"Excaliber Production's presentation of James Goldman's '''''The Lion In Winter''''' comes through without a hitch at The Wabash Triangle Café in University City. Though the play ran a bit long, the cast did quite well, with a few minor exceptions. Darryl Maximilian Robinson's portrayal of King Henry II is a balanced and finely measured combination of greed, deceit and compassion...Darryl Maximilian Robinson's staging and direction ( he is the founder and mainstay of this troupe ) work cleanly through an excellent script. I favor the simple set design of black wooden thrones and benches; it allows the actors to do their work without getting in the way. It's an entertaining show overall, one I'd recommend seeing." -- '''Mark Hamilton, Intermission Magazine, St. Louis Edition,''' Jan. 1993.
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[[File:1_largeb.jpg|frame|left|THE FIRST DOCUMENTED MULTICULTURAL REVIVAL: Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Founder and Chicago Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning Best Actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON as King Henry II of England and PHILIP WATT as his chosen heir PrInce John in the 1992 Excaliber Productions, Ltd. 1992 multicultural revival staging of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" directed by Mr. Robinson at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in The Gateway City as they appeared on the cover of the Jan. 1993 St. Louis Edition of INTERMISSION MAGAZINE. Photo by Carl Valle.]]'''"Excaliber Production's presentation of James Goldman's ''The Lion In Winter'' comes through without a hitch at The Wabash Triangle Café in University City. Though the play ran a bit long, the cast did quite well, with a few minor exceptions. Darryl Maximilian Robinson's portrayal of King Henry II is a balanced and finely measured combination of greed, deceit and compassion...Darryl Maximilian Robinson's staging and direction ( he is the founder and mainstay of this troupe ) work cleanly through an excellent script. I favor the simple set design of black wooden thrones and benches; it allows the actors to do their work without getting in the way. It's an entertaining show overall, one I'd recommend seeing." -- Mark Hamilton, Intermission Magazine, St. Louis Edition,''' Jan. 1993.
== Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson Had A Career Highlight Directing And Playing King Henry II in A 1992 Staging of James Goldman's Acclaimed Royal Family Drama '''''The Lion In Winter''''' With A Gifted and Talented Young Multiracial Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago Cast At The Wabash Triangle Café In St. Louis!==
== Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson Had A Career Highlight Directing And Playing King Henry II in A 1992 Staging of James Goldman's Acclaimed Royal Family Drama '''''The Lion In Winter''''' With A Gifted and Talented Young Multiracial Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago Cast At The Wabash Triangle Café In St. Louis!==
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The original 1966 Broadway production of '''James Goldman's''' '''''The Lion In Winter''''' ran just less than 100 performances in New York at The Ambassador Theatre. Even with some superb notices and acclaimed performances by a wonderful '''Robert Preston''' as King Henry II of England and a dazzling '''Rosemary Harris''' as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine ( for which she would score a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress In A Play ), even with a gifted young supporting actor named '''Christopher Walken''' ( a future Oscar Winner ) as King Phillip of France, '''Goldman's critically-praised script''' with a polished and praised Broadway staging ( by Best Director Tony Nominee '''Noel Willman''' ) lasted less than 100 performances on The Great White Way. It was only a few years later, in 1969, when '''James Goldman captured an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay''' for the 1968 film version of his work interpreted by incredible Best Actor Oscar Nominee '''Peter O'Toole''' as King Henry II and amazing Best Actress Oscar Winner '''Katherine Hepburn''' as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine, that suddenly ( in The Theatre World! ), every stage performer that was a character actor or character actress worth his or her salt wanted to be in '''Goldman's great, biting, dysfunctional family drama ( and dark comedy ) of the verbal war-waging Plantagenets at Yuletide.''' There have been numerous highly-effective and successful stage and screen renderings of '''Goldman's most acclaimed stage play''' mounted around the U.S. and Europe during the last five decades. One that might be of interest is Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning Principal Actor
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The original 1966 Broadway production of '''James Goldman's''' '''''The Lion In Winter''''' ran just less than 100 performances in New York at The Ambassador Theatre. Even with some superb notices and acclaimed performances by a wonderful '''Robert Preston''' as King Henry II of England and a dazzling '''Rosemary Harris''' as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine ( for which she would score a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress In A Play ), even with a gifted young supporting actor named '''Christopher Walken''' ( a future Oscar Winner ) as King Phillip of France, '''Goldman's critically-praised script''' with a polished and praised Broadway staging ( by Best Director Tony Nominee '''Noel Willman''' ) lasted less than 100 performances on The Great White Way. It was only a few years later, in 1969, when '''James Goldman captured an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay''' for the 1968 film version of his work interpreted by incredible Best Actor Oscar Nominee '''Peter O'Toole''' as King Henry II and amazing Best Actress Oscar Winner '''Katherine Hepburn''' as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine, that suddenly ( in The Theatre World! ), every stage performer that was a character actor or character actress worth his or her salt wanted to be in '''Goldman's great, biting, dysfunctional family drama ( and dark comedy ) of the verbal war-waging Plantagenets at Yuletide.''' There have been numerous highly-effective and successful stage and screen renderings of '''Goldman's most acclaimed stage play''' mounted around the U.S. and Europe during the last five decades. One that might be of interest is Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning Principal Actor
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'''Darryl Maximilian Robinson's''' 1992 non-Equity professional, multiracial cast rendition of the work presented under the banner of '''Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago''' at the intimate and lively '''Wabash Triangle Cafe''' in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Robinson ( critically-praised for his 1984 St. Louis stage performances as Sir Thomas More in Director '''John Grassilli's''' staging of '''Robert Bolt's ''A Man For All Seasons''''' at '''The University of Missouri-St. Louis' Benton Hall Theatre''' and as The Cowardly Lion in '''The Theatre Project Company's''' traditional musical version of '''''The Wizard of Oz''''' staged by Director '''Deborah Lynn Wickes''' at '''The New City School''' ) directed and starred as King Henry II opposite a talented and racially-diverse cast that included '''Anna Altman''' and '''Deborah Phillips''' alternating in the role of Queen Eleanor, '''Carey S. Means''' ( a future popular animated film voice-over performer ) and '''Albert Stephens''' alternating in the role of Prince Richard the Lionheart, '''Patrick B. Hensler''' as Prince Geoffrey, '''Phillip Alexis Watt''' as Prince John, '''Louis A. Wells''' as King Phillip of France and '''Anjula Chan''' ( who skillfully designed the 12th-century costumes ) as Princess Alais. Of all of his creative and artistic endeavors during his five years of producing, directing and performing plays for audiences '''under the Excaliber banner''' in The Gateway City, '''Darryl Maximilian Robinson''' considers his work ( as an actor and director ) in '''James Goldman's''' '''''The Lion In Winter''''' a true career highlight!
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'''Darryl Maximilian Robinson's''' 1992 non-Equity professional, multiracial cast rendition of the work presented under the banner of '''Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago''' at the intimate and lively '''Wabash Triangle Cafe''' in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Robinson ( critically-praised for his 1984 St. Louis stage performances as Sir Thomas More in Director '''John Grassilli's''' staging of '''Robert Bolt's ''A Man For All Seasons''''' at '''The University of Missouri-St. Louis' UMSL Benton Hall Theatre''' and as The Cowardly Lion in '''The Theatre Project Company's''' traditional musical version of '''''The Wizard of Oz''''' staged by Director '''Deborah Lynn Wickes''' at '''The New City School''' ) directed and starred as King Henry II opposite a talented and racially-diverse cast that included '''Anna Altman''' and '''Deborah Phillips''' alternating in the role of Queen Eleanor, '''Carey S. Means''' ( a future popular animated film voice-over performer ) and '''Albert Stephens''' alternating in the role of Prince Richard the Lionheart, '''Patrick B. Hensler''' as Prince Geoffrey, '''Phillip Alexis Watt''' as Prince John, '''Louis A. Wells''' as King Phillip of France and '''Anjula Chan''' ( who skillfully designed the 12th-century costumes ) as Princess Alais. Of all of his creative and artistic endeavors during his five years of producing, directing and performing plays for audiences '''under the Excaliber banner''' in The Gateway City, '''Darryl Maximilian Robinson''' considers his work ( as an actor and director ) in '''James Goldman's''' '''''The Lion In Winter''''' a true career highlight!
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[[File:Image_27142906694.jpg|frame|left|HIS MOST REVERED LORDSHIP, SIR RICHARD DRURY KEMP-KEAN!: For 15 years ( Between 1987 and 2001 ) DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON appearing as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his critically-praised, original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" included Lord Jaques' "SEVEN AGES OF MAN" Speech as part of his presentation during numerous touring engagements throughout the country. 1993 Photo of Darryl Maximilian Robinson in "A Bit of the Bard" courtesy of THE ECHO YEARBBOOK OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY. ]]
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'''A KING HENRY II PERFORMER ALUM'S UPDATE!:'''
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Most recently, during an extended year-long visit to his original hometown of Chicago, '''Darryl Maximilian Robinson''' garnered attention for his well-received portrayal of the marvelous dual roles of''' Mr. William Cartwright, Your Chairman of The Music Hall Royale and The Mayor Thomas Sapsea of Cloisterham, England '''in skilled Director / Music Director '''Robert-Eric West's 2018 Saint Sebastian Players of Chicago Revival Production of Rupert Holmes' '''classic Tony Award-winning Best Musical Mystery Whodunit '''''The Mystery of Edwin Drood'' '''presented at the lovely, more than a century old''' St. Bonaventure Church''' in the West Lakeview neighborhood of The Windy City. '''Mr. Robinson's performance was critically-praised, documented earlier this year by ''Wikipedia''', ''and in November of''' 2019: The Year of Chicago Theatre''',''' '''captured for him a''' 2019 Chicago BroadwayWorld.com Regional Theatre Award Nomination for Best Performer In A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ).''' The SSP Revival of''''' ''' '''The Mystery of Edwin Drood'' '''received a grand total of '''Seven 2019 Chicago BroadwayWorld.com Regional Theatre Award Nominations''' including:''' Best Performer In A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity )''' for '''Sarah Myers''''' ''for her fine portrayal of Edwin Drood and Miss Alice Nutting; '''Best Direction of A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ) '''for''' Robert-Eric West'''; '''Best Choreography ( Resident Non-Equity ) '''for '''Tamara Drew''';''' Best Costume Design ( Resident Non-Equity ) '''for '''Sandra Leander;''' '''Best Set Design ( Resident Non-Equity )''''' ''for '''Emil Zbella'''; and '''Best Ensemble of A Musical ( Resident Non-Equity )''' for''' THE ENTIRE CAST! '''Those who love musical theatre performance in The Windy City that would like to honor and support the work of Mr. Robinson and his fellow nominees of '''Rupert Holmes' brilliant but seldom performed stage classic''' with their votes for this critically-praised Non-Equity professional theatre production may do so by visiting: '''BroadwayWorld.com Chicago Regional Theatre Awards Voting!'''
[[File:Darryl Maximilian Robinson Rehearses Bard's St. Crispin's Day Speech At LA's Lincoln Heights Jail!-1576977642|thumb|left|335 px]]
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[[File:Darryl Maximilian Robinson Presents Bard's St. Crispin's Day Speech In LA ( The Inside Rendition )!-2|thumb|left|335 px]]
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'''''Note:'''''
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''This theatre article is presented in appreciation of the fine and committed work of all of Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Company Members of St. Louis, Missouri and as part of '''The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project.'''''
'''''Note:''' The multiracial, non-Equity professional chamber theatre, The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago is pleased, proud and honored to share and present this archival article as part of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project, in acknowledgement of '''2019: The Year of Chicago Theatre!,''' and in appreciation and gratitude to the talented and committed St. Louis actors, actresses, designers and crew members who worked on '''Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago''' shows in The Great Gateway City from 1990 through 1994. Best Regards, Much Continued Success and God Bless! ''
'''''Note:''' The multiracial, non-Equity professional chamber theatre, The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago is pleased, proud and honored to share and present this archival article as part of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project, in acknowledgement of '''2019: The Year of Chicago Theatre!,''' and in appreciation and gratitude to the talented and committed St. Louis actors, actresses, designers and crew members who worked on '''Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago shows''' in The Great Gateway City from 1990 through 1994. Best Regards, Much Continued Success and God Bless!
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[[File:ESC_logo._.jpg|frame|left|Logo of the non-Equity professional, multiracial chamber theatre, THE EXCALIBER SHAKESPEARE COMPANY OF CHICAGO designed by Tony Hrubes. ]][[File:Il_570xN.1321503723_doch.jpg|thumb|A KINGLY CHAT: Robert Preston as King Henry II of England, Bruce Scott as Prince John, Rosemary Harris as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine and future Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken as King Philip of France in the original 1966 Broadway production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" staged by Tony Award-nominated Best Director Noel Willman. ]][[File:Tony_Winners_Robert_Preston_and_Rosemary_Harris_in_James_Goldman's_The_Lion_In_Winter..jpg|thumb|THE ORIGINAL KING AND QUEEN ON BROADWAY: Two-time Tony Award Winner ROBERT PRESTON as King Henry II of England and Tony Award Winner ROSEMARY HARRIS as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine in the original 1966 Broadway production of JAMES GOLDMAN'S "THE LION IN WINTER" as they appeared on the cover of PLAYBILL MAGAZINE. ]][[File:Award-winning_Director_Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_as_King_Henry_II_and_Philip_Watt_as_Prince_John_in_James_Goldman's_The_Lion_In_Winter_.png|frame|left|THE FIRST DOCUMENTED MULTICULTURAL REVIVAL: Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Founder and Chicago Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning Best Actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON as King Henry II of England and PHILIP WATT as his chosen heir PrInce John in the 1992 Excaliber Productions, Ltd. 1992 multicultural revival staging of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" directed by Mr. Robinson at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in The Gateway City as they appeared on the cover of the Jan. 1993 St. Louis Edition of INTERMISSION MAGAZINE. Photo by Carl Valle. ]][[File:Excaliber_Productions_Ltd_theatre_review_of_the_1993_production_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_(1).png|frame|left|A ROYAL REVIEW: Jan. 1993 INTERMISSION MAGAZINE Theatre Review of the Excaliber Productions, Ltd.'s revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" by Mark Hamilton. ]][[File:Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_directed_and_starred_as_King_Henry_II_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_in_St_Louis_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. in St. Louis and Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson directed and starred as King Henry II of England in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. An award-winning, 43-season veteran of the stage, Mr. Robinson currently lives and performs theatre in the Greater Los Angeles, California Area. ]][[File:Phillip_Watt_appeared_as_Prince_John_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd._staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe..jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Philip Watt appeared as Prince John in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A talented actor and musician, Mr. Watt has most recently appeared in numerous dramatic and musical productions in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. ]][[File:Carey_Means_appeared_as_Prince_Richard_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Carey Means ( along with actor Albert Stephens ) appeared as Prince Richard the Lionheart in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A gifted dramatic actor and vocalist, Mr. Means is known in the Hollywood industry as an outstanding voice-over performer, having provided his voice for numerous animated films and television shows. ]][[File:Actor-Director-Educator_Louis_A_Wells_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Louis A. Wells appeared as King Phillip of France in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A noted theatre educator, actor and play director, Mr. Wells currently lives and works on the East Coast. ]][[File:Jesse_L_Watt_served_as_Stage_Manager_and_Technician_for_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member J. L. Watt served as Lighting, Sound and Set Designer as well as Production Stage Manager of Excaliber's multiracial 1992 revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis. A skilled photographer, visual artist and painter, Mr. Watt currently operates THE J. L. WATT STUDIO in West Los Angeles, Ca. ]][[File:Playwright_James_Goldman,_author_of_The_Lion_In_Winter..jpg|frame|left|Playwright James Goldman scored critical praise for his 1966 script of "THE LION IN WINTER" on Broadway and went on to capture a 1968 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his rendering of the film script.]][[File:The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_of_St._Louis..jpg|frame|left|The 1992 Excaliber Productions, Ltd. multiracial cast revival of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" was staged in the intimate confines of the long-gone but fondly remembered St. Louis area dining and entertainment venue THE WABASH TRIANGLE CAFE operated by Calvin Case. ]][[File:The_Lion_In_Winter_Show_Card_2..jpg|frame|left|In 1992, Excaliber Productions, Ltd. ( a non-Equity professional, multiracial chamber theatre ) presented the first multicultural documented revival production of James Goldman's acclaimed historical drama and dark comedy "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Missouri. Excaliber Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson, a 1981 Fort Wayne News-Sentinel Reviewer's Recognition Award Winner as Outstanding Thespian of the Season for his performances in professional summer stock ( particularly as Fagin in Lionel Bart's "OLIVER!" ) at northern Indiana's Enchanted Hills Playhouse, directed and starred as King Henry II of England, with talented actresses Anna Altman and Deborah Phillips alternating in the role of Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine. The supporting cast featured Carey S. Means and Albert Stephens alternating in the role of Prince Richard the Lionheart; Philip Watt as Prince John; Patrick Hensler as Prince Geoffrey; and Louis A. Wells as King Phillip of France. Anjula Chan ( who also designed the 12th-century period costumes ) appeared as Princess Alais. J. L. Watt served as Lighting, Sound and Set Designer as well as Production Stage Manager for the revival staging. After performing Nov. and Dec. performance dates at The Wabash Triangle Cafe, the production was moved to The Red Sea Resturant of University, Mo. and played Sunday matinees and evenings through March of 1993. ]]
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[[File:ESC_logo._.jpg|frame|left|Logo of the non-Equity professional, multiracial chamber theatre, THE EXCALIBER SHAKESPEARE COMPANY OF CHICAGO designed by Tony Hrubes. ]][[File:Il_570xN.1321503723_doch.jpg|thumb|left|A KINGLY CHAT: Robert Preston as King Henry II of England, Bruce Scott as Prince John, Rosemary Harris as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine and future Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken as King Philip of France in the original 1966 Broadway production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" staged by Tony Award-nominated Best Director Noel Willman. ]][[File:Tony_Winners_Robert_Preston_and_Rosemary_Harris_in_James_Goldman's_The_Lion_In_Winter..jpg|thumb|THE ORIGINAL KING AND QUEEN ON BROADWAY: Two-time Tony Award Winner ROBERT PRESTON as King Henry II of England and Tony Award Winner ROSEMARY HARRIS as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine in the original 1966 Broadway production of JAMES GOLDMAN'S "THE LION IN WINTER" as they appeared on the cover of PLAYBILL MAGAZINE. ]][[File:Excaliber_Productions_Ltd_theatre_review_of_the_1993_production_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_(1).png|frame|left|A ROYAL REVIEW: Jan. 1993 INTERMISSION MAGAZINE Theatre Review of the Excaliber Productions, Ltd.'s revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" by Mark Hamilton. ]][[File:Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_directed_and_starred_as_King_Henry_II_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_in_St_Louis_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. in St. Louis and Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson directed and starred as King Henry II of England in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. An award-winning, 43-season veteran of the stage, Mr. Robinson currently lives and performs theatre in the Greater Los Angeles, California Area. ]][[File:Phillip_Watt_appeared_as_Prince_John_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd._staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe..jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Philip Watt appeared as Prince John in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A talented actor and musician, Mr. Watt has most recently appeared in numerous dramatic and musical productions in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. ]][[File:Carey_Means_appeared_as_Prince_Richard_in_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Carey Means ( along with actor Albert Stephens ) appeared as Prince Richard the Lionheart in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A gifted dramatic actor and vocalist, Mr. Means is known in the Hollywood industry as an outstanding voice-over performer, having provided his voice for numerous animated films and television shows. ]][[File:Actor-Director-Educator_Louis_A_Wells_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member Louis A. Wells appeared as King Phillip of France in the 1992 Excaliber multiracial revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Mo. A noted theatre educator, actor and play director, Mr. Wells currently lives and works on the East Coast. ]][[File:Jesse_L_Watt_served_as_Stage_Manager_and_Technician_for_the_1992_Excaliber_Productions,_Ltd_staging_of_The_Lion_In_Winter_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|Excaliber Productions, Ltd. St. Louis Company Member J. L. Watt served as Lighting, Sound and Set Designer as well as Production Stage Manager of Excaliber's multiracial 1992 revival production of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis. A skilled photographer, visual artist and painter, Mr. Watt currently operates THE J. L. WATT STUDIO in West Los Angeles, Ca. ]][[File:Playwright_James_Goldman,_author_of_The_Lion_In_Winter..jpg|frame|left|Playwright James Goldman scored critical praise for his 1966 script of "THE LION IN WINTER" on Broadway and went on to capture a 1968 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his rendering of the film script.]][[File:The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_of_St._Louis..jpg|frame|left|The 1992 Excaliber Productions, Ltd. multiracial cast revival of James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER" was staged in the intimate confines of the long-gone but fondly remembered St. Louis area dining and entertainment venue THE WABASH TRIANGLE CAFE operated by Calvin Case. ]][[File:The_Lion_In_Winter_Show_Card_2..jpg|frame|left|In 1992, Excaliber Productions, Ltd. ( a non-Equity professional, multiracial chamber theatre ) presented the first multicultural documented revival production of James Goldman's acclaimed historical drama and dark comedy "THE LION IN WINTER" at The Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Missouri. Excaliber Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson, a 1981 Fort Wayne News-Sentinel Reviewer's Recognition Award Winner as Outstanding Thespian of the Season for his performances in professional summer stock ( particularly as Fagin in Lionel Bart's "OLIVER!" ) at northern Indiana's Enchanted Hills Playhouse, directed and starred as King Henry II of England, with talented actresses Anna Altman and Deborah Phillips alternating in the role of Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine. The supporting cast featured Carey S. Means and Albert Stephens alternating in the role of Prince Richard the Lionheart; Philip Watt as Prince John; Patrick Hensler as Prince Geoffrey; and Louis A. Wells as King Phillip of France. Anjula Chan ( who also designed the 12th-century period costumes ) appeared as Princess Alais. J. L. Watt served as Lighting, Sound and Set Designer as well as Production Stage Manager for the revival staging. After performing Nov. and Dec. performance dates at The Wabash Triangle Cafe, the production was moved to The Red Sea Resturant of University, Mo. and played Sunday matinees and evenings through March of 1993. ]]
[[File:Lion-logo.jpg|frame|left|Showcard Logo for James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER."]]
[[File:Lion-logo.jpg|frame|left|Showcard Logo for James Goldman's "THE LION IN WINTER."]]
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[[File:34295789152_5f73e1b4e2_o_(1).jpg|frame|left|MUSICAL THEATRE ACTING NOTES FROM DECADES PAST!: This Jan. 29, 1987 Feature Story from THE ASPEN TIMES OF ASPEN, COLORADO includes an interview with Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and veteran and award-winning actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON discussing his SNOWMASS REPERTORY THEATRE OF COLORADO stage roles of THE VOICE OF AUDREY II in "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" and NICK SAKARIAN in "BABY" as part of that theatre's winter repertory season. Photo and Story by DEVON MYERS. ]][[File:IMG_4460-3-.jpg|frame|left|MR. ROBINSON AS A GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMAN IN A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Los Angeles-based Theatre Artist DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON as BUTLER JOHN LAWLESS ( Far Right ) joined by the ENTIRE CAST of skilled Director MARIO DI GREGORIO'S 2011 GLENDALE CENTRE THEATRE 55th Anniversary Revival Production of KYLE CRICHTON'S rollicking, early 20th-century romantic comedy "THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE" performed at the historic theatre-in-the-round in Glendale, CA. Photo courtesy of MAY FAMILY ADVENTURES. ]]
[[File:34295789152_5f73e1b4e2_o_(1).jpg|frame|left|MUSICAL THEATRE ACTING NOTES FROM DECADES PAST!: This Jan. 29, 1987 Feature Story from THE ASPEN TIMES OF ASPEN, COLORADO includes an interview with Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and veteran and award-winning actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON discussing his SNOWMASS REPERTORY THEATRE OF COLORADO stage roles of THE VOICE OF AUDREY II in "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" and NICK SAKARIAN in "BABY" as part of that theatre's winter repertory season. Photo and Story by DEVON MYERS. ]][[File:IMG_4460-3-.jpg|frame|left|MR. ROBINSON AS A GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMAN IN A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Los Angeles-based Theatre Artist DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON as BUTLER JOHN LAWLESS ( Far Right ) joined by the ENTIRE CAST of skilled Director MARIO DI GREGORIO'S 2011 GLENDALE CENTRE THEATRE 55th Anniversary Revival Production of KYLE CRICHTON'S rollicking, early 20th-century romantic comedy "THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE" performed at the historic theatre-in-the-round in Glendale, CA. Photo courtesy of MAY FAMILY ADVENTURES. ]]
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[[File:Just_4_Fun_Nominees.jpg|frame|left|AN LA THEATRE AWARD-NOMINATED CAST OF TAD MOSEL'S "IMPROMPTU"!: Elate Best Supporting Actor Award Nominee JOEY TREZISE as TONY, Elate Best Supporting Actress Award Winner LUCY KRUBINER as LORA, Elate Best Supporting Actress Award Nominee CASEY KRUBINER as WINNIFRED were the marvelous fellow actors who helped Los Angeles-based stage veteran DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON earn a 2015 / 2016 Elate Season Ticket Holder Award Nomination as Best Actor for his performance as the debonair, but aging leading man ERNEST in TAD MOSEL'S classic, allegorical one-act of Life In The Theatre "IMPROMPTU" which was presented by THE EMMANUEL LUTHERAN ACTORS' THEATRE ENSEMBLE - ELATE on a bill of one-acts entitled "JUST 4 FUN" at The Lincoln Stegman Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. Photo courtesy of ELATE. ]]
[[File:Elate_Honor.jpg|frame|left|A TRULY LOVELY ACTING HONOR!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Los Angeles-based Theatre Artist DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON is winner of a 2015 / 2016 Los Angeles ELATE SEASON TICKET HOLDER AWARD NOMINATION as Best Actor for his perfomance as ERNEST in the 2016 EMMANUEL LUTHERAN ACTORS THEATRE ENSEMBLE - ELATE revival of TAD MOSEL'S "IMPROMPTU" as part of its bill of one-acts entitled "JUST 4 FUN".]][[File:33908897133_c46e223d49_o.jpg|frame|left|MR. ROBINSON MAKES HIS CASE!: Chicago Joseph Jefferson Ciation Award-winning Best Actor, Los Angeles ELATE Season Ticket Holder Award Best Actor Nominee and Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder
[[File:Elate_Honor.jpg|frame|left|A TRULY LOVELY ACTING HONOR!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Los Angeles-based Theatre Artist DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON is winner of a 2015 / 2016 Los Angeles ELATE SEASON TICKET HOLDER AWARD NOMINATION as Best Actor for his perfomance as ERNEST in the 2016 EMMANUEL LUTHERAN ACTORS THEATRE ENSEMBLE - ELATE revival of TAD MOSEL'S "IMPROMPTU" as part of its bill of one-acts entitled "JUST 4 FUN".]][[File:33908897133_c46e223d49_o.jpg|frame|left|MR. ROBINSON MAKES HIS CASE!: Chicago Joseph Jefferson Ciation Award-winning Best Actor, Los Angeles ELATE Season Ticket Holder Award Best Actor Nominee and Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder
Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( a 45-season veteran of the stage ) appeared as District Attorney Flint in the 2017 Emmanuel Lutheran Actors' Theatre Ensemble - Elate Revival Production of Ayn Rand's "NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH" at The Lincoln Stegman Theatre in North Hollywood, Ca. Of his work in the show Theatre Critic John K. Adams in the June 7, 2017 print edition of The Tolucan Times wrote: "Darryl Robinson leads the talented cast, playing the prosecuting district attorney with style and wit." Photo by J. L. Watt. ]]
Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( a 45-season veteran of the stage ) appeared as District Attorney Flint in the 2017 Emmanuel Lutheran Actors' Theatre Ensemble - Elate Revival Production of Ayn Rand's "NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH" at The Lincoln Stegman Theatre in North Hollywood, Ca. Of his work in the show Theatre Critic John K. Adams in the June 7, 2017 print edition of The Tolucan Times wrote: "Darryl Robinson leads the talented cast, playing the prosecuting district attorney with style and wit." Photo by J. L. Watt. ]]
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[[File:Los_Angeles-20160919-01044_(1).jpg|frame|left|A HOST AND A GUEST ACTOR PREPARE!:Veteran entertainment journalist and arts reporter RON BREWINGTON welcomes veteran Los Angeles-based stage actor and play director DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON ( The Founder of the multiracial, non-Equity professional chamber theatre The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago ) to the set of the 9-19-2016 RMCONAIR performing arts television program "THE ACTOR'S CHOICE," Episode 2.37. Photo by RMCONAIR Production Video Cameraman and Technician LARON "LP" Daviston. ]]
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[[File:44952124765_ce164c6171_o_(1).jpg|frame|left|PLAYING A DICKENS OF A PAIR OF ROLES IN A REVIVAL OF A TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL MYSTERY CLASSIC!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder, Los Angeles-based theatre artist and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON had a musical theatre performer's field day on the occasion he returned to his hometown of Chicago and appeared for the first time in 17 years ( to wonderful reviews ) and played the marvelous dual roles of The Chairman Mr. William Cartwright of The Music Hall Royale and The Honorable Mayor Thomas Sapsea in skilled director / music director ROBERT-ERIC WEST'S 2018 revival staging of multi-talented composer, lyricist, book author RUPERT HOLMES' Tony Award-winning, CHARLES DICKENS' novel-based Best Musical Mystery Whodunit "THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD" presented by THE SAINT SEBASTIAN PLAYERS CHICAGO on stage at the lovely, more than a century old ST. BONAVENTURE CHURCH in the Lakeview neighborhood of The Windy City. Photo by SSP Production Set Designer and Decorator EMIL ZBELLA. ]]
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[[File:Ron-brewington-bradin-stennis-and-darryl-maximilian-robinson-appeared-on-the-dec-30-2019-edition-of-the-actors-choice_31163137611.jpg|frame|left|RETURNING TO "THE ACTOR'S CHOICE"!: Host RON BREWINGTON, Actor BRANDIN STENNIS and returning Actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON appeared on The December 30, 2019 You Tube Edition of the internet performing arts program "THE ACTOR'S CHOICE" streamed live and recorded in Burbank, California. ]]
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[[File:Actor Darryl Maximilian Robinson and Actor Brandin Stennis-1578326053|thumb|left|335 px]][[File:81136633_801329743638701_2773155834933280768_n.png|frame|left|LOGO FOR "THE ACTOR'S CHOICE." ]]
Revision as of 23:04, 29 March 2020
"Excaliber Production's presentation of James Goldman's The Lion In Winter comes through without a hitch at The Wabash Triangle Café in University City. Though the play ran a bit long, the cast did quite well, with a few minor exceptions. Darryl Maximilian Robinson's portrayal of King Henry II is a balanced and finely measured combination of greed, deceit and compassion...Darryl Maximilian Robinson's staging and direction ( he is the founder and mainstay of this troupe ) work cleanly through an excellent script. I favor the simple set design of black wooden thrones and benches; it allows the actors to do their work without getting in the way. It's an entertaining show overall, one I'd recommend seeing." -- Mark Hamilton, Intermission Magazine, St. Louis Edition, Jan. 1993.
Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson Had A Career Highlight Directing And Playing King Henry II in A 1992 Staging of James Goldman's Acclaimed Royal Family Drama The Lion In Winter With A Gifted and Talented Young Multiracial Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago Cast At The Wabash Triangle Café In St. Louis!
The original 1966 Broadway production of James Goldman'sThe Lion In Winter ran just less than 100 performances in New York at The Ambassador Theatre. Even with some superb notices and acclaimed performances by a wonderful Robert Preston as King Henry II of England and a dazzling Rosemary Harris as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine ( for which she would score a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress In A Play ), even with a gifted young supporting actor named Christopher Walken ( a future Oscar Winner ) as King Phillip of France, Goldman's critically-praised script with a polished and praised Broadway staging ( by Best Director Tony Nominee Noel Willman ) lasted less than 100 performances on The Great White Way. It was only a few years later, in 1969, when James Goldman captured an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the 1968 film version of his work interpreted by incredible Best Actor Oscar Nominee Peter O'Toole as King Henry II and amazing Best Actress Oscar Winner Katherine Hepburn as Queen Eleanor of the Aquitaine, that suddenly ( in The Theatre World! ), every stage performer that was a character actor or character actress worth his or her salt wanted to be in Goldman's great, biting, dysfunctional family drama ( and dark comedy ) of the verbal war-waging Plantagenets at Yuletide. There have been numerous highly-effective and successful stage and screen renderings of Goldman's most acclaimed stage play mounted around the U.S. and Europe during the last five decades. One that might be of interest is Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning Principal Actor
Darryl Maximilian Robinson's 1992 non-Equity professional, multiracial cast rendition of the work presented under the banner of Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago at the intimate and lively Wabash Triangle Cafe in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Robinson ( critically-praised for his 1984 St. Louis stage performances as Sir Thomas More in Director John Grassilli's staging of Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons at The University of Missouri-St. Louis' UMSL Benton Hall Theatre and as The Cowardly Lion in The Theatre Project Company's traditional musical version of The Wizard of Oz staged by Director Deborah Lynn Wickes at The New City School ) directed and starred as King Henry II opposite a talented and racially-diverse cast that included Anna Altman and Deborah Phillips alternating in the role of Queen Eleanor, Carey S. Means ( a future popular animated film voice-over performer ) and Albert Stephens alternating in the role of Prince Richard the Lionheart, Patrick B. Hensler as Prince Geoffrey, Phillip Alexis Watt as Prince John, Louis A. Wells as King Phillip of France and Anjula Chan ( who skillfully designed the 12th-century costumes ) as Princess Alais. Of all of his creative and artistic endeavors during his five years of producing, directing and performing plays for audiences under the Excaliber banner in The Gateway City, Darryl Maximilian Robinson considers his work ( as an actor and director ) in James Goldman'sThe Lion In Winter a true career highlight!
A KING HENRY II PERFORMER ALUM'S UPDATE!:
Most recently, during an extended year-long visit to his original hometown of Chicago, Darryl Maximilian Robinson garnered attention for his well-received portrayal of the marvelous dual roles of Mr. William Cartwright, Your Chairman of The Music Hall Royale and The Mayor Thomas Sapsea of Cloisterham, England in skilled Director / Music Director Robert-Eric West's 2018 Saint Sebastian Players of Chicago Revival Production of Rupert Holmes' classic Tony Award-winning Best Musical Mystery Whodunit The Mystery of Edwin Droodpresented at the lovely, more than a century old St. Bonaventure Church in the West Lakeview neighborhood of The Windy City. Mr. Robinson's performance was critically-praised, documented earlier this year by Wikipedia, and in November of 2019: The Year of Chicago Theatre,captured for him a 2019 Chicago BroadwayWorld.com Regional Theatre Award Nomination for Best Performer In A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ). The SSP Revival ofThe Mystery of Edwin Droodreceived a grand total of Seven 2019 Chicago BroadwayWorld.com Regional Theatre Award Nominations including: Best Performer In A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ) for Sarah Myersfor her fine portrayal of Edwin Drood and Miss Alice Nutting; Best Direction of A Musical or Revue ( Resident Non-Equity ) for Robert-Eric West; Best Choreography ( Resident Non-Equity ) for Tamara Drew; Best Costume Design ( Resident Non-Equity ) for Sandra Leander;Best Set Design ( Resident Non-Equity )for Emil Zbella; and Best Ensemble of A Musical ( Resident Non-Equity ) for THE ENTIRE CAST! Those who love musical theatre performance in The Windy City that would like to honor and support the work of Mr. Robinson and his fellow nominees of Rupert Holmes' brilliant but seldom performed stage classic with their votes for this critically-praised Non-Equity professional theatre production may do so by visiting: BroadwayWorld.com Chicago Regional Theatre Awards Voting!
Note:This theatre article is presented in appreciation of the fine and committed work of all of Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Company Members of St. Louis, Missouri and as part of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project.
Note: The multiracial, non-Equity professional chamber theatre, The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago is pleased, proud and honored to share and present this archival article as part of The Excaliber Shakespeare Company Los Angeles Archival Project, in acknowledgement of 2019: The Year of Chicago Theatre!, and in appreciation and gratitude to the talented and committed St. Louis actors, actresses, designers and crew members who worked on Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago shows in The Great Gateway City from 1990 through 1994. Best Regards, Much Continued Success and God Bless!