoffrey, Norman Berlin II as John, Knathan MacKenzie-Roy as Philip II, and Jennifer Butler as Alean Capat. The play is set at Christmas in 1183.
This production of “The Lion in Winter” has been funded through a grant from Entergy.
“The Lion in Winter” is set for performances in the Frances Marion Brown Theater in the Arts Center at Fort Ontario on Friday and Saturday Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. A special matinee is set for Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
For reservations, contact the Players’ box office at 343-5138.
