The Book of Will
by Lauren Gunderson
directed by Davis McCallum
Originally produced at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, CO
January 13 to February 26, 2017
About the Premiere Production:
Synopsis: Two of the last surviving actors from Shakespeare's original theatre company do everything they can to collect, edit and publish all of his plays. They succeed, with the help of many others, and the result is what we know today as The First Folio. Without their efforts, we would have lost half of Shakespeare's plays.
Artistic Statement: In The Book of Will, Lauren Gunderson tells a vitally important cultural story that has never been produced on the stage before. Everyone takes for granted the fact that Shakespeare’s plays have been safely handed down to us, but few realize how precarious that transmission was. Without some serious detective work by a few of Shakespeare’s best friends and competitors, we would have lost about half of the plays. The Book of Will is a thrilling adventure that brings to life those heady days when Shakespeare’s plays were being heard for the very first time. It is part love story to Shakespeare’s language and plays, part passionate statement of the value of theatre, and part story of deep friendship. The readings of the play were enthusiastically received by both Shakespeare lovers and audiences with no background in Shakespeare plays.
Grant Statement: We will use this grant to extend the rehearsal time by one full week. We believe that added rehearsal time can significantly enhance the development of a new play heading towards its world premiere.
Set Designer: Sandra Goldmark
Lighting Designer: Paul Toben
Costume Designer: Camille Assaf
Sound Designer: Stowe Nelson
Dramaturg: Douglas Langworthy
Voice and Text: Kathy Maes
Subsequent Productions:
TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, CA June 3, 2020 - June 28, 2020
Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, GA August 15, 2018 - September 9, 2018
Northlight Theatre in Skokie, IL November 9, 2017 - December 17, 2017
Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD November 29, 2017 - December 24, 2017
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Cincinnati, OH May 20, 2020 - June 14, 2020
Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR June 6, 2018 - October 13, 2018
Austin Playhouse in Austin, TX April 5, 2019 - May 5, 2019
Main Street Theater in Houston, TX September 22, 2018 - October 21, 2018
American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI August 9, 2019 - October 5, 2019
PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Solvang, CA August 31, 2023 - Sept. 10, 2023
OpenStage Theatre & Company in Fort Collins, CO in November 4, 2023 - December 2, 2023
Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle, WA January 24, 2024 - February 24, 2024
6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA March 8, 2024 - March 31, 2024
A Noise Within in Pasadena, CA May 7, 2023 - June 4, 2023
PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Santa Maria/Solvange, CA August 17, 2023 - September 10, 2023