Rose London in "The Lion in Winter" at Mysterium. Photo by Robert Ladd.

Strip away the trappings of Hollywood, and James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter” stands on its own. Any storefront theatre can buy the rights to this tale of the dysfunctional royal family that breeds war like syphilis and mangles everything it touches, but not all are up to the challenge. Mysterium tackles the play (running in Orange through July 31) on its own terms and makes a strong impression; director Jeff Lowe’s dynamic staging emphasizes the relationships, as family members plot against and betray one another.

If ever Katharine Hepburn claimed ownership of a character, it was Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most powerful woman in England. And yet Rose London was obviously meant to play the role, sinking her teeth into the part with the bearing of a queen and the timing of a standup comic. William Crisp is solid as Henry II, if not quite her match, in a markedly different interpretation than that of Peter O’Toole. Tiffany Berg is a feisty delight as his mistress, Alais; Sean Chin is nicely understated as the sly son, Geoffrey. Call 714-602-7975.

The pageantry that’s missing in the storefront “Lion” promises to be supplied in abundance when the 2010 Pageant of the Masters arrives in Laguna Beach next week. The theme of this year’s theatrical celebration of "living pictures," Eat, Drink and Be Merry, portends to banish the recession blues into hiding, with “a heartfelt toast to the good life.” From the elegant fetes of 17th century France to the all-night parties of the Jazz Age, the pageant will salute the art of living life to the fullest in both good times and hard times.

Benvenuto Cellini, Leonardo da Vinci, Dutch master Jan Steen and Fredric Remington are among the better known artists whose work will be recreated. The art dates from anonymous 6th century depictions of “Ancient Entruscans” to the whimsical “Coffee & Donuts” (2008) by Scott Moore, Laguna’s answer to Rene Magritte. The Pageant of the Masters will be performed nightly from July 7, through August 31, with the annual Celebrity Gala Benefit Performance held on August 28. For further information call 949-497-6852; toll free 800-487-3378.

More from Jordan:

Anaheim’s Muzeo sings the blues; jazz icons come alive on DVD
Provocative ‘Behind the Gates’ opens in West Hollywood
Kino’s American Film Theatre set preserves great plays on DVD
Show biz bookshelf: The good, the bad and the ugly side of movies

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