James Goldman's brilliant historical drama pits King Henry II of England against the strong-willed Eleanor of Aquitaine. Back stabbing, spying, double crossing, and rampant infidelity-a typical family Christmas. Typical, that is, for the Plantagenets. Kathleen Chalfant and Alfred Molina bring to life the witty, eloquent battle of the sexes that was immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film of the same name.

An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring:

Lars Carlson as John

Kathleen Chalfant as Eleanor of Aquitaine

Kevin Daniels as Richard Coeur de Leon

Spencer Garrett as Philip Capet

Laurel Moglen as Alais Capet

Alfred Molina as Henry Plantagenet

Steven Sutcliffe as Geoffrey

Includes interviews with Scott Waugh, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at UCLA and theatre director Ethan McSweeny joins dramaturges Gavin Witt and Anne Hamilton to examine family-based plays-including Henry IV, Major Barbara, and True West.

Directed by Rosalind Ayres. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in December of 2001.