The Marshall University School of Theatre and Dance will present “The Book of Will” by Lauren Gunderson at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 4-7, at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.
The show tells the true, Elizabethan-era story of London actors Hendry Condell and John Heminges, who take on the challenge of compiling the First Folio of the works of their friend and mentor, William Shakespeare. It’s a story of love, loss and laughter that sheds new light on the literary legend.
The show is directed by School of Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor Leah Turley.
The cast includes Jimi Lee, George Kinley, Jack Cirillo, Nikki Riniti, Eliza Aulick, Samantha Phalen, Harper Aulick, Maggie Piaskwoski, Gabriella Bellomy, Jacob Gillispie, Mariss Ruff, Van Preston, Josiah Baker, Samuel McElwain and Michael Martin.
“The Book of Will is a funny and warm-hearted story, but it is also gripping, with plenty of plot twists and suspense to keep its audience engaged and entertained,” said Box Office Manager Sam Kincaid. “The audience will be captivated by the machinations put in place as William Shakespeare’s friends strive to save his legacy as a dramatist.
“It’s a fascinating mix of fact and historical fiction that dramatizes the events that kept his legacy alive. It also has some great laughs.”
The School of Theatre and Dance is following a Shakespearean theme for the fall semester. The second show of the season will be a staging of one of his last and least-performed plays, “The Winter’s Tale.” The production will be directed by Broadway veteran Terry Layman.
Tickets for “The Book of Will” are available at 304-696-ARTS. They are free for Marshall students with a valid MU ID. They are $22 general admission and $15 for seniors age 60 and older and Marshall employees.
The production is sponsored by the School of Theatre and Dance in the College of Arts and Media.